How to Showcase Non-Academic Activities in Ashoka University Application?

Ashoka University doesn’t just want top scorers — it’s looking for well-rounded, engaged individuals who demonstrate initiative, creativity, and impact beyond academics.

That’s where the Non-Academic Engagements section of the application comes in. And how you fill it could be the difference between a generic application and one that truly resonates.

In this blog, we break down how to choose your top three engagements, describe them effectively, and make your story more complete in the Ashoka University Application.

What is the Non-Academic Engagements Section in the Ashoka University Application?

This section appears after your essays and book list. You're asked to:

• Select three major activities you’ve pursued outside the classroom

• Upload proof of participation (if available) — max file size: 2MB each

• Explain your role and impact (in a short paragraph)

What Counts as a Non-Academic Activity?

Ashoka gives you full freedom here. You can include:

Type of Activity	Examples
Volunteering & Social Impact	Fundraising for an NGO, teaching underprivileged children
Sports & Fitness	State-level cricket, school volleyball captain
Creative Arts	Theatre productions, photography, YouTube channel
Research & Projects	Summer lab internship, published article
Entrepreneurship	Started a small business or initiative in school
Clubs & Leadership	Head of debate club, MUN chair, school captain
Work Experience	Freelance graphic design, family business contributions

How to Choose the Right Three Activities

• Depth over breadth: Choose activities where you invested time and effort, not just casual participation.

• Diversity helps: Pick three that show different sides of you — analytical, creative, social, or leadership-driven.

• Tell a story: Think about how each activity connects to your interests or values.

Tip: Even one-time events can be meaningful — if they had a lasting impact on how you think or act.

How to Write About Each Activity

Keep it short but rich in insight. Use this formula: What it is + What you did + What it meant to you

Example 1:“Volunteered at a rural health camp with my mother, a doctor. I handled registration and translated between Hindi and English. This experience deepened my respect for frontline healthcare workers and sparked my interest in public health.”

Example 2:“Co-founded an online thrift store during the lockdown, selling curated secondhand clothes. We raised INR 40,000 for flood relief. It taught me logistics, branding, and social responsibility.”

Avoid phrases like “was part of…” or “helped in…” — be specific about your role.

Do I Have to Upload Certificates for my Ashoka University Application?

• Recommended but not mandatory. Upload any proof you have — participation certificates, photos, letters, media links.

• If the engagement was informal (e.g., helping in a family business), write a short context note.

Accepted formats: PDF, JPG, PNG (under 2MB each)

Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Better Approach
Listing too many activities	Focus on your best 3 with depth
Being too vague	Use action verbs and outcomes
No reflection	Explain why it mattered to you
Uploading blurry or cropped files	Compress files but retain quality

Final Word

This section shows Ashoka who you are beyond textbooks. It’s your space to prove passion, responsibility, curiosity, and initiative — exactly what a liberal arts education seeks.