Discover the best social sector fellowships in India for 2025! Explore fully funded NGO fellowships in governance, education, sustainability, media, and more. Apply now and become a changemaker!
Comprehensive List of Social Sector Fellowships in India
Are you passionate about social change and looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact? Discover the best social sector fellowships in India for 2025! These fully funded fellowships provide an incredible platform for aspiring changemakers in areas like governance, education, sustainability, media, and community development.
What is a Fellowship?
A fellowship is a structured program that offers financial support, mentorship, and practical exposure to individuals committed to making a difference. Social sector fellowships empower young professionals, recent graduates, and mid-career professionals to work on real-world problems while developing leadership and problem-solving skills.
Top Social Sector Fellowships in India
1. 3CS Media Fellowship
- Duration: 8 months
- Eligibility: Open to Dalit and Adivasi journalists from coastal South India (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Union Territories like Pondicherry, Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar). Women are encouraged to apply.
- Format: Applicants must submit five original climate change reportage ideas with a focus on underrepresented voices. Final pieces will be 1,000-word published articles.
- Deadline: February 28th
2. 52 Parindey Fellowship
- Duration: 18 weeks
- Eligibility: Individuals aged 18-30 interested in exploring livelihoods and travel-based learning.
- Format: Fellows spend 7-10 days in each selected region, documenting experiences through text, photography, and other media like cartooning, animation, and video.
- Deadline: May 15th
3. Aavishkar Fellowship
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in Math or Science, problem-solving aptitude, and fluency in Hindi and English.
- Format: Fellows work with schools to deliver Science and Math programs developed by Aavishkar.
- Deadline: April 25th
4. Acumen Regional Fellows India
- Duration: 1 year (part-time)
- Eligibility: Fluency in English; demonstrated commitment to social impact.
- Format: Fellows participate in five multi-day seminars while continuing in their existing jobs.
- Deadline: Applications open in July
5. Adivasi Awaaz Media Fellowship
- Duration: 1 month
- Eligibility: Open to Adivasi/indigenous/tribal independent journalists and filmmakers across India.
- Format: Fellows receive grants (INR 30,000 for print/digital journalists and INR 50,000 for filmmakers) to create articles and videos.
- Deadline: August 30th
6. AIF William J. Clinton Fellowship for Service in India
- Duration: 10 months (full-time)
- Eligibility: Indian or US citizens aged 21-34 with a bachelor’s degree.
- Format: Fellows work with development organizations on various social initiatives.
- Deadline: New cycle begins in October
7. Anant Fellowship
- Duration: 1-2 years (PGD or MSc)
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in any discipline.
- Format: Focuses on sustainable urban development and equity in the built environment.
- Deadline: July 30th
8. Ashoka Fellowship
- Duration: 3 years (plus lifelong membership)
- Eligibility: Social entrepreneurs with innovative system-changing ideas.
- Format: Fellows receive a stipend, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
- Deadline: Open year-round
9. Ashoka Young Changemakers
- Duration: 1 year (plus lifelong membership)
- Eligibility: Under 20 years old; founder/co-founder of a community-based initiative.
- Format: Provides mentorship, media support, leadership training, and community impact projects.
- Deadline: Open year-round
10. Bhumi Fellowship
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility: Young graduates fluent in Tamil.
- Format: Paid, full-time fellowship focused on whole-school transformation.
- Deadline: April 15th
11. Chief Minister Fellowship Program (Maharashtra)
- Duration: 11 months
- Eligibility: Graduates (first-class) aged 21-26 with a minimum of one-year work experience; basic proficiency in Marathi.
- Format: Fellows gain insights into governance and policymaking.
- Deadline: June
12. Gandhi Fellowship Program
- Duration: 2 years (residential)
- Eligibility: Graduates/postgraduates below 26 years of age.
- Format: Focuses on leadership development through practical engagement in social impact projects.
- Deadline: March
13. Goonj Grassroots Fellowship
- Duration: 1 year
- Eligibility: 18-30 years old, basic proficiency in Hindi and English.
- Format: Fellows work on community-driven projects across rural India.
- Deadline: July 31st
14. Digital Swaraj Fellowship
- Duration: 1 year
- Eligibility: Indian citizens aged 20-26 with fluency in English.
- Format: Fellows work on digital inclusion projects in rural communities.
- Deadline: December 23rd
15. Echoing Green Fellowship
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility: Individuals above 18 with fluency in English.
- Format: Leadership development for entrepreneurs tackling pressing global challenges.
- Deadline: October
16. Grassroots Leadership Development Programme
- Duration: 12 months
- Eligibility: Individuals above 18 associated with nonprofits or community-based organizations for at least 2 years. Special encouragement for women from marginalized communities.
- Format: Focuses on leadership development, participatory research, advocacy, and constitutional rights.
- Deadline: Next cohort opens in January 2024
17. Happy Children’s Fellowship Programme
- Duration: 6 months
- Eligibility: Fluency in Hindi; passion for working with children
- Format: Fellows work in Uttarakhand on library outreach, learning sessions, and impact assessments.
- Deadline: February
18. Head Held High (HHH) Fellowship
- Duration: 8 months (plus 2 months training in Karnataka)
- Eligibility: 18-30 years old; Indian or international citizens
- Format: Fellows deliver the HHH transformative program to rural youth.
- Deadline: None
19. Henry Arnhold Fellowship
- Duration: 1 year
- Eligibility: Professionals innovating in conservation or climate solutions
- Format: Fellows receive mentorship, leadership training, and access to networks.
- Deadline: By invitation only
20. ICFDR Fellowship
- Duration: 1 year
- Eligibility: Final-year students, graduates, and working professionals (21+ years old)
- Format: 12 hours/week: 7 hours on weekends, 5 hours through the week
- Deadline: Open year-round
21. Solid Waste Management (SWM) Fellowship
- Duration: 2 months
- Eligibility: Individuals and teams interested in SWM; professionals; municipal officials; policymakers
- Format: Exposure to urban SWM, incubation support, and social franchise guidance
- Deadline: August 31, 2020
22. South Asia Implementation Research Fellowship in Mental Health
- Duration: 1 year, part-time
- Eligibility: Healthcare providers, public health professionals, and researchers from India/Bangladesh
- Format: Online lectures, assignments, mentoring, residential study visits
- Deadline: May 15, 2020
23. SPARSH Fellowship
- Duration: 18 months
- Eligibility: Indian citizens with a background in life sciences, agriculture, medicine, or engineering
- Format: Community engagement, research, prototype development
- Deadline: September 30, 2021
24. Swedish Institute Management Programme Asia
- Duration: May-August 2021
- Eligibility: Citizens of China, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam
- Format: Strategic mapping, strategy development, and implementation
- Deadline: March 31, 2021
25. T Works Fellowship
- Duration: 1 year
- Eligibility: 18+ years; full-time availability in Hyderabad
- Format: Collaborate with government, corporates, educational institutions, and startups
- Deadline: September 15, 2020
26. Teach for India Fellowship
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility: Indian citizens or foreign nationals of Indian origin; Bachelor’s degree
- Format: Full-time teaching in underprivileged schools
- Deadline: Open year-round
27. TechnoServe Fellows Program
- Duration: 3-12 months
- Eligibility: 2+ years of work experience; strong analytical skills
- Format: Market assessments, industry strengthening, program evaluation
- Deadline: Open year-round
28. The Antara Fellowship
- Duration: 1 year
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, 0-3 years’ experience, strong analytical and communication skills
- Format: Work in maternal and child health programs in Madhya Pradesh or Chhattisgarh
- Deadline: Open year-round
29. The Art of Living Fellowship/Internship
- Duration: 1 year
- Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students
- Format: Slum development and education of the underprivileged
- Deadline: Open year-round
30. The Artivist Fellowship
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 (grades 8-12)
- Format: Art-based campaigns on climate justice, disability rights, gender justice
- Deadline: August 4, 2024
31. The Gender Lab Fellowship
- Duration: 10 months
- Eligibility: Women aged 20-25 from India
- Format: Advocacy projects, mentorship, INR 20,000 stipend
- Deadline: January 2023
32. The Gram Swarajya Fellowship
- Duration: 10 months
- Eligibility: Applicants aged 13-20 working on rural development initiatives
- Format: Community-based social entrepreneurship projects
- Deadline: Open year-round, cohort starts in May
33. The Period Fellowship
- Duration: 15 months
- Eligibility: 21+ years, fluent in Hindi, Bachelor’s degree
- Format: Menstrual health awareness campaigns in low-income communities
- Deadline: January 2020
34. Transforming India Initiative
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility: Indian citizens with a Bachelor’s degree
- Format: Social entrepreneurship training with classroom and practical experience
- Deadline: July 20, 2021
35. Urban Fellows Programme
- Duration: 9 months
- Eligibility: Young professionals under 30
- Format: Urban development training with in-class and site-based learning
- Deadline: April 24, 2023
36. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Young Fellow Policy
- Duration: 11 months
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 1-year work experience
- Format: Work in state departments on policy and development projects
- Deadline: June 2020
37. Young India Fellowship (YIF)
- Duration: 1 year
- Eligibility: Max 28 years, undergraduate/postgraduate degree
- Format: Liberal studies at Ashoka University
- Deadline: April 2021
38. Kiva Fellowship
- Duration: 6-12 months
- Eligibility: Minimum 21 years old; fluency in English; must be able to legally travel to the US for training
- Format: Fellows collaborate with international partners to enhance micro-finance and social enterprise impact
- Deadline: Currently paused; check the website for updates
39. Kshamtalaya iDiscover Fellowship
- Duration: Two years, full-time
- Eligibility: Legally eligible to work in India; functional knowledge of English
- Format: Fellows teach in schools, impacting grades 3-5 using Kshamtalaya’s model
- Deadline: Rolling applications
40. LEAD India Fellowship
- Duration: One year
- Eligibility: Fluency in English; minimum five years of experience
- Format: Experiential and participatory leadership training for sustainability-focused professionals
- Deadline: November 2024
41. Lead Like Gandhi Fellowship
- Duration: 11 days over one year
- Eligibility: Nominated by a mentor; senior leadership position required
- Format: Immersive learning through experiential visits, peer learning, and Gandhian philosophy
- Deadline: February and November cohorts
42. Leadership for Growth
- Duration: 5 months
- Eligibility: Women founders/co-founders of social enterprises in Karnataka, Kerala, or Tamil Nadu
- Format: Virtual sessions with an in-person finale in Bangalore/Chennai
- Deadline: December 28, 2024
43. LAMP Fellowship (Legislative Assistants to Members of Parliament)
- Duration: 10-11 months
- Eligibility: Indian citizens under 25 with a bachelor’s degree
- Format: Research and policy support for Members of Parliament
- Deadline: Rolling applications
44. LGT Impact Fellowship
- Duration: 12 months
- Eligibility: Undergraduate degree; minimum two years of post-university work experience
- Format: Fellows work in investment, venture philanthropy, and capacity-building projects
- Deadline: April 2, 2024
45. LOEB Fellowship
- Duration: One year (Harvard University)
- Eligibility: Professionals from urban design, policy, and civic sectors (5-10 years of experience)
- Format: Academic coursework at Harvard/MIT, networking, and leadership development
- Deadline: Open year-round
46. Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MGNF)
- Duration: Two years
- Eligibility: Indian citizen; bachelor’s degree; 3 years of work experience in the social sector
- Format: Classroom training + district fieldwork for rural economic development
- Deadline: March 27, 2024
47. Mercy Mission Fellowship Program
- Duration: 9 months
- Eligibility: Young graduates (20-28 years) with volunteer/social sector experience
- Format: Work with civil society organizations (CSOs) tackling livelihood, health, and sustainability issues
- Deadline: Rolling applications
48. Naropa Fellowship
- Duration: One year
- Eligibility: Undergraduate or postgraduate degree
- Format: Focused on preserving Ladakh and Himalayan cultural heritage
- Deadline: Open year-round
49. New Voices Fellowship
- Duration: One year, part-time
- Eligibility: Development experts from Africa, Asia, and Latin America (nomination required)
- Format: Media training, advocacy lessons, and mentorship
- Deadline: October 2024
50. NIRMAN by SEARCH
- Duration: Three workshops of eight days each, spread over one year
- Eligibility: 18-28 years old
- Format: Residential training focusing on social, economic, and technological perspectives on development
- Deadline: August 31, 2024
51. SBI Youth for India Fellowship
- Duration: 13 months
- Eligibility: Indian citizens aged 21-32
- Format: Rural development projects with experienced NGOs
- Deadline: Application cycle opens in May 2024
52. Punjab Youth Leaders Program
- Duration: Two years
- Eligibility: Below 35 years old; minimum two years of work experience
- Format: Work on improving governance in Punjab’s primary schools
- Deadline: Rolling applications
53. Rotary Peace Fellowship
- Duration: One year (non-residential in Thailand/Uganda)
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree; five years of relevant work experience
- Format: Fellows develop social change initiatives for peace-building and community development
- Deadline: Application cycle begins every February
54. Sampark Young Leaders Programme
- Duration: Two years, full-time
- Eligibility: Fluency in Hindi; bachelor’s/master’s degree; problem-solving and leadership skills
- Format: Induction training followed by hands-on work to improve government primary education
- Deadline: April 15, 2024
55. She Runs Government Fellowship
- Duration: 6 months
- Eligibility: Women with prior experience in political, civil-society, or media roles
- Format: Residential workshops, leadership training, and mentorship by female politicians
- Deadline: February 28, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Social Sector Fellowships
1. What is a social sector fellowship?
A social sector fellowship is a time-bound program designed to engage individuals in meaningful social work, governance, and policy-making while providing mentorship and financial support.
2. Who can apply for fellowships?
Most fellowships are open to graduates, young professionals, and mid-career changemakers who are passionate about social impact. Some require prior experience, while others welcome fresh graduates.
3. Where can I find fellowships in India?
You can find the latest fellowships on websites like NGO Hiring, official fellowship portals, LinkedIn, and NGO job boards.
4. Are fellowships paid?
Yes! Most social sector fellowships in India are fully funded and provide a stipend to cover living expenses.
5. How do I apply for a fellowship?
Each fellowship has its own application process, usually involving an online application, essays, and interviews. Visit the official websites of fellowships to apply.
6. When should I apply for fellowships?
Application deadlines vary, but most fellowships open applications between August and March for the following year.
7. Do fellowships offer job opportunities after completion?
Yes! Many fellows transition into NGO leadership roles, policy research positions, government advisory roles, and social entrepreneurship.
Why Apply for a Social Sector Fellowship?
✅ Gain hands-on experience in impactful projects
✅ Receive mentorship and training from experts
✅ Build a strong professional network in the social sector
✅ Develop leadership and problem-solving skills
✅ Contribute to meaningful social change
If you’re ready to become a changemaker, explore and apply for social sector fellowships in India today!
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