This fellowship is designed to nurture young professionals as partners in India’s development journey by placing them within public institutions, departments, and agencies.

The fellowship provides a blend of:

• Academic rigor (training in development and public policy, governance, and program evaluation)
• Practical exposure (immersive six-month institutional placements)
• Mentorship (guidance from senior leaders in policy, governance, and academia)
• Research opportunities (white papers, policy briefs, publications)

We are seeking a diverse and dynamic cohort of fellows to drive a new era of governance. Our program is designed for three distinct professional streams, each bringing a unique skill set to the fellowship.

Eligibility Criteria

Mandatory Criteria:

• Age: Up to 35 years as of 01st January 2026.
• Education: A postgraduate degree in any discipline from a recognised institution. We highly encourage candidates with academic backgrounds in public policy, governance, social sciences, economics, law, management, or a related field.

Qualities We Are Looking For

• Commitment: A strong commitment to public service and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the Viksit Bharat@2047
• Aptitude: A proven track record of critical thinking, problem-solving, and a data-driven approach.
• Adaptability: The ability to work in a dynamic, multi-stakeholder environment and navigate the complexities of government and bureaucracy.

If you meet these criteria and are driven by a passion for creating impactful change, we encourage you to apply and become part of this transformative mission

1. The Aspiring Governance Professional

For Fresh Postgraduates & Recent Alumni (23-25 Years)

You are at the beginning of your professional journey, eager to contribute to India’s development story. This stream is for exceptional postgraduate students who are looking for a high-impact launchpad for a career in public policy and governance.

• No prior work experience is required, but a strong portfolio of internships, academic research, or project work is mandatory.
• Candidates with prior fellowship experience will have an edge.

2. The Social Sector Catalyst

For Experienced Social Sector Professionals (26-35 Years)

You have a deep, on-the-ground understanding of social and development challenges. This stream is for professionals with proven experience in the non-profit or social enterprise sector who wish to leverage their field-level insights to influence policy and governance from within.

Eligibility:

• A minimum of three years of professional experience in the social sector.

3. The Corporate Change Agent

For Corporate to Public Sector Transitioners (26-35 Years)

You bring a wealth of strategic, analytical, and managerial skills from the corporate world. This stream is for seasoned professionals who are passionate about using their business acumen to solve complex public challenges and contribute to nation-building.

Eligibility:

• A minimum of five years of professional experience in the corporate sector.

If you identify with any of these streams and are driven by a passion for creating impactful change, we encourage you to apply and become part of this transformative mission..

Selection will be based on performance in a national-level virtual bootcamp, interviews, and thematic alignment with placement institutions. 

• Hands-On Experience: Work with public institutions on high-priority development policy & governance challenges
• Rigorous Capacity Building: Residential & virtual bootcamps in development policy, governance, research, and program evaluation using GRAAM’s 3PE model.
• Expert Mentorship: Guidance from senior experts in governance, academia, and administration
• Research & Publications: Author impactful white papers, policy briefs, and articles with national visibility
• Networking & Exposure: Connect with senior policymakers, development practitioners, & researchers
• Professional Recognition: Earn certification, build a strong portfolio, & join a growing network of development policy professionals
• Competitive Stipend Support: Monthly allowance up to ₹65,000 along with institutional support
• Micro to Macro Development Understanding: Get a unique perspective of understanding development from micro to macro level. Panchayat to Parliament Exposure.
• Exclusive Access: Build a powerful network with high-level government officials, policy experts, and leaders from civil society and think tanks.
• Amplify Your Voice: Your work will directly inform and shape governance solutions, giving you a platform to influence policy discussions and contribute to the national agenda of Viksit Bharat@2047.

The selection process is structured to identify candidates who combine analytical and research rigor with grassroots sensitivity:

1. Virtual Bootcamp: Approximately 100 shortlisted applicants undergo virtual training on development policy and governance through expert-led sessions and assignments.
2. Assessments: 40 candidates will be shortlisted from among the 100 participants based on scores obtained in the facilitator-led assignments.
3. Interviews: The 40 shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by a panel of experts to evaluate their problem-solving and policy analysis skills and thematic alignment with host institutions.

Final Selection: Based on the interview scores, 20 fellows are chosen for the 2025–26 cohort.

The fellowship is a structured 18-month program. Selection will be based on performance in a national-level virtual bootcamp, interviews, and thematic alignment with placement institutions.

Fellowship Structure and Timelines (August 2025 – December 2026)

• August - October 2025 (Months 1-3): Program design and outreach.
• October - November 2025 (Months 3-4): Virtual policy bootcamps for ~100 participants (3 batches).
• December 2025 (Month 5): Selection of 20 fellows based on assessments and interviews.
• January - February 2026 (Month 6 - 7): One-month residential training on development policy, governance, and program evaluation in Bengaluru.
• February - March 2026 (Month 7 - 8): Individual mentorship and finalization of work plans.
• April - September 2026 (Months 9-14): Six-month placement of fellows in public institutions in Delhi.
• October - December 2026 (Months 15-17): National conclave to present solutions, certification, and program assessment.