lok nayak rural fellowship
Lok Nayak Rural Fellowship 2026–27
The Lok Nayak Rural Fellowship (LNRF) is a year-long grassroots engagement and policy research program launched by the Samaira Policy Research Institute (SPRI), inspired by Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan’s ideals of participatory democracy and rural reconstruction. It immerses young scholars in the functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), enabling them to work directly with elected representatives, study governance processes, and contribute to local development through applied policy research. The Fellowship aims to create a new generation of policy professionals grounded in the realities of rural India, combining field immersion with academic research. Its objectives are: To expose fellows to the functioning of local governance systems and participatory planning. To enhance capacity in grassroots policy research and evidence-based decision-making. To promote documentation of best practices and innovations in rural governance. To generate actionable insights for national and state-level rural policy frameworks.
Two Fellows for the year 2026-27
Online Applications : 20 Feb 2026
Application Deadline: 1 Mar 2026
Discover The Fellowship
The LNRF seeks to
- Conduct evidence-based research on Panchayati Raj Institutions and rural governance.
- Enable field-based policy learning with local bodies and legislators.
- Develop actionable frameworks for participatory and inclusive rural development.
- Build a network of policy researchers and practitioners grounded in grassroots experience.
Areas of Research
- Panchayat Governance and Decentralization
- Local Finance and Rural Infrastructure
- Social Justice and Gender Inclusion in PRIs
- Climate Change and Rural Livelihoods
- Education, Health, and Local Service Delivery
- Digital Governance and Data for Rural
Development - Participatory Engagement Planning and
Citizen
FELLOWSHIP STRUCTURE
The Fellowship is structured into three integrated components:
1. Field Immersion (Primary Component) Fellows are placed in rural areas and attached to Panchayati Raj Institutions, where they:
- Observe and document governance processes
- Work with elected representatives and local officials
- Attend Gram Sabha and Panchayat meetings
- Engage with community members and civil society actors
2. Applied Policy Research Each Fellow undertakes structured policy research on themes such as:
- Rural development and livelihoods
- Local governance and decentralisation
- Health, education, nutrition, and sanitation
- Gender, social justice, and inclusion
- Climate resilience and sustainable rural planning
Research outputs include policy briefs, field reports, and working papers under faculty mentorship.
3. Capacity Building & Mentorship Fellows receive continuous academic and professional support through:
- Research methodology workshops
- Policy writing and communication training
- Ethics, leadership, and public service modules
- One-on-one mentorship from SPRI faculty and practitioners
STRUCTURE
| Phase | Duration | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
Orientation & Training |
1 Months |
Induction at SPRI, Dehradun – workshops, methods, and rural exposure |
Field Immersion |
6 Months |
Placement with elected representatives in Panchayats to support locals |
Thematic Policy Research |
3 Months |
Research on rural livelihoods, inclusion, governance, or cooperatives |
Reporting & Policy Dialogue |
2 Months |
Presentation at Lok Nayak Policy Dialogue and submission of final repo |
Eligibility Criteria -
- Educational Qualification: Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution in India or abroad. Candidates from all disciplines are eligible. Final-year undergraduate students may apply, provided they submit proof of degree completion before the Fellowship commencement.
- Age Criteria: Preferred age range: 21 to 30 years at the time of commencement of the Fellowship. Candidates outside this range may be considered on a case-bycase basis if they demonstrate strong motivation, relevant experience, or exceptional merit.
- Citizenship: The Fellowship is open to Indian citizens.. Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) may apply subject to, Compliance with applicable fieldwork, residency, and legal requirements Willingness to work in rural India for the full duration.
- Language & Communication: Working knowledge of English is required for research, reporting, and training components.Knowledge of Hindi and/or regional languages will be considereda strong advantage for field engagement.
Selection Process -1
The selection to the Lok Nayak Rural Fellowship (LNRF) shall be conducted through a multi-stage, merit-based process designed to assess candidates’ understanding of India, policy aptitude, analytical ability, and suitability for grassroots governance work,
Stage I: Written Examination (Total: 200 Marks)
The written examination shall be conducted offline (pen-and-paper mode) at the following centres: New Delhi Dehradun | Shimla | Alwar | Gwalior | Darjeeling | Mumbai | Kolkata | Bangalore Chennai Kochi Candidates must appear at any one centre of their choice.
Paper I: Understanding India
- Marks: 100
- Type: Objective (MCQ-based)
- Duration: 1.5 Hours
This paper is designed to test a candidate’s foundational understanding of India and its social, institutional, and economic structures.
Indicative Areas:
- Indian History (ancient, medieval, modern)
- Indian Geography (physical, economic, human geography)
- Indian Society and Sociology Indian Legal and Constitutional System
- Indian Economic System and Development
Qualifying Rule:
- Candidates must secure a minimum of 50% marks (50 out of 100) in Paper I to be eligible for evaluation of Paper II.
- Candidates failing to meet this threshold shall be disqualified from further stages of the selection process.
Selection Process -2
Paper II: Indian Policy and Political Apparatus
- Marks: 100
- Type: Descriptive (Essay-based)
- Duration: 3 Hours
This paper assesses analytical ability, policy understanding, clarity of thought, and written expression.
Structure:
- Total Questions: 5 (10 question will be given, any 5 can be answered)
- Marks per Question: 20
- Candidates must attempt all five questions
Indicative Themes:
- Indian public policy formulation and implementation
- Political institutions and governance frameworks
- Panchayati Raj Institutions and decentralisation Centre-State relations
- Contemporary policy challenges and reforms
Evaluation Rule:
- Paper II shall be evaluated only for those candidates who qualify Paper l.
Written Examination Qualification Criteria
- Candidates must secure:
- t least 50% marks in Paper I, and
- An aggregate of 50% marks across Paper I and Paper II combined (i.e, minimum 100 out of 200 marks)
Only candidates meeting both conditions shall be shortlisted for the Interview stage.
Selection Process -3
Stage II: Online Interview (Total: 50 Marks)
Shortlisted candidates shall be invited for an online interview, conducted by a duly constituted Selection Panel. Interview Assessment Areas:
- Motivation for rural governance and public service
- Understanding of grassroots issues
- Policy orientation and ethical reasoning
- Communication skills and clarity of purpose Overall suitability for the Fellowship
Final Merit List & Selection
Total Marks Considered:
- Written Examination: 200 marks
- Interview: 50 marks
- Grand Total: 250 marks
A final merit list shall be prepared based on the combined score of.
- Written Examination (Papers I & II), and
- Interview
Number of Fellows to be Selected:
- Two (2) candidates only
In case of a tie, preference may be given to:
- Higher marks in Paper I|
- Interview performance
- Demonstrated commitment to rural or public service (as assessed by the Panel
Final Authority
The decision of the Samaira Policy Research Institute regarding eligibility,
examination conduct, evaluation, interview, and final selection shall be final and
binding.
Application & Selection Schedule-
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
Release of Official Notification & Prospectus. |
15 Feb 2026 |
Opening of Online Applications. |
20 Feb 2026 |
Last Date for Submission of Applications |
1 March 2026 (11:59 PM IST) |
Issue of Admit Cards for Written Examination. |
10 March 2026 |
Written Examination (Paper I & Paper II) |
22 March 2026 (Sunday) |
Publication of Written Exam Results. |
5 April 2026 |
Online Interviews of Shortlisted Candidates. |
10-13 April 2026 |
Declaration of Final Merit List |
25 April 2026 |
Offer Letters Issued |
28 April 2026 |
Commencement of Fellowship |
10 May 2026 |