FAQs

Fellowship Programme

What is the minimum eligibility criteria to apply for the Fellowship programme?

The eligibility criteria are as follows:

  • 4 - 10 years of rich work experience. Candidates with excellent academic and professional track record are encouraged to apply.

  • A regular post-graduate degree (E.g. M.B.A, M.Sc., M.A) or a professional degree (E.g. B.Tech, B.E, LLB, CA)

  • Proficiency in English and any one of the local languages (Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu) is mandatory

  • Maximum age limit is 35 years

Note: Exception on work experience criteria can be made for candidates who have studied in premier institutes

When will the Fellowship Programme commence?

The Programme will commence from the last week of March 2019.

Since I will be working in rural India, do I need to know the local language?

Yes, it is very important to be able to speak, read and write in the local language. For example: if you are posted to Sirohi District Institute, you need to be able to read, write and speak in Hindi.

Will there be an opportunity to continue working with the foundation after the 1-year Fellowship Programme?

Yes, based on your interest and performance, there will be opportunities to work with Azim Premji Foundation. More than 84% of our Fellows from previous batches continue to work with us in various critical roles.

Can I discontinue the Fellowship Programme during the 1-year?

In case you wish to discontinue, you can leave the Fellowship Programme, after serving a notice period of one month.

Do Fellows receive a certificate after completing the Fellowship?

Upon completion of the one year Fellowship Programme, you will receive a certificate from Azim Premji Foundation.

Am I entitled for any leave during the Fellowship period?

The Fellows are entitled to 15 days leave per year on a pro-rata basis, and this will accrue at 1.25 days per month at the end of each month.

How many days do I need to work in a week?

The District Institutes work from Monday to Saturday. However, many activities at the District Institute(s) happens on Sunday and Fellows are expected to actively participate in such activities.

Application Form

What are the necessary documents to be submitted with the application form?

You are required to complete the online Application Form and attach your CV along with it. Only online applications will be accepted.

I had applied last year but did not make it, can I still apply?

Candidates who have attempted the test on or before 2018 can reapply. Candidates who have attended the interview process on or before 2017 can also apply.

Do I need to have any social sector experience to apply?

No, social sector experience is not mandatory. However, a deep interest in or social conscience about current social issues will be an added advantage. We are inviting people who have a passion for being catalysts for social change.

On submitting the application form, will I get any confirmation?

Yes, on successful submission of the online application form, you will receive an email with a reference number. We will assess your application and if shortlisted, you will get a response within 15 working days. If your application has not been shortlisted, you will receive an email communication from us.

Selection Process

What is the selection process?
  • On submitting the application form, candidates will be shortlisted as per the eligibility criteria
  • Shortlisted candidate will be called for an online written test. The venue and time will be communicated separately through e-mail
  • Candidates who clear the written test will be asked to send a Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • After evaluation of the SOP, shortlisted candidates will be called for the interviews
  • An offer will be made to the candidates selected in the interview on or before 3rd week of January, 2019
What can I expect in the test and the interview?

Stage 1: Online Test

The online test will cover socio-economic issues, geographical awareness, reading comprehension, descriptive writing and analytical ability. The test pattern consists of multiple choice and descriptive questions. The duration of the test is 120 minutes. For sample multiple choice questions: Click here
 

Stage 2: Personal Interview

Candidates should be prepared to make a 10-15 minute presentation to the interview panel on any social issue that they are concerned about. This would be followed by a general discussion and shortlisted candidates will go to the final round of interview.

How and when will I get my interview result?

You will get the result by email on or before the third week of January 2019.

Joining and On-boarding

How will I get the offer letter?

You will receive a soft copy of the offer letter through email and once you send in your confirmation of acceptance, you will receive a hard copy at the time of joining.

Will there be an induction before I start working in rural India?

Yes, there will be a one-week induction programme. Within a month of joining the Field Institute, you will be intimated about the exact date and details of the same. Once you move to the field location, you will be allocated a mentor who will guide and support you through the Programme.

Is there any dress code for Fellows?

Yes, all members are expected to dress in a manner that is professional and in consonance with the sensibilities of our colleagues, external members and people being met with.

Where should I report on the date of joining?

The date of joining will be on the last week of March 2019. Fellows will report to the Block location as intimated in the offer letter.

How safe is the full time Fellowship Programme for women employees?

Foundation works in safe locations and makes sure each Fellow gets a safe working environment.

Where will I work and stay?

Your location of work will be at the block level of a district in one of the six states or one UT (Chhattisgarh/ Madhya Pradesh/ Rajasthan/ Uttarakhand/ Karnataka/ Telangana/ Puducherry). You will be staying at your respective block. Your block location will be communicated to you before your joining.

Will I be given an accommodation at the District Institute? How should I search for it?

No, there is no accommodation provided by the Foundation. Once you  move to the block location, you will be provided  1 week of accommodation, after which you will need to manage your own accommodation arrangement. Members at the District Institute will provide support for the same.