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 2027.
• 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, environmental scienes and engineering.

Qualities We Are Looking For

• Commitment: A strong commitment to public service and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.
• 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.

• • 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 Access to a triad of mentors from governance, academia, and public administration, offering continuous guidance throughout your placement journey. 
  • 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 ₹70,000  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:

Virtual Bootcamp: Approximately 100 shortlisted applicants undergo virtual training on development policy and governance through expert-led sessions and assignments.

Assessments: 40 candidates will be shortlisted from among the 100 participants based on scores obtained in the facilitator-led assignments.

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, 25 fellows are chosen for the 2026-27 cohort.

The fellowship is a structured 17-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 (September 2026 – December 2027)

• Sept-Nov 2026 (Months 1-3): National outreach and application window.
• Nov 2026 (Month 3): Virtual policy bootcamps.
• Dec 2026 (Month 4): Final selection of 25 fellows.
• Jan 2027 (Month 5): Residential training.
• Feb-October 2027 (Month 6-15): Placement commencement and structured mentorship.
• Nov-Dec 2027 (Months 16-17): National Conclave, final presentations, certification, and program review.