Where policy meets practice
The Mukherjee Fellowship offers direct exposure to policymakers, elected representatives, governance institutions, and political practitioners, providing participants with a first-hand understanding of India’s policy and political ecosystem.
Through a combination of structured learning and practical engagement, fellows gain insights into how public decisions are debated, shaped, and implemented while building the analytical, research, and leadership capabilities required for careers in policy, governance, and public affairs.
Areas of engagement
Legislative research & policy analysis
Analyse public policies, evaluate legislative developments, and support informed decision-making.
Governance & Procedures
Understand how institutions function, programs are implemented, and governance systems operate.
Political strategy & communication
Explore the role of political messaging, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communication in public leadership.
Media & public affairs
Gain exposure to public discourse, media engagement, and the communication frameworks that shape public opinion.
Research & briefing support
Work on policy notes, research briefs, and analytical documents that support informed decision-making.
Theoretical learning.
Experiential growth.
The Mukherjee Fellowship combines rigorous academic learning with real-world institutional exposure. The program is designed to help participants understand how policy, politics, and governance function in practice, Simultaneously, they develop analytical, strategic, and leadership capabilities required to contribute meaningfully to public life.
Theoretical learning module
The theoretical learning component equips participants with a comprehensive understanding of India's political, social, and governance landscape. Through structured sessions, fellows develop conceptual clarity on the institutions and ideas shaping modern India.
- Indian Political System
- Public Policy & Governance
- Constitution & Statecraft
- Contemporary India
Experiential learning module
The experiential component provides participants with first-hand exposure to the institutions, processes, and practitioners shaping public life. Through practical engagement, fellows gain valuable insights into how ideas move from discussion to implementation.
- Governance & Institutional Exposure
- Policy & Legislative Engagement
- Political Communication & Public Affairs
- Applied Research Projects
Who can apply
Applicants should:
- Hold a graduate degree in any discipline
- Demonstrate interest in governance or policy processes
- Commit to full-time participation across both phases
- Be willing to relocate if required
- Possess research, writing, and communication ability
Applicants from all academic backgrounds are encouraged.
What we look for
Selection is based on:
- Intellectual curiosity
- Analytical ability
- Commitment to public systems understanding
- Professional discipline
The Mukherjee Fellowship seeks individuals who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and a genuine interest in India’s policy, political, and governance ecosystem. Our selection
process is designed to identify candidates who are eager to learn, engage, and contribute meaningfully to public life.
Online application
Submit your application along with the required documents, academic details, and a statement outlining your interest in the fellowship.
Aptitude & assessment test
Shortlisted applicants undertake an assessment designed to evaluate analytical thinking,
comprehension, awareness of public affairs, and problem-solving abilities.
Personal interaction
Selected candidates are invited for an interview to assess motivation, communication skills, intellectual
curiosity, and alignment with the fellowship’s objectives.
Final selection
Successful applicants receive an offer to join the Mukherjee Fellowship and begin their journey into
India’s policy, politics, and governance ecosystem.
Everything you need to know
The application process is designed to be simple and transparent. Applicants are encouraged to prepare the required documents
in advance and submit their applications within the specified timelines.
Application window
Applications are accepted during designated admission cycles announced by PPGF.
Assessment phase
Eligible applicants will receive details regarding the aptitude assessment and evaluation process.
Interview round
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a personal interaction with the selection panel.
Fellowship commencement
Selected fellows will receive program schedules before fellowship commencement.
Documents required
Updated Resume / Curriculum Vitae
Academic Transcripts or Marksheets
Government-issued Identity Proof
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Recent Passport-size Photograph
Any Additional Documents (Optional)
Preparing for the fellowship assessment
The fellowship assessment is designed to evaluate aptitude, analytical thinking, awareness of public affairs, and the ability to engage with complex ideas.
Candidates are not expected to possess specialist knowledge but should demonstrate curiosity, reasoning ability, and a willingness to learn.
Focus areas
Current Affairs & Public Issues
Stay informed about key developments in politics, governance, public policy, and national affairs.
Analytical Thinking
Develop the ability to interpret information, identify patterns, and evaluate arguments objectively.
Reading Comprehension
Strengthen your ability to understand, analyse, and interpret written material.
Communication & Expression
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and logically on contemporary issues.
Recommended approach
Follow credible news and policy sources regularly.
Read about India’s political and governance institutions.
Practice critical thinking and structured writing.
Stay curious and engage with diverse perspectives.
The tribe that
keeps growing
What begins as curiosity about policy, politics, or governance often evolves into a meaningful contribution to public life. Meet the alumni who are transforming knowledge into leadership and shaping India’s future from within its institutions.
Abhijeet Singh Kushwah
I am Abhijeet, a former UPSC aspirant. Through the Mukherjee Fellowship, I channelled my rigour into policymaking, analysing CAG reports to derive insights on fiscal governance and accountability. My work advises stakeholders on data-driven reforms, transforming audits into equitable policy outcomes.
Anand Sinha
Joined this fellowship with high expectations, I’m thrilled that it has exceeded them. The training provided deep insights into policy-making and politics, from booth-level to national dynamics. That coupled with the deputation, where theory meets practice, make the experience immersive, enriching, and invaluable for a political consultant’s growth.
Anirudh Badoni
The Mukherjee Fellowship was a transformative experience, deepening my understanding of governance, policymaking, international relations, and economic and political dynamics. The rigorous training and diverse cohort offered invaluable insights, equipping me with the skills to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the policy landscape.
Bharati Agarwal
The Fellowship equipped me with the tools to understand the nuances of politics and policy in a better manner. For me it has acted not just as a stepping stone, but also as a launch pad for my career through the first hand interactions with the government and its machinery.
Anirudh Badoni
The Mukherjee Fellowship was a transformative experience, deepening my understanding of governance, policymaking, international relations, and economic and political dynamics. The rigorous training and diverse cohort offered invaluable insights, equipping me with the skills to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the policy landscape.
Abhijeet Singh Kushwah
I am Abhijeet, a former UPSC aspirant. Through the Mukherjee Fellowship, I channelled my rigour into policymaking, analysing CAG reports to derive insights on fiscal governance and accountability. My work advises stakeholders on data-driven reforms, transforming audits into equitable policy outcomes.
Bharati Agarwal
The Fellowship equipped me with the tools to understand the nuances of politics and policy in a better manner. For me it has acted not just as a stepping stone, but also as a launch pad for my career through the first hand interactions with the government and its machinery.
Priya Patil
Joined this fellowship with high expectations, I’m thrilled that it has exceeded them. The training provided deep insights into policy-making and politics, from booth-level to national dynamics. That coupled with the deputation, where theory meets practice, make the experience immersive, enriching, and invaluable for a political consultant’s growth.
Abhijeet Singh Kushwah
I am Abhijeet, a former UPSC aspirant. Through the Mukherjee Fellowship, I channelled my rigour into policymaking, analysing CAG reports to derive insights on fiscal governance and accountability. My work advises stakeholders on data-driven reforms, transforming audits into equitable policy outcomes.
Bharati Agarwal
The Fellowship equipped me with the tools to understand the nuances of politics and policy in a better manner. For me it has acted not just as a stepping stone, but also as a launch pad for my career through the first hand interactions with the government and its machinery.
Anirudh Badoni
The Mukherjee Fellowship was a transformative experience, deepening my understanding of governance, policymaking, international relations, and economic and political dynamics. The rigorous training and diverse cohort offered invaluable insights, equipping me with the skills to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the policy landscape.
Anand Sinha
Joined this fellowship with high expectations, I’m thrilled that it has exceeded them. The training provided deep insights into policy-making and politics, from booth-level to national dynamics. That coupled with the deputation, where theory meets practice, make the experience immersive, enriching, and invaluable for a political consultant’s growth.
Abhijeet Singh Kushwah
I am Abhijeet, a former UPSC aspirant. Through the Mukherjee Fellowship, I channelled my rigour into policymaking, analysing CAG reports to derive insights on fiscal governance and accountability. My work advises stakeholders on data-driven reforms, transforming audits into equitable policy outcomes.
Anirudh Badoni
The Mukherjee Fellowship was a transformative experience, deepening my understanding of governance, policymaking, international relations, and economic and political dynamics. The rigorous training and diverse cohort offered invaluable insights, equipping me with the skills to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the policy landscape.
Bharati Agarwal
The Fellowship equipped me with the tools to understand the nuances of politics and policy in a better manner. For me it has acted not just as a stepping stone, but also as a launch pad for my career through the first hand interactions with the government and its machinery.
Anand Sinha
Joined this fellowship with high expectations, I’m thrilled that it has exceeded them. The training provided deep insights into policy-making and politics, from booth-level to national dynamics. That coupled with the deputation, where theory meets practice, make the experience immersive, enriching, and invaluable for a political consultant’s growth.
Anirudh Badoni
The Mukherjee Fellowship was a transformative experience, deepening my understanding of governance, policymaking, international relations, and economic and political dynamics. The rigorous training and diverse cohort offered invaluable insights, equipping me with the skills to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the policy landscape.
Abhijeet Singh Kushwah
I am Abhijeet, a former UPSC aspirant. Through the Mukherjee Fellowship, I channelled my rigour into policymaking, analysing CAG reports to derive insights on fiscal governance and accountability. My work advises stakeholders on data-driven reforms, transforming audits into equitable policy outcomes.
Bharati Agarwal
The Fellowship equipped me with the tools to understand the nuances of politics and policy in a better manner. For me it has acted not just as a stepping stone, but also as a launch pad for my career through the first hand interactions with the government and its machinery.
Anand Sinha
Joined this fellowship with high expectations, I’m thrilled that it has exceeded them. The training provided deep insights into policy-making and politics, from booth-level to national dynamics. That coupled with the deputation, where theory meets practice, make the experience immersive, enriching, and invaluable for a political consultant’s growth.
Bharati Agarwal
The Fellowship equipped me with the tools to understand the nuances of politics and policy in a better manner. For me it has acted not just as a stepping stone, but also as a launch pad for my career through the first hand interactions with the government and its machinery.
Anirudh Badoni
The Mukherjee Fellowship was a transformative experience, deepening my understanding of governance, policymaking, international relations, and economic and political dynamics. The rigorous training and diverse cohort offered invaluable insights, equipping me with the skills to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the policy landscape.
Abhijeet Singh Kushwah
I am Abhijeet, a former UPSC aspirant. Through the Mukherjee Fellowship, I channelled my rigour into policymaking, analysing CAG reports to derive insights on fiscal governance and accountability. My work advises stakeholders on data-driven reforms, transforming audits into equitable policy outcomes.
Anand Sinha
Joined this fellowship with high expectations, I’m thrilled that it has exceeded them. The training provided deep insights into policy-making and politics, from booth-level to national dynamics. That coupled with the deputation, where theory meets practice, make the experience immersive, enriching, and invaluable for a political consultant’s growth.
Anirudh Badoni
The Mukherjee Fellowship was a transformative experience, deepening my understanding of governance, policymaking, international relations, and economic and political dynamics. The rigorous training and diverse cohort offered invaluable insights, equipping me with the skills to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the policy landscape.
Anand Sinha
Joined this fellowship with high expectations, I’m thrilled that it has exceeded them. The training provided deep insights into policy-making and politics, from booth-level to national dynamics. That coupled with the deputation, where theory meets practice, make the experience immersive, enriching, and invaluable for a political consultant’s growth.
Abhijeet Singh Kushwah
I am Abhijeet, a former UPSC aspirant. Through the Mukherjee Fellowship, I channelled my rigour into policymaking, analysing CAG reports to derive insights on fiscal governance and accountability. My work advises stakeholders on data-driven reforms, transforming audits into equitable policy outcomes.
Bharati Agarwal
The Fellowship equipped me with the tools to understand the nuances of politics and policy in a better manner. For me it has acted not just as a stepping stone, but also as a launch pad for my career through the first hand interactions with the government and its machinery.
Anand Sinha
Joined this fellowship with high expectations, I’m thrilled that it has exceeded them. The training provided deep insights into policy-making and politics, from booth-level to national dynamics. That coupled with the deputation, where theory meets practice, make the experience immersive, enriching, and invaluable for a political consultant’s growth.
Bharati Agarwal
The Fellowship equipped me with the tools to understand the nuances of politics and policy in a better manner. For me it has acted not just as a stepping stone, but also as a launch pad for my career through the first hand interactions with the government and its machinery.
Anirudh Badoni
The Mukherjee Fellowship was a transformative experience, deepening my understanding of governance, policymaking, international relations, and economic and political dynamics. The rigorous training and diverse cohort offered invaluable insights, equipping me with the skills to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the policy landscape.
Abhijeet Singh Kushwah
I am Abhijeet, a former UPSC aspirant. Through the Mukherjee Fellowship, I channelled my rigour into policymaking, analysing CAG reports to derive insights on fiscal governance and accountability. My work advises stakeholders on data-driven reforms, transforming audits into equitable policy outcomes.
Bharati Agarwal
The Fellowship equipped me with the tools to understand the nuances of politics and policy in a better manner. For me it has acted not just as a stepping stone, but also as a launch pad for my career through the first hand interactions with the government and its machinery.
Abhijeet Singh Kushwah
I am Abhijeet, a former UPSC aspirant. Through the Mukherjee Fellowship, I channelled my rigour into policymaking, analysing CAG reports to derive insights on fiscal governance and accountability. My work advises stakeholders on data-driven reforms, transforming audits into equitable policy outcomes.
Anirudh Badoni
The Mukherjee Fellowship was a transformative experience, deepening my understanding of governance, policymaking, international relations, and economic and political dynamics. The rigorous training and diverse cohort offered invaluable insights, equipping me with the skills to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the policy landscape.
Anand Sinha
Joined this fellowship with high expectations, I’m thrilled that it has exceeded them. The training provided deep insights into policy-making and politics, from booth-level to national dynamics. That coupled with the deputation, where theory meets practice, make the experience immersive, enriching, and invaluable for a political consultant’s growth.
Abhijeet Singh Kushwah
I am Abhijeet, a former UPSC aspirant. Through the Mukherjee Fellowship, I channelled my rigour into policymaking, analysing CAG reports to derive insights on fiscal governance and accountability. My work advises stakeholders on data-driven reforms, transforming audits into equitable policy outcomes.
Anand Sinha
Joined this fellowship with high expectations, I’m thrilled that it has exceeded them. The training provided deep insights into policy-making and politics, from booth-level to national dynamics. That coupled with the deputation, where theory meets practice, make the experience immersive, enriching, and invaluable for a political consultant’s growth.
Bharati Agarwal
The Fellowship equipped me with the tools to understand the nuances of politics and policy in a better manner. For me it has acted not just as a stepping stone, but also as a launch pad for my career through the first hand interactions with the government and its machinery.
Anirudh Badoni
The Mukherjee Fellowship was a transformative experience, deepening my understanding of governance, policymaking, international relations, and economic and political dynamics. The rigorous training and diverse cohort offered invaluable insights, equipping me with the skills to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the policy landscape.
Anirudh Badoni
The Mukherjee Fellowship was a transformative experience, deepening my understanding of governance, policymaking, international relations, and economic and political dynamics. The rigorous training and diverse cohort offered invaluable insights, equipping me with the skills to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the policy landscape.
Anand Sinha
Joined this fellowship with high expectations, I’m thrilled that it has exceeded them. The training provided deep insights into policy-making and politics, from booth-level to national dynamics. That coupled with the deputation, where theory meets practice, make the experience immersive, enriching, and invaluable for a political consultant’s growth.
Abhijeet Singh Kushwah
I am Abhijeet, a former UPSC aspirant. Through the Mukherjee Fellowship, I channelled my rigour into policymaking, analysing CAG reports to derive insights on fiscal governance and accountability. My work advises stakeholders on data-driven reforms, transforming audits into equitable policy outcomes.
Bharati Agarwal
The Fellowship equipped me with the tools to understand the nuances of politics and policy in a better manner. For me it has acted not just as a stepping stone, but also as a launch pad for my career through the first hand interactions with the government and its machinery.
Fellowship as a
foundation
The fellowship serves as a gateway into sustained engagement with governance,
institutional systems, policy research, and public leadership pathways.
institutional systems, policy research, and public leadership pathways.
From those
who lead
The perspectives from leaders working at the intersection of policy, politics, and governance matter. Their experiences with Mukherjee Fellows
offer valuable insights into the program’s impact, potential, and contribution to developing India’s next generation of public leaders.
The Mukherjee Fellows in our office displayed remarkable professionalism, work ethic and political attitude. They embraced the work promptly and established a close connection with on ground volunteers. Their knowledge of the Marathi electorate was invaluable to our team, greatly contributing to the election campaign!
Shri Piyush Goyal
Minister of Commerce & Industry, India
The Mukherjee Fellow has shown exceptional reliability and zeal throughout her fellowship. During the General Elections of 2024, she skillfully managed the entire Assembly Constituency of Mahanga, demonstrating her capability and dedication. The Fellow's overall performance has been commendable.
Shri Baijayant 'Jay' Panda
Member of Parliament, Kendrapara
The Mukherjee Fellow in our office made invaluable contributions across various domains displaying exceptional professionalism and dedication. His political work was outstanding including work on issue briefs and talking pointers. His policy work was exceptional too with his contribution to the CM Dashboard Project invaluable.
Dr. Pramod Sawant
Chief Minister, Goa
The Mukherjee Fellow in our office made invaluable contributions across various domains displaying exceptional professionalism and dedication. His political work was outstanding including work on issue briefs and talking pointers. His policy work was exceptional too with his contribution to the CM Dashboard Project invaluable.
Smt Vanathi Srinivasan
MLA, Tamil Nadu
Frequently
asked questions
What is the Mukherjee Fellowship?
The Mukherjee Fellowship is a one-year, full-time programme that gives young graduates and professionals hands-on experience in public policy, governance, political consulting, and legislative affairs by working closely with senior political leaders and policymakers.
Who is eligible to apply?
The fellowship is open to final-year students, recent graduates, and young professionals with a strong interest in public policy, governance, politics, or law. Applicants must be able to commit full-time to the programme.
What kind of work will fellows do?
Fellows contribute to a wide range of responsibilities, including legislative research, political strategy, policy analysis, media communications, election campaigns, and governance initiatives while working alongside experienced mentors.
What support and benefits do fellows receive?
Selected fellows receive a monthly stipend, structured training, mentorship from experts, practical exposure to policymaking, and a certificate upon successful completion of the fellowship.
How do I apply, and what is the selection process?
Candidates must submit an online application with the required details and supporting documents. Shortlisted applicants go through a selection process, which may include interviews, before the final cohort is announced.
Apply for
Mukherjee Fellowship
Please complete the application form carefully. The selection process includes application review,
written assessment, and interview rounds.
written assessment, and interview rounds.
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