Quick answer
Fellowships are one of the clearest ways into India's NGO ecosystem. This guide lists 20, from two-year programmes such as Teach For India and the Gandhi Fellowship to short placements, research fellowships, and leadership programmes for experienced professionals. Each one is listed with its focus, duration, and who it is for.
Why start with a fellowship?
A fellowship gives you field experience, mentorship, a cohort, and an alumni network, even if you have no sector background. It is also a place to build the mix organisations now look for. As Ground Zero CEO and Co-founder Sanjana Binwal puts it: "The sector isn't choosing between heart and skill anymore. It's both."
20 fellowships to enter the NGO sector in India
Stipends and application windows come from the latest cycles reported and are tentative. Confirm the details on each programme's official page before you apply.
1. Teach For India Fellowship: The Teach For India Fellowship is a two-year, paid leadership programme where graduates and young professionals teach in under-resourced schools across India. No teaching experience is needed, as Fellows receive training and mentorship throughout. As part of the global Teach For All network, it has been building changemakers and educational leaders since 2009.
Suitable for: People who are starting their career in the social sector and want to explore on-the-ground opportunities; focuses on under-resourced urban educational ecosystems (Indian citizens and OCI holders)
When to apply: Applications open every year around the month of August, and they have rolling deadlines until Spring next year (March).
Fellowship Recruitment Process: It is a highly selective, non-competitive three-stage evaluation designed to assess your leadership potential, critical thinking, and fit for the classroom. Each stage acts as an elimination round.
Stipend: ₹25,344 a month plus a city allowance (₹6,000 to ₹12,600)
Link: https://www.teachforindia.org/
2. Gandhi Fellowship (Piramal Foundation): The Gandhi Fellowship is a two-year leadership programme run by the Piramal Foundation that places young graduates in rural India to work on health, education, and governance at the district level. Fellows work alongside communities and government systems, building empathy, resilience, and problem-solving skills for a career in the social sector. Over two decades, it has built a strong alumni network of changemakers, entrepreneurs, and leaders across India and the world.
Suitable for: Young graduates and professionals who are 26 years old or younger (have graduated or will graduate by the time of the start of the fellowship) can apply; applicants can be from diverse academic backgrounds. People who are passionate about the social sector, want to dip their toes in a practical setting, and work at the grassroots level of the country.
When to apply: Applications open every year around the month of November, and they have rolling deadlines until Spring next year (April).
Fellowship Recruitment Process: The recruitment process for the Gandhi Fellowship consists of 3 main interactive selection rounds following your initial application submission.
Stipend: About ₹24,500 a month, with ₹7,000 held back and paid on completion
Link: https://gandhifellowship.org/
3. SBI Youth for India Fellowship: It is a 13-month programme by the SBI Foundation that works for the rural development of the country in partnership with 15 leading NGOs from across the nation. It requires the Fellow to live in a village for the whole period and work at the grassroots level on the basis of the need assessment carried out in the particular village and address the development challenges.
Suitable for: Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree, should be between 21-32 years of age, can be citizens of India, Bhutan, and Nepal, as well as OCIs and NRIs. Confirmed SBI Officers of Scale I/II can also apply.
When to apply: Applications open every year around the month of February, and they have rolling deadlines until April of the same year.
Fellowship Recruitment Process: The recruitment and selection process is structured into two primary stages to evaluate your motivation, adaptability, and suitability for rural development work.
Stipend: ₹16,000 a month living allowance, plus ₹2000 travel, project, and learning allowances, and ₹1.1 lakh on completion
Link: https://youthforindia.org/
4. India Fellow Social Leadership Programme: It is an 18-month full-time experiential and highly competitive fellowship that prepares young professionals to become socially conscious leaders through deep grassroots immersion.
Suitable for: Candidates should be between 21-30 years of age at the start of the programme, should be citizens of India, should be a graduate or completing a graduate degree by the start, and should be flexible to work in any part of the country, given it can be challenging and remote.
When to apply: Applications open every year around the month of early April, and the deadlines are mid-to-late June of the same year.
Fellowship Recruitment Process: The recruitment and selection process is structured into four primary stages: online application form, telephonic screening, online situation judgment test, and the final round of assessment day.
Stipend: ₹16,000 to ₹22,000 depending on the location (rural to urban), alongside health insurance.
Link: https://indiafellow.org/
5. AIF Banyan Impact Fellowship (formerly William J. Clinton Fellowship): It is a 10-month full-time and fully funded bi-national service and leadership program. It is administered by the American India Foundation (AIF), which connects Indian and American young professionals with grassroots organisations driving social impact across India, promoting long-term social change and capacity building.
Suitable for: Candidates should be between 21-35 years of age, should be citizens of India or the US or permanent residents of the US, should be a graduate or hold a Bachelor’s degree, and should be willing to serve full-time during the 10 months.
When to apply: Applications open every year around the month of February, and the deadline is May of the same year, and the process goes on till September, with the first cohort starting in October.
Fellowship Recruitment Process: The recruitment and selection process is structured into four stages: online application form, references, interviews, and project matching.
Stipend: Remuneration includes a monthly allowance (depending on the geography) plus travel and insurance.
Link: https://aif.org/fellowship/
6. Bhumi Fellowship: It is a two-year fully-paid and full-time educational leadership programme in Tamil Nadu designed for early career professionals and young graduates to improve the quality of education in Indian government schools and thereby groom them into systemic changemakers.
Suitable for: Candidates should be between 20-30 years of age, should be a graduate, in the final year of graduation, or early professionals. Proficiency in English is required; being fluent in Tamil is an advantage.
When to apply: Applications open every year around the mid of August, and they have rolling deadlines depending on the evaluation phases.
Fellowship Recruitment Process: The recruitment and selection process is structured into three stages: online application form, telephonic interview, and final assessment round including group discussions, problem-solving, and mock-lesson execution.
Stipend: A monthly allowance of ₹30,000, along with health insurance.
Link: https://fellowship.bhumi.ngo/
7. Goonj Setu Fellowship: It is a 12-month grassroots immersive programme by the non-profit organisation Goonj that engages young changemakers in disaster response, health initiatives, and rural development across India.
Suitable for: Candidates should be between 20-30 years of age, should be a graduate, with basic proficiency in computers and Hindi and English knowledge.
When to apply: Applications open every year around early April, and the deadline is usually in early May.
Fellowship Recruitment Process: The recruitment and selection process is structured into three stages: online application form, one -day assessment, and interview.
Stipend: A monthly allowance of ₹20,000 to 22,000, plus travel expenses.
Link: https://goonj.org/goonj-fellowship/
8. The Antara Foundation Fellowship: It is a 12-month grassroots immersive programme focused on the thematic area of health, with the main areas being strengthening public health systems, maternal health, and child health (MNCHN) in rural India.
Suitable for: Candidates should be graduates (in any discipline; preferably MSW, Development Studies, Rural Management, or MPH) and prefer young professionals and new graduates.
When to apply: Applications open every year around late October (20 October mostly), and the deadlines are usually in late December (30/31 December).
Fellowship Recruitment Process: The recruitment and selection process is structured into four stages: online application form and initial application screening, assessment/case round, group discussion, and lastly the personal/final interview round.
Stipend: An annual allowance of ₹7,00,000 and a ₹60,000 bonus on completion of the programme.
Link: https://antarafoundation.org/the-antara-foundation-fellowship/
9. Acumen India Fellowship: It is a hybrid leadership fellowship exclusively for social entrepreneurs, CXOs, founders, and social impact leaders run by Acumen Academy for scaling solutions to alleviate poverty and bring about social systemic changes.
Suitable for: Candidates should be between 25 to 50 years of age, working in a registered functional organisation with a team of 4 or more.
When to apply: Applications open every year around late September and their deadlines are usually in late October (October 31).
Fellowship Recruitment Process: The recruitment and selection process is structured into three distinct stages: online application form, practical assignments, and virtual activities, and finally the selection conference.
Stipend: No stipend; you can do the programme alongside your work, and programme costs are funded by Acumen.
Link: https://fellowship.acumenacademy.org/india-acumen-fellowship
10. LAMP Fellowship (PRS Legislative Research): It is a mentoring programme spanning over a period of 10-11 months run by PRS Legislative Research where young professionals are directly placed for mentorship under Members of Parliament (MPs) to support law-making and public policy.
Suitable for: Candidates should be 25 years of age or below, graduates in any discipline, and Indian citizens.
When to apply: Applications open every year around early December and their deadlines are usually in late December each year.
Fellowship Recruitment Process: The recruitment and selection process is structured into three stages: online written application (SoP and Policy essay), shortlisting and online evaluation, and personal interview.
Stipend: Monthly allowance of ₹23,000.
Link: https://prsindia.org/lamp
11. CBPS Research Fellowship: It is a 12-month immersive programme based in Bengaluru, India, which is offered by the Centre for Budget and Policy Studies (CBPS) with focus areas of education, gender studies, governance, health and nutrition, public finance, livelihoods, and social security.
Suitable for: Candidates should be recent graduates in any discipline or final-year undergraduate students.
When to apply: Applications open every year early May and their deadlines are usually end of May each year.
Fellowship Recruitment Process: The recruitment and selection process is highly selective and advanced, structured into three stages: document submission, shortlisting, and further selection rounds and final offer.
Stipend: Monthly allowance of ₹25,000.
Link: https://cbps.in/research-fellowship/
12. Embark India Development Fellowship (GRAAM): It is an 17-to-18 month programme run by the Mysuru-based think tank Grassroots Research and Advocacy Management (GRAAM) in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) with its primary focus being governance and policy.
Suitable for: Candidates should not be over 35 years; they should be fresh postgraduates or recent alumni, professionals with 3+ years of social sector experience, and professionals with 5+ years of corporate experience who are looking to transition into public policy.
When to apply: Applications open every year around mid-October (October 15), and the deadline is usually in early November (November 5) each year.
Fellowship Recruitment Process: The recruitment and selection process is structured into four distinct stages: online application and screening, mandatory virtual policy boot camp, work proposal submission, and personal interview.
Stipend: Monthly allowance of ₹65,000- ₹70,000, plus incentives based on performance/research.
Link: https://graam.org.in/project/embark-india-development-fellowship/
13. Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity (LSE): It is a year-long, fully funded fellowship programme based at the LSE International Inequalities Institute at the London School of Economics and Political Science for mid-career social change leaders to challenge the root causes of global inequalities.
Suitable for: Candidates should have 7+ years of professional experience demonstrating leadership and dedication to advancing equitable solutions in diverse sectors. Residential and non-residential candidates have different tracks to follow: education and English language proficiency.
When to apply: Applications open every year around early October (October 7) and their deadlines are usually in early January (January 11) each year.
Fellowship Recruitment Process: The recruitment and selection process is structured into four distinct stages: online application, faculty shortlisting, interview panels, and final selection and onboarding.
Stipend: Fully funded on the basis of the residential/non-residential track.
Link: https://afsee.atlanticfellows.lse.ac.uk/en-gb
14. kanthari Impact Leadership Programme: It is a 12-month, scholarship-based training course in Kerala for people who have overcome adversities and have an idea to launch and run social and environmental impact organisations.
Suitable for: Candidates should be over 22 years old, especially people who have overcome adversity, have faced marginalisation, or have disabilities. The candidate should have a social or environmental project idea, have basic computer skills, and be able to communicate in English.
When to apply: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; however, the ideal time to apply would be around June to December and their deadlines are usually on 28 February.
Fellowship Recruitment Process: The recruitment and selection process is structured into six distinct stages: online application, initial Zoom interview, personal history essay, independent expert interview, the catalyst interview, and the PEP practical exercise.
Stipend: No tuition; travel and personal costs may apply; limited scholarships.
Link: https://www.kanthari.org/
15. Azim Premji Health Equity Fellowship: The Azim Premji Health Equity Fellowship is a site-centered, fully financed 12-month program for young medical professionals who want to practice in underprivileged, rural, and resource-poor regions in India. This fellowship, which is administered by the Azim Premji Foundation, places physicians in partner non-profit institutions to provide clinical treatment to extremely vulnerable populations under the guidance of seasoned public health professionals.
Suitable for: It is available to Indian medical professionals with an MBBS degree or a postgraduate medical certification (MD, MS, or DNB) in key clinical specialties such as community medicine, anesthesia, pediatrics, general medicine, general surgery, OBGYN, or family medicine. Candidates must have finished their required internship, be registered with the Medical Council, and show a strong dedication to helping underprivileged, vulnerable rural populations.
When to apply: For Postgraduate Doctors (MD/MS/DNB), applications generally open in late summer (August), with the final deadline to apply falling on September 30. For MBBS Doctors, the application cycle typically kicks off in the winter (January/February), leading up to a strict application deadline on March 15.
Fellowship Recruitment Process: The recruitment and selection process is structured into five distinct stages: online application and resume drop, comprehensive eligibility screening, written assessment, recruiter screening and virtual interviews, and final background check and offer rollout.
Stipend: For Postgraduate Doctors (MD/MS/DNB), a lump sum payment of ₹2.4 lakh upon successful completion in addition to a monthly honorarium of ₹60,000. For MBBS Doctors, a monthly honorarium of INR 40,000, and an extra INR 1.2 lakh upon successful completion.
Link: https://azimpremjifoundation.org/what-we-do/health/azim-premji-health-equity-fellowship/postgraduate-doctors-2026/
16. Sightsavers India Fellowship: For early-career ophthalmologists with an MS, DNB, or DO degree, It is a 18-24 month immersive programme that offers organised training and leadership opportunities with an emphasis on rural and community eye health in India.
Suitable for: Candidates must be Indian citizens under 35 with a postgraduate ophthalmology degree or diploma (MS, DNB, or DO) from an accredited Indian university. Early-career ophthalmologists of all genders and social backgrounds are eligible for the program, including recent grads and recent graduates.
When to apply: Applications are opened around early June and their deadlines are usually mid to late July.
Fellowship Recruitment Process: The recruitment and selection process is structured into four stages: online application and screening, examination and evaluation, endorsement and verification, and induction and onboarding.
Stipend: A monthly salary of up to ₹75,000 is given to selected fellows in addition to completion incentives, professional indemnity insurance, health insurance, and accident insurance.
Link: https://www.sightsaversindia.org/news/2024/04/sightsavers-india-fellowship-program-2024/
17. Climate Corps (Ashoka University): It assigns early-career professionals and postgraduate students to Indian organizations to work on sustainability and net-zero projects. The three- or six-month full-time fellowship focuses on supply chain sustainability, carbon markets, climate risk assessment, sustainable financing, and ESG reporting in industries such as financial services, manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture.
Suitable for: Candidates should be master’s students or recent postgraduates with 2+ years of experience or early career professionals.
When to apply: Applications are opened around September and their deadlines are usually starting in November.
Fellowship Recruitment Process: The recruitment and selection process is structured into four distinct stages: online application screening, shortlisting and interviews, fellow-host matching, and onboarding and mandatory training.
Stipend: ₹50,000 stipend, with up to ₹30,000 relocation allowance.
Link: https://x.ashoka.edu.in/climate-corps-fellowship/
18. Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship: In partnership with participating Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) established the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MGNF), a two-year academic and field-based program. The goal is to produce a group of young leaders who support District Skill Committees (DSCs) in creating local plans for skill development and strengthening the local economy.
Suitable for: Indian nationals between the ages of 21 and 30 who have at least a graduate degree from an accredited university and are required to speak the official language of the state where they are conducting their research.
When to apply: As the fellowship has a batch-based application cycle, it is anticipated to open in February or March of 2027. The government's clearance for the next cohort will determine the dates, which are not yet formally confirmed. Applications have previously been accepted between February and March or October and November. For definite dates, applicants should keep an eye on official announcements.
Fellowship Recruitment Process: The recruitment and selection process is structured into three distinct stages: online application screening, written entrance examination (aptitude test), and personal interaction and caselet analysis.
Stipend: ₹50,000 per month in the first year, and ₹60,000 per month in the second year, which is subject to performance.
Link: https://www.iiml.ac.in/mgnf-programme
19. CORO Grassroots Leadership Development Programme: CORO India's flagship program, often called the Grassroots Leadership and Organization Development Program (GLODP). The program, which has been in place since 2008 in Maharashtra and was extended to Rajasthan in 2015, fosters second-generation change-makers from underrepresented groups.
Suitable for: Formal education is not required, but applicants must be members of a marginalized community (SC, ST, OBC, minorities, Nomadic/Denotified Tribes, or PVTGs) and show leadership potential as grassroots change-makers.Candidates must be nominated by or linked with a network, Gram Sabha, CBO, NGO, or grassroots organization, the head of which must also take part in the parallel Organization Development track.
When to apply: CORO India does not have a set yearly application schedule; instead, hiring is dependent on financing cycles, the completion of prior cohorts, and regional growth. Current applications are accepted through a rolling expression-of-interest process, and the application and screening window normally lasts three months after it is announced.
Fellowship Recruitment Process: The recruitment and selection process is structured into five distinct stages: institutional nomination, structural screening, field-based assessments, interactive group and individual interviews, and final cohort finalisation.
Stipend: Depending on the fellowship tier, funding partner, and regional program, the monthly stipend varies from roughly ₹3,000 to ₹20,000. Residential training costs are covered separately.
Link: https://coroindia.org/grassroots-leadership-development-program/
20. Young India Fellowship (Ashoka University): Ashoka University's Young India Fellowship (YIF), located in Sonepat, Haryana, is a year-long, residential postgraduate diploma program in interdisciplinary studies.
Suitable for: Final-year undergraduate status or a recognised undergraduate degree in any field. Previous employment or postgraduate experience is beneficial, and there is no age restriction.
When to apply: Applications typically begin in mid-to-late October and end with the final round in late March; they are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Fellowship Recruitment Process: The recruitment and selection process is structured into two distinct stages: a thorough online application that includes reading lists and personal essays, followed by an online interview.
Stipend: No stipends; scholarships are offered.
Link: https://www.ashoka.edu.in/yif/
How to choose and apply
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Match the fellowship to your stage. Fresh graduates can look at Teach For India, the Gandhi Fellowship, and SBI Youth for India. Experienced professionals can look at the India Acumen Fellowship and Atlantic Fellows.
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Check what you are signing up for. Many placements are full-time, residential, and in rural areas, so look at duration and location first.
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Apply early. Windows often open months before a programme starts.
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Show results and learning. Describe something you delivered and a skill you picked up quickly.
Open now or soon (as of 30 October 2026): India Acumen Fellowship (applications 25 September to 31 October 2026, for a March 2027 start); Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity (2027-28 applications open in autumn 2026); Bhumi Fellowship (2027 cohort applications are open); kanthari (2027 course, deadline listed as 28 February 2027).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to join a fellowship in the NGO sector?
Not always. Programmes such as Teach For India, the Gandhi Fellowship and SBI Youth for India are open to graduates. Others, such as the India Acumen Fellowship and Atlantic Fellows, are for experienced leaders. Check each programme's eligibility before you apply.
Are NGO fellowships paid?
Most full-time fellowships in this list pay a stipend or living allowance, and some add insurance or a completion grant. Amounts differ by programme and cycle, so confirm the current figure on each official page before you apply.
Can a fellowship lead to a full-time NGO job?
Often, but not automatically. SBI Youth for India, for example, does not guarantee a job after 13 months. Use the fellowship to build visible results, mentors, and a network in the sector.
Find your next role in the social sector
Looking for a role where your skills and your commitment both count? https://groundzero.community/jobs and https://groundzero.community/communities. If you are an organisation hiring, visit https://groundzero.community/for-nonprofits.
About Ground Zero: Ground Zero is a next-generation talent search and advisory firm for the social impact ecosystem in India and South Asia, with a talent community of 180,000+ professionals.
Compiled by Ground Zero. Last updated: 30 October 2026.
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