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Call for

CBPS Research Fellowship 2025

Organisation Name:

Centre for Budget and Policy Studies (CBPS)

Grant Amount: a monthly stipend of ₹25,000 for the 12-month

Application Deadline:

30 May 2025

About Organisation

The Centre for Budget and Policy Studies (CBPS) is a Bengaluru-based independent, non-partisan, and non-profit research organization established in 1998. With a strong foundation built by academics, activists, and former civil servants, CBPS is dedicated to producing high-quality, evidence-based research that promotes inclusive and effective public policy. The organization focuses on a wide range of areas including education, gender, governance, health and nutrition, public finance, livelihoods, and social security. CBPS takes pride in its interdisciplinary approach and its commitment to creating and disseminating knowledge that empowers communities, fosters equity, and strengthens democratic values. Through its work, the organization contributes to a deeper understanding of public systems and supports the development of informed, accountable, and just governance mechanisms. CBPS also serves as a platform for critical dialogue, collaboration, and innovation through seminars, public events, and workshops. It provides a collegial environment for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to engage in meaningful discourse. With a focus on impact, CBPS continues to influence policy debates at local, regional, and national levels by combining academic rigour with grassroots engagement.

About the Grant

The CBPS Research Fellowship, launched in 2023 to mark the organization’s 25th anniversary, is a unique opportunity for emerging scholars to immerse themselves in interdisciplinary research across critical public policy areas. The one-year fellowship allows fellows to engage with CBPS’ ongoing research projects in domains such as education, gender, governance, health and nutrition, public finance, and livelihoods. Fellows are mentored by experienced researchers and gain hands-on exposure to policy research in a collaborative and academically enriching setting. Throughout the fellowship, participants are encouraged to attend in-house seminars, talks, and workshops that contribute to their growth as researchers and deepen their understanding of real-world policy challenges. Fellows receive a monthly stipend of ₹25,000 and are granted access to CBPS office facilities, including internet services and the library. However, the fellowship does not cover expenses related to housing, travel, or other personal costs. This opportunity offers aspiring researchers the environment and mentorship required to strengthen their analytical capabilities and gain valuable insights into policy-making and social impact. It is ideal for those seeking to begin a career in research, development, or public policy.

Who can Apply?

This fellowship is intended for young scholars who are either in the final year of their undergraduate studies or have recently completed their Bachelor’s degree. CBPS strongly encourages applications from individuals who belong to historically underrepresented communities, such as those marginalized by caste, class, religion, gender, or language. First-generation learners and candidates from diverse academic disciplines and methodological backgrounds are also welcome. The aim is to bring together a diverse cohort of emerging scholars who are passionate about public policy and driven to make a difference through research. Applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in the fields of education, gender, health and nutrition, governance, livelihoods, public finance, or social security. Ideal candidates will show a commitment to equity and social justice and should possess good analytical, communication, and writing skills. A background in social sciences or humanities may be helpful but is not mandatory. The fellowship is designed to offer a space for learning, mentorship, and active engagement with real-world policy research, making it suitable for those at the beginning of their research journey who are curious, committed, and ready to contribute meaningfully.

How to Apply?

Applicants must submit a Statement of Purpose (maximum 1500 words) outlining their interest in the fellowship’s focus areas, along with a CV (in MS Word format), and two letters of reference. All documents must be emailed to: fellows@cbps.in. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Application Deadline

All applications must be submitted before 11:59 PM on 30 May 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Last Date to Apply 
The final date to apply for the CBPS Research Fellowship is 30 May 2025. Applications must be emailed before the deadline to be considered for the 2025-26 cohort.

Grant Amount
Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend of ₹25,000 for the 12-month duration of the fellowship. Additional funding for housing or travel is not included in the grant.

Last Date To Apply
30 May 2025

For more information, please visit the grant website here.