The government seeks to utilise the potential of Indian youth through fellowship programs by employing skilled, young citizens in areas that are crucial to national development. Taking up a fellowship program is not only an opportunity to give it back to society but is also profitable. These programmes are designed to empower ambitious young Indians while providing essential aids to the country.
This article lists some of the best and most followed fellowship programs in India:
Teach for India:
The Teach for India Fellowship program is an opportunity for the Indian youth to be full-time teachers to children from economically backward communities. It is a 2 years full-time program. You get a chance to teach in public schools and understand the challenges in the educational sector. TFI also provides the opportunity to tackle the actual situation of education and work with school children.
Selection Process:
First, you have to fill out an application form on their website. To be the best fit for the fellowship program be as detailed as you can while filling the application form. Once you submit the application, you have to attempt a one-hour online test (AMCAT), which is based on your situational judgements and English language abilities.
After the test, you’ll be invited over a 30-minute telephonic conversation for your further evaluation. This is your opportunity to grab their attention and pitch them to select you.
Once you have successfully convinced them, you’ll be proceeding to the next round, where you’ll be given 5-minutes to teach a lesson, followed by a group discussion.
If you clear this round, you’ll have an hour-long personal interview with the staff members. After cracking all these rounds, you’ll be selected for the fellowship program.
LEAD India:
It is a one-year fellowship program that aims to set mid-career professionals from across sectors on a private and knowledgeable learning journey. It is designed to convey an all-inclusive understanding using the system’s thinking approach and consolidating the sustainable development across different sectors namely businesses, development and environmental. The program promotes experiential, participatory and comprehensive learning to equip leaders with the most effective skills, awareness and attitude for a sustainable world.
Selection process:
You can apply for this fellowship program if you are a professional from any sector, have passion and commitment for social change, have working knowledge of English and have a minimum of 5 years of experience.
Fill the online application form on their website. After that, shortlisted candidates will need to undergo a workplace assessment and interview by an expert panel for the final selection.
The cost of it is approximately INR 1.25 Lakh. This includes training fee & faculty, study material, boarding & lodging, local travel during sessions and site visits. Limited scholarships are available for candidates on the basis of merit.
Gandhi Fellowship:
Gandhi Fellowship is an in-depth, 2-year residential professional plan of action in leadership conversion. The Fellowship gives an opportunity to bright, young minds of the nation to support and partner primary school directors to modify their schools to accomplish the specified educational outcomes. In the process, fellows uncover their personal goals and obtain support to convert these dreams into reality post-fellowship, through The New Millionaire Program.
Selection process:
The applicant has to fill out an online form. After filling the form, only shortlisted candidates will be able to go further towards the second step of the process. After the second step is completed, the candidate will be updated within 5-10 days after their application is reviewed via email.
Furthermore, there will be a telephonic conversation between the candidate and the authorities, followed up by a personal interview and final evaluation.
If the candidate is selected then during the intensive program, he/she will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 14,000/- and certain other benefits.
Azim Premji Foundation Fellowship Program:
The Azim Premji Foundation Fellowship provides an opportunity for the period of a year to the working professionals to submerge themselves in the public education system of the nation. The fellows work at some of the isolated locations in India, exploring the subtlety of public education by teaching in a government school in rural India.
Selection process:
The first step is to fill an online application form and upload your CV along with it. You’ll receive a reference number after filling the form, which you need to preserve for further communications.
If your application is shortlisted, you’ll be connected for a telephonic conversation. If you get selected, you’ll receive an admit card to appear for an online test. You have to carry your admit card and original government identification proof at the test centre.
Once you clear the examination, you’ll be called to come and make a 10-15 minutes presentation on a social issue of your choice, followed by an interview.
On the completion of the process, you’ll receive the offer letter through email and the hard copy at the time of joining. The shortlisted fellows will receive a salary of Rs. 35,000/- per month.
Prime Minister’s Rural Development Fellowship:
PMRDF is a two-year fellowship program, that includes an orientation period not exceeding three months. The Prime Minister’s Rural Development Fellowship places young people with work experience in district offices to work alongside district collectors to block various problems being part of the system.
Selection process:
To be eligible to apply for this fellowship, your age must be between 22-27 years and you must have completed your graduation.
The candidates have to give an online examination namely All India Competency Assessment Test (AICAT). Later, if you get selected, you’ll have to give a written examination which is followed up by a personal interview.
If you are shortlisted, you’ll get an opportunity to assist the district collector of the district you are assigned to for the purpose of improving the implementation of programmes. The fellows are paid Rs. 75,000/- a month.
Legislative Assistance to Member of Parliament:
LAMP gives you a chance to work with the Members of Parliament, letting you get a sneak peek into the political and administrative system and the makings of policy.
Selection process:
The selection process is conducted in two stages of shortlisting and interview. The applicants are initially selected on the basis of their application form, Statement of Intent, followed by the essay.
The shortlisted candidates for the LAMP Fellowship are then required to appear for an interview which is conducted either in person or telephonically.
The candidates who qualify the final round undergo 1-month long intensive training where they are acquainted with the legal and parliamentary procedures, Indian constitution, and basics of economics amidst others.
The fellows will get a stipend of Rs. 20,000/- per month. The work is based in Delhi, but you will have to travel to the Member’s constituency arranged by the member itself.
