CCS NextGen Fellowship
The CCS NextGen Fellowship is a transformative, full-time, in-person opportunity hosted by the
Centre for Civil Society (CCS)—one of India’s leading public policy think tanks.
The fellowship is a launchpad for purpose-driven individuals to work across
research, outreach, programs, fundraising and organisational development.
The CCS NextGen Fellowship is your opportunity to work at the intersection of policy, research,
programs, strategy, and outreach—within CCS, an institution committed to advancing prosperity for all citizens.
This is more than a fellowship—it’s a platform to grow into a future leader of change in the area of:
📄
Research &
Policy Training
📢
Policy Impact
& Outreach
Research & Policy Training
Dive deep into data, write influential policy briefs, and generate research that challenges conventional thinking and shapes public discourse.
Research at CCS delves into Education, Livelihood, and Governance, identifying regulatory barriers and evaluating interventions to drive evidence-based policy reform through diverse methodologies.
Policy Impact & Outreach
Craft compelling narratives, design & drive impactful public engagement campaigns, and connect with media, donors, and citizens to amplify ideas and impact.
CCS Academy
Design transformative learning experiences, develop engaging content, and train the next generation of thinkers through liberal education initiatives.
Learning & Development
Strengthen internal culture, build systems that empower people, and lead organisational design for long-term impact.
Fundraising
Drive sustainable growth, building donor relationships, and aligning funding with mission outcomes.
Objectives
📊
Develop a deep understanding of policy analysis, governance, and market-based solutions.
🎓
Train future leaders in evidence-based Research, outreach and regulatory reforms.
🤝
Provide hands-on experience in policy research, grassroots implementation, and government engagement.
🌐
Create a network of policy professionals influencing governance reforms in India.
🏗️
Build foundational capacity across Outreach, Academy, Research, Strategy and HR.
🔧
Equip fellows with core values, tools, and collaboration strategies.
🎯
Ensure alignment with CCS’s mission of advancing social change through policy reform and citizen engagement.
🚀
Enable fellows to contribute meaningfully from the second month onward.
Vision
To shape young professionals with the practical skills, confidence, and experience to lead change and thrive in the social development sector.
Mission
The CCS NextGen Fellowship is designed to provide an immersive learning experience by placing fellows at the heart of live projects.
Through structured mentorship, hands-on assignments, and cross-functional collaboration, fellows graduate with a strong portfolio, a clear sense of purpose, and the capabilities needed to lead and contribute meaningfully in India’s development ecosystem.
Aspiring Fellows
Lacking practical project experience
Learning
Hands-on experience in live projects
Structured Mentorship
Guidance from experienced professionals
Functional Collaboration
Working across different teams
Accomplished Leaders
Ready to contribute to India
Opportunities and Benefits
Practical Skills
- Research Skills
- Writing Skills
- Leadership Skills
- Strategic Communication
- Project Design
Real-World Issues
- Education
- Livelihood
- Research
- Governance
CCS NextGen Fellowship
Career Advancement
- Policy Briefs
- Campaigns
- Training Modules
Collaboration & Networking
- Policy Experts
- Grassroots Leaders
- Global Thinkers
Impactful Contributions
- Social Change
- Visible Impact
- Lasting Change
Program Requirements
Recent Graduates or Masters
Good communication skills
Full-time commitment for 11 months
On-site in New Delhi
(No remote/hybrid option)
Fellowship Structure
1
Months 1–2:
Onboarding & Immersion
- Orientation, values & culture alignment, CCS systems & vertical immersion (HR, Outreach, Strategy, Academy, Research)
- Deep dives: HR, Outreach, Strategy, Academy, Research
- Introduction to organisational systems/tools: Basecamp, Shared Drive, HR Stop etc.
- Assigned mentors for each fellow with fortnightly check-ins.
- Workshops such as “what makes a Policy Think Tank work, classical liberal theory, education policy and institutional analysis etc., simulation, team projects assignments/paring and goals settings
2
Months 2–6:
Skill Development & Contribution
- Personal learning plans, weekly mentoring
- Role-based immersion in one vertical Cross-functional projects assignments
- Regular review meetings with mentors and vertical leads
- Regular review meetings with mentors and vertical leads
3
Months 7–11:
Leadership & Legacy
- Lead campaigns or strategic * projects
- Thought product (policy brief/module/case study)
- Fellow-led training, mentorship, and showcase presentations
- Lead campaigns, publish original work, train peers, and showcase outcomes
Program Benefits
Mentorship
Guidance from experts
Learning
Workshops and hands-on training
Resources
Library and flagship programs
Digital Access
CCS digital learning resources
Career
Full-time roles for top performers
Networking
Connections with policy experts
Publication
Research published in journals
Recognition
Certificate and alumni network
Work Schedule
5 days a week, leaves available
Compensation
Rs. 20,000 monthly stipend
Application Process
Online
Application
Submission
1.
Applicants submit their SOP (Statement of purpose) (300–400 words), CV and a writing sample (essay, blog, article, or policy brief) online at ccs.in/fellowship.
2.
Applicants discuss their values and expectations with the CCS team.
Timeline
Application Opens
Applications for the 2025 cohort begin
5 May 2025
Application Closes
Deadline for submitting applications
15 May 2025
Fellowship Starts
Fellowship program officially commences
20 May 2025
Fellowship Ends
Fellowship program concludes
15 April 2026
Who are we looking for?
Testimonials
“CCS didn’t just train me in policy—it helped me believe that systems can be changed by committed individuals.”
★★★★★
Ananya Srivastava
Joined CCS as a research fellow exploring school regulations. Co-authored a report on Budget Private Schools. Today, she leads state-level advocacy on learning outcomes and parent engagement.
“CCS taught me how to communicate complex policy issues in ways people actually care about.”
★★★★★
Aditya Raj
Started in the outreach vertical crafting campaign narratives. Developed a series on school choice reforms that went viral. Now covers governance and education for a leading national outlet.
“The exposure at CCS—fieldwork, mentoring, stakeholder meetings—was more real than any classroom I’ve been in.”
★★★★★
Neha Chaturvedi
Led a cross-functional fellowship project on street vendor rights under the Jeevika campaign. Now managing regional partnerships for an international public policy institute focused on Asia.
“I found my purpose at CCS. It gave me the confidence to build something of my own.”
★★★★★
Rishi Kapoor
Began as an Academy Fellow designing classroom tools on economic freedom. Later started an independent education nonprofit that trains low-income school teachers in regulatory literacy.
The CCS NextGen Fellowship is an exciting opportunity for young talent to become change agents and contribute to shaping the future. Join us in building a prosperous India!
The CCS NextGen Fellowship isn’t for everyone. It’s for those who want to learn, build, lead—and leave behind something bigger than themselves.
Learning
Opportunity to acquire new skills and knowledge.
Building
Contribute to innovative projects and initiatives.
Leading
Develop leadership skills for future roles.
Legacy
Create a lasting impact on society.
If you have any queries, please contact us at nextgen@ccs.in or WhatsApp us at +91 97177 39123.
Join
CCS NextGen Fellowship
where values meet action,
and ideas turn into impact.
Last date to Apply: 15 May 2025
