The International Innovation Corps (IIC) India Fellowship is a high-impact public policy program based at the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago.
It places young professionals inside Indian government departments and mission-driven social enterprises to work on large-scale development and governance projects.
This is not a classroom fellowship.
It’s full-time, on-ground policy execution.
📅 2026 Application Timeline
⚠️ Application Deadline: February 25, 2026
-
Interviews: March 2026 (Rolling basis)
-
Final Decisions: March 2026
-
Fellowship Duration: April 2026 – April 2027
Because interviews happen on a rolling basis, earlier applicants may receive decisions sooner.
If you’re applying today, submit well before the portal closes.
What Is the IIC India Fellowship?
The IIC India Fellowship embeds fellows into:
-
State government departments
-
Development missions
-
Social enterprises
-
Policy reform teams
You work directly on implementation — not just research or reporting.
Typical responsibilities include:
-
Designing monitoring dashboards
-
Supporting digital governance systems
-
Evaluating large welfare programs
-
Drafting policy notes and implementation frameworks
It’s intense, fast-paced, and accountability-driven.
🎯 Focus Areas
Projects generally fall within:
-
Digital Health – Public health systems, health tech integration
-
Energy – Clean energy access, transition policy
-
Education – Learning outcomes, governance reform
-
Technology Policy – Data systems, digital infrastructure
These are large-scale state or national initiatives — not pilot projects.
✅ Eligibility Criteria (2026)
Age
Under 30 years as of April 1, 2026.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Work Experience
-
Minimum 3 years full-time work experience
-
OR 2 years if you hold a Master’s degree
This makes the fellowship ideal for early- to mid-career professionals.
Fresh graduates typically do not qualify.
💰 Stipend & Benefits
Stipend
Previously around ₹12.7 Lakhs per annum (competitive; may vary slightly by cohort).
This places it among the better-paying policy fellowships in India.
Additional Benefits
-
Direct exposure to senior bureaucrats
-
Real implementation authority
-
Strong alumni network in policy & development
-
Career acceleration in public policy
Who Should Consider Applying?
The IIC India Fellowship is a strong fit if you are:
-
A consultant transitioning into governance
-
A startup or tech professional entering public systems
-
A development sector professional wanting scale
-
Planning for MPP/MPA programs abroad
It provides both credibility and practical governance experience.
Is It Worth It?
If your long-term goals include:
-
Public policy
-
Government advisory roles
-
Development economics
-
Leadership in social impact
Then yes — this fellowship can be a powerful stepping stone.
It combines:
-
Real responsibility
-
Competitive compensation
-
Institutional backing from a globally respected policy school