Call for Applications: Raisina Young Fellows Programme 2026

Applications are open for the Raisina Young Fellows Programme 2026 — a fully funded leadership fellowship in New Delhi, India. Open to professionals aged 28–35 from politics, business, diplomacy, media, academia, and civil society. Deadline: November 3, 2025.

Empowering the Next Generation of Global Leaders

The Policy Center for the New South (PCNS) is pleased to announce the Call for Applications for the Raisina Young Fellows Programme 2026, organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

As part of PCNS’s mission to foster youth leadership and global dialogue, three members of the PCNS Youth Community will be selected to take part in this prestigious fellowship, which coincides with India’s leading conference on geopolitics and geo-economics — the Raisina Dialogue.

Programme Overview

Event: Raisina Young Fellows Programme 2026
Organizer: Observer Research Foundation (ORF), in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, India
Partners: Policy Center for the New South (PCNS) and Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI)
Location: New Delhi, India
Programme Dates: March 2–11, 2026
Raisina Dialogue Dates: March 5–7, 2026
Application Period: October 27 – November 3, 2025

About the Raisina Young Fellows Programme

The Raisina Young Fellows Programme is a highly selective international leadership and policy immersion initiative designed for emerging global changemakers aged 28–35.

The programme runs in conjunction with the Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier multilateral conference on geopolitics and geo-economics. It provides an opportunity for exceptional young leaders to engage in high-level discussions with policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, academics, and civil society representatives from around the world.

Through policy dialogues, cultural exchanges, and leadership workshops, the fellowship equips participants with practical insights into global governance, diplomacy, and strategic affairs — particularly with a focus on Asia’s role in shaping the 21st century.

Programme Highlights

Selected fellows will:

Participate in an immersive 10-day leadership and policy experience in New Delhi.
Attend the Raisina Dialogue 2026, a flagship global conference hosted by ORF and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
Engage directly with senior global leaders, including ministers, diplomats, CEOs, journalists, and academics.
Take part in policy simulation exercises, workshops, and high-level discussions on global issues.
Become members of a vibrant alumni network of over 2,000 professionals, including policymakers, business executives, and scholars worldwide.

This program is designed to strengthen leadership capacity, promote global cooperation, and empower fellows to become catalysts for change in their respective fields.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Raisina Young Fellows Programme 2026, applicants must:

Be aged 28 to 35 years old.
Demonstrate proven leadership and outstanding professional achievements.
Show a clear commitment to contributing to global and regional policy discussions.
Be working or involved in one of the following sectors:
- Politics or Public Policy
- Diplomacy or International Relations
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- Media and Journalism
- Civil Society or NGOs
- Academia or Research
Have proficiency in English (spoken and written).

Fellowship Benefits

Selected participants will receive a fully funded fellowship, which includes:

Round-trip economy airfare to New Delhi, India.
Accommodation, meals, and local transportation throughout the program.
Full participation in all official sessions, workshops, and Raisina Dialogue events.
Access to a global professional network and alumni mentorship opportunities.

This fellowship is fully funded, meaning selected fellows incur no participation costs.

How to Apply

Applications are open from October 27 to November 3, 2025.

Application Steps

Visit the official announcement on the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS) website.
Prepare a brief professional bio (max 250 words) highlighting leadership achievements and relevant work.
Include a statement of interest explaining how you will contribute to and benefit from the fellowship.
Submit your application through the PCNS Youth Community online portal by November 3, 2025 (11:59 PM).

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly by PCNS for further instructions and interviews.

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Why Apply?

The Raisina Young Fellows Programme is more than an academic or professional opportunity — it’s a platform for transformation. By joining, you’ll gain:

Firsthand exposure to high-level diplomatic and policy discussions.
Access to global thought leaders driving change in governance, business, and civil society.
Cross-cultural insights into geopolitics, development, and international collaboration.
A lifelong connection to a global alumni network that spans more than 100 countries.

This experience positions you to contribute meaningfully to global debates and advance your career in international leadership.

About the Organizers

Observer Research Foundation (ORF)

ORF is one of India’s leading think tanks, known globally for its research and convening power in international policy. It co-hosts the annual Raisina Dialogue, a high-level conference attended by heads of state, ministers, diplomats, and thought leaders.

Policy Center for the New South (PCNS)

Based in Morocco, PCNS promotes public policy dialogue and research focused on Africa’s role in global governance. Through its youth community initiatives, PCNS fosters leadership development and international collaboration.

Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI)

ISPI is Italy’s premier think tank specializing in global affairs, diplomacy, and policy education. It collaborates with PCNS and ORF to promote exchange programs for emerging leaders across regions.

Important Dates

Event	Date
Applications Open	October 27, 2025 (10:00 AM)
Applications Close	November 3, 2025 (11:59 PM)
Fellowship Dates	March 2–11, 2026
Raisina Dialogue	March 5–7, 2026

Contact Information

For inquiries, please contact:
📧 youth@policycenter.ma
🌐 https://www.policycenter.ma

For academic or program-related questions:
📧 info@orfonline.org
🌐 https://www.orfonline.org

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