The National Commission for Women (NCW), under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, has invited applications for SHAKTI Scholars: NCW’s Young Thinkers Research Fellowship Programme 2.0. The fellowship aims to encourage young researchers to undertake multidisciplinary, policy-oriented research on issues affecting women in India.
Selected fellows will receive a research grant of ₹1,00,000 ( 1 Lakh ) to conduct a six-month research study.
About the Fellowship
SHAKTI Scholars 2.0 seeks to promote research that can contribute to policy discussions, institutional development and women’s empowerment. The programme encourages young scholars to examine contemporary challenges affecting women and develop evidence-based insights that can support meaningful social change.
Research areas include women’s leadership and political participation, health and nutrition, education, economic empowerment, legal rights and access to justice, cyber safety, gender-based violence, climate action and work-life balance.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | SHAKTI Scholars: NCW’s Young Thinkers Research Fellowship Programme 2.0 |
| Organising Body | National Commission for Women (NCW) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Women and Child Development |
| Fellowship Duration | Six months |
| Research Grant | ₹1,00,000 |
| Application Mode | Email, as specified in the official notice |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 October 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the eligibility conditions prescribed by the National Commission for Women. The key requirements include:
- Nationality: Indian citizen.
- Age Limit: 21–30 years.
- Educational Qualification: At least a graduate degree from a recognised institution.
- Research Background: Preference is given to candidates pursuing or having completed postgraduate studies. Independent researchers with demonstrated research capacity may also apply.
Research Areas
Applicants may propose research on issues concerning women in India, including:
- Women’s leadership and political participation.
- Health, nutrition and education.
- Economic empowerment and labour-force participation.
- Women’s legal rights and access to justice.
- Cyber safety and digital inclusion.
- Gender-based violence and women’s safety.
- Climate action and environmental sustainability.
- Socio-cultural practices affecting women.
- Work-life balance and related policy challenges.
Fellowship Grant and Duration
Selected candidates will receive a grant of ₹1 lakh for undertaking a research study over a period of six months. The grant is intended to support the approved research project and is subject to the programme’s terms, conditions and reporting requirements.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should follow these steps:
- Read the official NCW notification and application instructions carefully.
- Complete the prescribed application form.
- Prepare a research proposal of 1,500–2,000 words on a relevant women-centric issue.
- Arrange the required documents, including the CV, academic certificates, proof of age and identity, and a recommendation letter, where applicable.
- Submit the complete application in the prescribed format and through the submission channel specified in the official notification before the deadline.
Application Deadline: 30 October 2026
Official Notification
For the application form, detailed eligibility criteria, research proposal requirements and other terms and conditions, candidates should consult the official notification issued by the National Commission for Women.