ACT Fellowship Programme 2026

When I first heard about the ACT Fellowship, I expected it to be another internship. But after researching and hearing firsthand from fellows, I realized it’s a high-impact, nine-month intensive apprenticeship that blends venture capital principles with social good. Driven by ACT Capital Foundation, the program is perfect if you’re passionate about education, healthcare, climate, or gender equity—and want to work on real-world projects with measurable impact.

Fellowship Highlights

If any of these sound like you, it’s worth exploring:

• Indian citizens with 2+ years of full-time work experience in social, corporate, or startup sectors

• Entrepreneurial spirit—ideally with background in consulting, VC, impact investing, or founding a venture

• Driven to drive systems-level change, not just desk work

• Ready to relocate to Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore for the fellowship’s duration

Selection Process

Based on application trends from past cohorts:

1. Online Application – CV, motivations, examples of impact or startup work

2. Virtual Case Interview – Think fast, solve problems

3. Final In-Person Interview – With ACT’s leadership

4. Reference/Background Checks – Before final offer and track allocation

Final cohort is capped at 5–6 fellows—very selective

Fellowship Experience

• Real venture-philanthropy exposure: sector research, deal sourcing, due diligence, impact evaluation, portfolio management, and stakeholder collaborations

• Work on live projects across significant social innovation initiatives in India

• Mentorship from seasoned funders, startup founders, and impact experts

• Peer network: Build relationships with other drive-driven professionals—your future collaborators

Benefits of the Fellowship

• Competitive stipend of ₹60K/month + covered field expenses.

• Mentoring and hands-on learning directly in venture philanthropy

• A powerful stepping stone into impact investing, social entrepreneurship, or leadership roles across social sectors

• Experience certificate from ACT, with referrals: fellows often join the ecosystem full-time after the program.

Important Dates

The application timeline for the ACT Fellowship program is as follows:

• Applications Open: November 2026 (historically, this happened around this time based on previous cycles)
• Application Deadline (Online Part 1): February 6, 2026
• Online Part 2 Application Due (for selected applicants): February 20, 2026
• Finalist Virtual Interviews: By April 21, 2026
• Cohort Selection & Tuition Confirmation: By May 1, 2026
• Public Announcement & Fellowship Kick-off: June 2026
• Fellowship Duration: July 2026 – May 2027 (approx. 9 months)

FAQs – ACT Fellowship 2026

• What is the last date to apply?
→ Usually mid-summer—around July 2026, but exact dates will be announced on ACT’s site.

• Who is eligible?
→ Indian citizens with a graduate degree and at least 2 years full-time work experience.

• Is relocation required?
→ Yes, fellows must be based in Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore for nine months.

• What is the stipend?
→ ₹60,000 per month, covering living expenses during the fellowship.

• What happens after nine months?
→ Many fellows join ACT full-time, start social impact ventures, or move into leadership roles in the ecosystem.

The ACT Fellowship Programme 2026 is a fully-funded, nine-month apprenticeship offering practical, high-impact exposure to venture philanthropy. With a competitive stipend and mentorship, it’s perfect for professionals seeking to pivot into social impact or deepen their leadership in the space.