Organisation Name:
AshokaX, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)
Application Deadline:
26 October 2025
About Organisation
AshokaX is an innovative educational initiative by Ashoka University, one of India’s leading liberal arts and sciences institutions. It aims to make world-class faculty and learning accessible to a diverse group of students, professionals, and lifelong learners through online programs. Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to solving environmental challenges by combining scientific research, policy advocacy, economics, and environmental justice. EDF helps companies and institutions navigate climate risks, reduce carbon footprints, and implement sustainable solutions that benefit people and the planet. Together, AshokaX and EDF are working to create a skilled green workforce that supports net-zero goals and climate resilience. Their partnership focuses on fostering leadership in sustainability and climate action by providing training, mentorship, and real-world project experience. Through this initiative, they empower change-makers to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time, supporting organizations in making informed, impactful decisions. The collaboration strives to build a future in which economic development goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship, ensuring long-term resilience and equitable growth.
About the Grant
The Ashoka–Environmental Defense Fund Climate Corps Fellowship is a unique opportunity for master’s students and recent graduates to apply their knowledge and skills to address climate-related challenges. Over a period of 3 or 6 months, fellows work on net-zero and sustainability projects with leading companies, public institutions, and nonprofit organizations across India. The program offers rigorous training in areas such as climate risk assessment, sustainable finance, supply chain sustainability, and reporting frameworks like ESG metrics. Fellows are matched with host organizations based on their expertise and interests and receive structured mentorship, wellness support, and leadership development to prepare them for impactful work. The fellowship culminates in actionable insights and strategic recommendations that help organizations meet their environmental goals. Fellows also gain access to a network of experts, peer support groups, and professional development resources that extend beyond the program. The Climate Corps Fellowship encourages diverse participants from various backgrounds to drive innovative solutions that benefit both businesses and the environment. By supporting climate-focused projects, the program seeks to accelerate India’s journey towards a sustainable and resilient future.
Who can Apply?
The fellowship is open to postgraduate students and recent graduates who have completed their master’s or equivalent programs in engineering, finance, business, sustainability, environmental management, public policy, or related fields. Applicants must have graduated within the last five years, not earlier than 1 July 2021, or be currently enrolled in such programs. PhD candidates are encouraged to apply if they can commit to full-time work during the fellowship. While two or more years of work experience is preferred, applicants from dynamic, fast-paced environments are welcome. Candidates should demonstrate a passion for climate action, sustainability, and equitable development and possess strong interpersonal, project management, and leadership skills. Excellent communication abilities and the capacity to work in interdisciplinary teams are essential. The fellowship prioritizes applicants who can work full-time on-site in India between April and September 2025. Additional skills such as climate finance expertise, knowledge of carbon markets, supply chain management, ESG reporting, and data analysis will be advantageous. Fellows should also be committed to contributing innovative and practical solutions that enable organizations to navigate the green transition while addressing climate-related risks and opportunities.
How to Apply?
Interested applicants can apply online by selecting the relevant phase. Phase I applications for postgraduate students are open from 1 September to 26 October 2025. Phase II applications for early career professionals open from 1 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. Applicants must submit their profiles and supporting documents through the online portal during these periods to be considered for the fellowship.
Application Deadline
The deadline for Phase I applications is 26 October 2025, and for Phase II applications, it is 4 January 2026. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM IST.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
