SHAKTI Scholars Fellowship 2.0: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has announced the SHAKTI Scholars: NCW’s Young Thinkers Research Fellowship Programme 2.0 to encourage research on issues affecting women in India. The programme focuses on generating research that can contribute to policy discussions and social development.
The six-month fellowship covers research areas such as women’s rights, leadership, health, education, economic participation, digital safety and environmental sustainability. Selected fellows are required to carry out their research, submit progress reports and complete a final research report in accordance with NCW’s guidelines.
You can apply for the SHAKTI Scholars Fellowship 2.0 till 30 October 2026. Interested candidates should review the eligibility criteria, prepare a research proposal, and follow the application instructions provided in the official notification.
SHAKTI Scholars Fellowship 2.0: Overview
The following table summarises the key details of the fellowship.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | SHAKTI Scholars: NCW’s Young Thinkers Research Fellowship Programme 2.0 |
| Organisation | National Commission for Women (NCW) |
| Fellowship Duration | 6 months |
| Research Focus | Women-centric research and policy-related issues |
| Grant Amount | ₹1,00,000 |
| Application Start Date | 15-Oct-26 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30-Oct-26 |
| Application Form | Annexure I |
| Research Proposal Length | 1,500–2,000 words |
| Selection Authority | Expert Committee constituted by NCW |
What Is the SHAKTI Scholars Fellowship?
Candidates must remember that the SHAKTI Scholars Fellowship 2.0 is a short-term research initiative of the National Commission for Women. It encourages young scholars and researchers to examine issues affecting women across different social, economic, and cultural settings.
Through this programme, NCW seeks to promote research that supports policy formulation, strengthens academic engagement, and contributes to discussions on women’s rights and empowerment.
NCW asks candidates to propose a focused research topic, explain their methodology, and demonstrate how their findings could contribute to a better understanding of the issue being studied.
Research Areas Under SHAKTI Scholars Fellowship 2.0
Applicants can propose research on women-centric topics across different disciplines. The notification identifies the following indicative areas:
- Women in leadership and political participation: Women’s representation in leadership, decision-making and politics.
- Regional development and grassroots leadership: Women’s participation in local governance and regional development.
- Health and nutrition: Issues affecting women’s health, nutrition and well-being.
- Education and skill development: Access to education, skill development and inclusive social growth.
- Legal rights and access to justice: Challenges women face in accessing legal remedies and justice.
- Cyber safety and digital inclusion: Online safety, access to digital services and women’s participation in the digital environment.
- Climate action and environmental sustainability: Women’s roles and experiences in climate action, environmental protection and resilience.
- Socio-cultural practices affecting women: The impact of social and cultural practices on women’s rights and opportunities.
- Work-life balance: Challenges associated with balancing professional responsibilities and personal life.
These themes are indicative rather than exhaustive. Applicants should select a topic that addresses a clearly defined issue affecting women and is suitable for research within the six-month fellowship period.
SHAKTI Scholars Fellowship 2.0: Eligibility Criteria
According to the notification, applicants must meet the following conditions:
| Eligibility Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | The fellowship is open to Indian citizens. |
| Age Limit | Applicants must be between 21 and 30 years of age at the time of application. |
| Research Topic | The proposed study must focus on a women-centric issue. |
| Research Proposal | Applicants must submit a structured proposal of 1,500–2,000 words. |
Candidates should read the complete notification and application form to confirm the applicable academic and documentary requirements before submitting an application.
Grant Amount and Payment Stages
Selected fellows will receive a total grant of ₹1,00,000. The amount is released in stages linked to research progress and the submission of specified deliverables.
| Stage | Grant Percentage | Amount | Key Deliverables |
|---|---|---|---|
| First stage | 30% | ₹30,000 | Confirmation of selection, acceptance letter, undertaking and finalised research proposal, methodology and work plan |
| Second stage | 30% | ₹30,000 | Research progress and the required research tools and supporting deliverables, as specified by NCW |
| Third stage | 40% | ₹40,000 | Final research deliverables, presentation and report submission, acceptance by NCW and supporting bills or vouchers, as applicable |
| Total | 100% | ₹1,00,000 |
The release of each instalment depends on meeting the applicable requirements. Fellows should maintain their research records and submit the required reports and supporting documents within the prescribed timelines.
How to Prepare the Research Proposal
The research proposal is a central part of the application. The notification specifies a length of 1,500–2,000 words and requires applicants to explain the proposed study clearly.
The proposal should cover the following elements:
- Research topic: Identify a specific issue affecting women.
- Research objectives and questions: Explain what the study aims to examine and the questions it will address.
- Rationale and originality: Describe why the topic is important and what makes the proposed study distinct.
- Research methodology: Explain the proposed approach, including the sample size, selection criteria, data sources, research tools, and analytical techniques.
- Data collection: Identify whether the study will use primary data, secondary data or both.
- Work plan: Set out a realistic schedule for completing the research within six months.
Applicants should ensure that their proposed methods are appropriate for the research question and that the project can be completed within the fellowship period.
Selection Process
An Expert Committee constituted by the National Commission for Women will review applications. The notification identifies the following factors for evaluating proposals:
- Relevance of the research to issues concerning women.
- Originality and innovation of the proposed topic.
- Clarity and suitability of the research methodology.
- Potential social or policy impact of the study.
Candidates may also be invited for an interview as part of the selection process.
SHAKTI Scholars Fellowship 2.0 selection is not based only on the topic chosen. Applicants should explain the problem they intend to study, how they plan to investigate it, and how the findings could be useful.
Research Progress and Deliverables
Selected fellows must complete the assigned research work and meet NCW’s reporting requirements during the six-month fellowship period.
Fellows are required to submit monthly progress reports documenting their research activities. These may cover the literature review, research methodology, development of research tools, data collection, and preliminary findings.
Fellows must also present their work at different stages of the research, including the completion of the pilot study, submission of the interim report, and final research report. The final report will be evaluated by external experts.
If the expert panel recommends revisions to the report or presentation, fellows must make the necessary changes as directed.
Important Terms and Conditions
Applicants should review the fellowship conditions carefully before applying.
- Non-transferable fellowship: The selected fellow must carry out the research personally. The fellowship cannot be transferred or delegated to another person or institution.
- Progress requirements: The fellowship may be discontinued if research progress is found unsatisfactory. The notification states that the full amount must be refunded in such cases.
- Intellectual property rights: Intellectual property rights in the research belong to NCW. Publication or other use of the report is subject to the permission requirements stated in the notification.
- Plagiarism and originality: Applicants should ensure that their proposals and research outputs are original and comply with the Commission’s academic requirements.
- Complete application: Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline may be rejected.
- Final selection: NCW is not obligated to accept every proposal and reserves the rights described in the notification regarding selection.
Candidates should read the complete terms and conditions to understand their responsibilities before accepting the fellowship.
Documents and Application Preparation
Before submitting the SHAKTI Scholars Fellowship 2.0 application, candidates should prepare the prescribed application form and supporting materials. The application instructions refer to documents such as academic certificates, a curriculum vitae, and the research proposal.
Applicants should also ensure that the proposal contains all required sections and that the information in the application form is accurate. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
How to Apply for SHAKTI Scholars Fellowship 2.0
The application period runs from 15 October to 30 October 2026.
Candidates should follow these steps:
- Read the official SHAKTI Scholars Fellowship 2.0 notification and its terms and conditions.
- Complete the application form provided as Annexure I.
- Prepare a research proposal of 1,500–2,000 words on a women-centric topic.
- Gather the supporting documents required by the application instructions.
- Review the form and proposal to ensure that all required information is included.
- Submit the application using the method and instructions specified in the official notification before the deadline.
- Website: https://www.ncw.gov.in/
The notification refers to the prescribed application form and requires the programme name to be included in the email subject line where applicable. The supplied draft lists shakti.new@gmail.com as the submission email. Applicants should verify the submission address and procedure against the official notification before sending their documents.
SHAKTI Scholars Fellowship 2.0: Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 14-Oct-26 |
| Application Start Date | 15-Oct-26 |
| Application Deadline | 30-Oct-26 |
Applications received after the deadline or found incomplete may be rejected. Candidates should allow sufficient time to prepare their proposal and supporting documents.
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Conclusion
The SHAKTI Scholars Fellowship 2.0 offers young researchers an opportunity to study issues affecting women and contribute to research that may inform social and policy discussions. Interested candidates should choose a focused research topic, prepare a clear methodology, and review the fellowship’s reporting and grant conditions. The application deadline is 30 October 2026. Applicants should confirm the final submission procedure and required documents through the official NCW notification before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the SHAKTI Scholars Fellowship 2.0?
The National Commission for Women launched this research fellowship programme to encourage research on issues affecting women in India.
2. What is the fellowship amount?
The total grant is ₹1,00,000, released in stages according to research deliverables and the conditions specified by NCW.
3. What is the duration of the fellowship?
The fellowship is for six months. Candidates should note this duration, and no further extension is possible.
4. What is the age limit for applicants?
Applicants must be between 21 and 30 years of age at the time of application, according to the notification.
5. How long should the research proposal be?
The proposal must be between 1,500 and 2,000 words and should explain the topic, objectives, research questions, rationale, and methodology.
6. How are fellows selected?
An Expert Committee constituted by NCW reviews proposals based on their relevance to women-related issues, originality, methodology, and potential social or policy impact. Candidates may be invited for an interview.
7. What is the last date to apply?
The application deadline is 30 October 2026.