4^th Kautilya Fellows Programme
on
Contemporary India Studies

Last Date to Apply: 31 January 2025, 11:59 PM (UTC+5:30) Duration: 1 Year
India Foundation (IF) is accepting applications for the 4th Kautilya Fellows Programme on Contemporary India Studies. Through a year-long fellowship, a cohort of 40 scholars and professionals under the age of 40 from across the world will deep dive into India’s foreign and public policy.

Fellowship Structure:

• 6-day on-site study programme from 05-11 May 2025 in New Delhi
• 3 virtual sessions throughout the year, and
• 1 writing submission before the end of the fellowship

Fellowship Requirements:

• Participation in the 6-day on-site study programme and 3 virtual sessions.
• A single-authored 5000-word issue brief within the scope of programme discussions to be submitted before the end of the fellowship.

What We Offer:
The 40 Kautilya Fellows will participate in the year-long comprehensive study program on India’s foreign and public policy delivered by thought leaders in the government and experienced practitioners.

The 6-day on-site study program will include 5 day-long modules, followed by a day-long field visit and interaction with sections of India’s leadership. India Foundation will provide tuition, travel allowance, visa-related assistance, accommodation and meals for the 6-day on-site study program.

Mentorship will be provided to the Fellows during the Fellowship period. Submissions by all the Kautilya Fellows will be published as an edited volume by India Foundation at the end of the Fellowship.

Who Can Apply:
Scholars and professionals under the age of 40 years from any field who,

• are interested in developing an understanding of contemporary India through its foreign and public policy,
• are willing to fully participate in the 6-day on-site study program, 3 virtual sessions, and 1 writing submission, and
• have good proficiency in English.

Application Procedure:
The selection process for the Kautilya Fellows Programme will be conducted in two steps:

• First step: Applicants are invited to fill out the form by clicking on the link below. Along with basic information, the applicants must:
  • Share their opinion on 4 thematic questions mentioned in the form (opinions up to 2000 characters each)
  • Provide a personal statement (up to 12000 characters)
  • Upload their CV (max. 2 pages, including a list of recent publications, if any)
  • Upload 2 letters of recommendation
  Please note, only the duly completed forms will be considered. Last date for submitting the form is 31 January 2025, 11:59 PM (UTC+5:30).
• Second step: Selected candidates will be invited for a virtual interview in February 2025.

The final decision will be communicated by the end of February 2025.

Selection Criteria:
India Foundation makes an active effort to select a diverse and balanced global cohort. While all applicants will be considered, the successful candidates are likely to have some or all of the following:

• Demonstrable substantive experience or interest in public policy, foreign policy, or a related subject area
• Demonstrable experience or interest in understanding India
• Track record of publications in journals, books, newspapers, or magazines
• A master’s degree or higher in a relevant field

Contact:
If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact us via kfp@indiafoundation.in.