DYFI was formed in Ludhiana on 3rd November 1980. Prior to formation, the leaders of KSYF of Kerala, Socialist Valibar organisation of Tamil Nadu, Nav Jawan Sabha of Punjab, DYF of West Bengal etc assembled in Delhi and gave shape to a Preparatory Committee. This committee conducted a conference in Ludhiana from 1st to 3rd November for the formation of DYFI. The constitution and programme of the new organisation was adopted in this conference.