Raisina Young Fellows Programme 2026 in New Delhi

If you’re a young professional ready to elevate your voice on the global stage, the call for applications for the Raisina Young Fellows Programme 2026 is now open — a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in high‑level dialogue, leadership development and networking at one of the world’s leading policy forums. Hosted in New Delhi, India in early March, this programme gives you the chance to join an international cohort of emerging leaders and shape debates on topics ranging from multilateralism to sustainable development. Here's everything you need to know.

🌐 Programme Summary

• Location: New Delhi, India (with programme dates from 2–11 March 2026, anchored around the Raisina Dialogue (5–7 March) )

• Organizer: Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS) and Istituto per gli Studi di Politica Internazionale (ISPI)

• Programme Type: Ladership programme for early‑to‑mid‑career professionals

• Target group: Young professionals aged 28 to 35 with outstanding achievements and leadership potential in politics, diplomacy, business, media, civil society or academia

• Fields of focus: Global governance, multilateralism, technology governance, sustainable development, economic resilience, regional security — particularly as they relate to Asia and the Global South

• Value and coverage: The fellowship is fully funded: round‑trip economy airfare to New Delhi, accommodation, meals, local transport during the programme.

• Duration: 10 days (2–11 March 2026)

  
  

✨ Programme Overview

The Raisina Young Fellows Programme is an intensive leadership and policy engagement initiative embedded in the Raisina Dialogue — India’s premier conference on geopolitics and geo‑economics. Participants are drawn from politics, business, academia, civil society and media, and converge in New Delhi for about ten days of high‑level discussions, interactive briefings, site visits, networking opportunities and collaborative workshops.

During this period, fellows engage with senior policymakers, diplomats, business leaders and academic experts; they attend plenary and breakout sessions of the Raisina Dialogue, participate in exclusive “young fellows” forums, develop policy‑oriented ideas and build global professional networks. At the end, participants become part of an alumni network of over 2,000 fellows who have gone into impactful roles around the world. The trilateral partnership (PCNS‑ORF‑ISPI) also ensures a trans‑regional dimension, bringing together perspectives from Africa, Asia and Europe.

🎁 Benefits

• Fully covered travel (economy class round‑trip)

• Accommodation, meals and in‑country transport in New Delhi

• Access to the full Raisina Dialogue programme and separate track for young fellows

• Exposure to senior global leaders from government, business, academia, civil society

• Opportunity to engage in policy discussions, share your perspective and develop leadership skills in an international setting

• Membership in a vibrant alumni community facilitating ongoing collaboration, mentorship and networking

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be between 28 and 35 years old at the time of application

• Demonstrate outstanding professional achievements and leadership potential in their field

• Show a clear commitment to contributing meaningfully to international policy discussions

• Have professional background in politics, diplomacy, business, media, civil society or academia

• Be proficient in English (the working language of the programme)

• Be available to travel to New Delhi for the full duration of the programme and attend the Raisina Dialogue

📝 Application Procedure

1.  Complete the online application form

2.  Upload the following supporting documents:

• Updated CV/resume

• Recent biography (approx. 120 words)

• Digital passport‑style photo / headshot

• Statement of Purpose (500 words max) — explaining why you are the ideal candidate, your leadership aspirations and how you will contribute to the fellowship

• Proof of identity (passport)

• Any additional material (job title & organisation, LinkedIn profile)

  
  

  3.  Submit the application by the deadline

  4.  Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed or asked for additional references.

  5.  Successful candidates will receive selection notification and travel/accommodation logistics.

ℹ️ Extra Information & Tips

• Leverage the Italy‑link: since the programme involves ISPI (Italy) you may highlight your interest in Italian education/culture and how your global ambition fits into the Europe‑Asia‑Africa dialogue the programme promotes.

• Network‑building is key: emphasise how you’ll use the fellowship to build bridges between technical‑engineering domains and the policy world, and how you’ll remain engaged post‑fellowship with the alumni community.

• Follow‑up: Once selected, plan for pre‑departure preparation (background reading on Asian policy issues, global governance, multilateral frameworks). Post‑programme, you might plan a dissemination strategy (blog post, webinar, networking event) to amplify your experience.

• Ensure logistical readiness: passport validity, visa for India, ability to travel in early March, flexibility to attend all sessions of the program.

🔗 Apply Now

🔗 Official Website

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