CBPS Opens Applications for 2026–2027 Research Fellowship Programme

The Centre for Budget and Policy Studies has opened applications for its 2026–2027 Research Fellowship Programme for early-career scholars interested in policy-focused research and social impact studies.

The fellowship programme is designed to support young researchers through mentorship, practical research experience, and exposure to major social and economic policy issues.

Originally launched in 2023 to mark the organisation’s 25th anniversary, the fellowship aims to build a new generation of researchers committed to addressing developmental challenges through evidence-based research.

According to CBPS, fellows will participate in interdisciplinary research projects across multiple policy areas while working closely with experienced researchers and mentors.

Research focus areas

Selected fellows will contribute to ongoing projects in areas including:

• Education
• Gender
• Governance
• Health and nutrition
• Public finance
• Livelihoods
• Social security

The organisation explained that fellows will be matched with research projects aligned with their academic interests and professional goals.

This approach is intended to help participants develop specialised expertise while also contributing meaningfully to policy discussions and social development research.

What fellows will gain

According to the organisers, the programme provides both academic and practical learning opportunities within a collaborative research environment.

Fellows will receive:

• Mentored research experience
• Guidance from experienced scholars
• Participation in seminars and workshops
• Exposure to public policy discussions
• Access to in-house research talks
• Opportunities for collaborative learning

Participants will also have access to office workspace, internet facilities, and research library resources during the fellowship period.

CBPS stated that fellows will actively participate in ongoing research projects while also exploring their individual research interests within broader programme themes.

Financial support

Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend of ₹25,000 throughout the programme.

The fellowship also includes access to research facilities and office resources.

However, the organisation clarified that additional financial support will not be provided for:

• Housing
• Transportation
• Personal expenses

Applicants are therefore encouraged to make proper personal financial arrangements before the start of the programme.

Who can apply

The fellowship is targeted at individuals in the early stages of their academic or research careers.

Eligible applicants include:

• Recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree
• Final-year undergraduate students
• Applicants from different academic disciplines
• Candidates with diverse research and methodological backgrounds

CBPS noted that the programme welcomes applicants from both quantitative and qualitative research backgrounds.

Commitment to inclusion

The organisation said it strongly encourages applications from historically underrepresented groups.

This includes individuals from:

• Marginalised socio-economic backgrounds
• Underrepresented castes and communities
• Gender minority groups
• Religious and linguistic minority communities
• First-generation learners

According to CBPS, the inclusion policy is aimed at ensuring diverse perspectives and experiences within the fellowship cohort.

Application requirements

Interested applicants are required to submit a complete application package containing the following documents:

• Statement of Purpose (maximum 1500 words)
• Curriculum Vitae or resume in MS Word format
• Two letters of reference

The Statement of Purpose should clearly explain:

• Research interests
• Motivation for applying
• Alignment with CBPS research areas

The organisers warned that incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted after the selection process.

Important dates

CBPS released the following timeline for the fellowship programme:

• Application deadline: May 31, 2026 before 11:59 PM
• Announcement of selected fellows: July 3, 2026
• Fellowship start date: August 1, 2026
• Fellowship end date: July 31, 2027

Why the fellowship matters

The CBPS Research Fellowship provides early-career researchers with the opportunity to gain real-world policy research experience while building long-term academic and professional networks.

Participants will also gain exposure to policy-relevant research capable of influencing discussions around governance, education, health, social protection, and economic development.

The organisation described the programme as an important pathway for young scholars interested in research, public policy, and social impact careers.

Interested applicants can find more details and application information on the official CBPS website www.cbps.in.