Inlaks Shivdasani Fellowship for Social Engagement 2026

Okay, so if you’re someone who keeps thinking “I want to do something meaningful, not just another degree or random job”, then this post is for you. The Inlaks Shivdasani Fellowship for Social Engagement is one of those rare fellowships that actually lets you slow down, explore society, and learn by doing real work.

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It’s not flashy. It’s not about big tags or foreign degrees. But if social issues, people, communities, policy, culture, or environment matters to you even a little, then yeah, this one deserves attention.

What exactly is this fellowship?

In very simple words, the Inlaks Shivdasani Fellowship for Social Engagement supports young people who want to spend time understanding social realities in India. You design your own learning project and work on it independently, with guidance.

There’s no classroom. No exams. No pressure to “perform” in the usual way.
Just real work, real learning, and a lot of self-reflection.

Who is this fellowship actually for?

This is important, so read slowly.

You can apply if:

You’re an Indian citizen, living in India
You were born on or after 1 January 1990
You have a Bachelor’s degree
OR you’ve worked for at least 3 years in any relevant field
You’re not enrolled in any college, university, or PhD during the fellowship

So yeah, this is mostly for people who want a break from formal education and want to explore social work properly.

Important Dates

For the Inlaks Shivdasani Fellowship for Social Engagement 2026, the application deadline was December 31, 2025, with shortlisted candidates notified by late February 2026, final selections in March 2026, and fellowship work beginning May 1, 2026. For the Inlaks Scholarship 2026 (for studies), applications opened January 2026, closing around March 31, 2026, with interviews in May and results in June 2026.

Inlaks Fellowship for Social Engagement 2026 (Completed)

Application Deadline: December 31, 2025 (11:59 PM IST).
Shortlisted Candidates Announced: Last week of February 2026.
Final Fellows Announced: By the last week of March 2026.
Fellowship Start Date: May 1, 2026.

Inlaks Scholarship 2026 (for Overseas Studies)

Applications Open: January 2026.
Application Deadline: Around March 31, 2026.
Interviews Start: May 2026.
Final Results: June 2026.

Inlaks Residency (ISCP) 2026 (Arts)

Residency Dates: April 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026.
Visa Deadline (if selected): February 1, 2026.

How much money do you get? (Yes, this matters)

The fellowship runs for 2 full years, and you get a monthly stipend so you can survive while doing the work.

₹45,000 per month – if you’re based in a metro / big city
₹35,000 per month – medium cities
₹25,000 per month – smaller towns or rural areas

It’s not luxury money, but it’s decent enough to live simply and focus on your work without panic.

You also get:

Mentorship
Group workshops
Regular reviews to help you improve

What kind of work can you do?

This fellowship supports learning-focused social engagement.

Some examples:

Working on community rights
Studying public health systems
Environmental or ecology-related work
Grassroots journalism or documentation
Culture, language, heritage, people’s histories

What they don’t support:

Projects linked to a degree or PhD
Commercial or money-making work
Art exhibitions, photo books, installations
Working under an organisation’s fixed program

Your project should clearly show learning, curiosity, and social engagement.

Documents you’ll need (prepare early)

Keep these ready before applying online:

Passport size photo
ID proof
Resume / CV
A clear work plan (what you want to do, and why)
Statement of Purpose (write honestly, not fancy)
One mentor endorsement letter
One recommendation letter

Please don’t underestimate reference letters. People reply late. Start early.

How to apply online (simple steps)

Official Portal: Access the application through the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation website.
Online System: Click “Apply Now” to be redirected to the foundation’s Submittable portal.
Registration: Create an account using your email and a strong password.
Drafting: You can save your progress as a draft. Ensure you request letters of recommendation and reference early, as these must also be submitted by the December 31 deadline.
Submission: Review all details carefully and submit before the portal closes

How selection happens

First, all applications are read carefully
Shortlisted candidates are called for an online interview
Final selection usually comes around March
Fellowship generally starts in May

No fixed formula. They really look at your thinking, honesty, and learning intent.

Common questions people ask

Is this only for students?
No. Many fellows are working professionals or people taking a break.

Can I do another course alongside this?
No. This needs your full time and attention.

Do I need a big NGO background?
Not really. Clear thinking and genuine intent matters more.

Is it competitive?
Yes. But don’t self-reject. Apply if it feels right.

Final thoughts (from heart)

The Inlaks Shivdasani Fellowship for Social Engagement is not for everyone. It needs patience, discipline, and self-motivation. But if you’ve been feeling lost, stuck, or wanting to understand society more deeply, this can be a life-changing phase.

Take your time with the application. Be honest. Don’t over-decorate your words.

And please, apply early.