Chanakya Fellowship in Social Sciences

Beyond Fellowship,
A Journey of Impact

Transforming policy is not just about crafting good ideas, it’s about navigating complexity with clarity, courage, and conviction. The Chanakya Fellowship is designed to build exactly that kind of leadership. We train a new generation of public leaders who think systemically, engage ethically, and act decisively. We provide space to combine intellectual depth with real-world application. Anchored in India and open to the world, the Fellowship nurtures individuals who are curious about the “why” and courageous about the “how”, ready to shape governance, public systems, and institutional change from within.

A rigorously designed curriculum that bridges social science foundations with hands-on policy and research experience

Interdisciplinary Design
Theory to Practice
Policy in Action
Deep Mentorship
Leadership & Innovation

Whether you’re seeking a career in public policy, academia, research, or consulting, development sector, or even preparing for civil services, the Chanakya Fellowship in Social Sciences (CFSS) serves as your launchpad into these transformative spaces.

This unique blend enhances employability and empowers fellows to take on high-impact roles with confidence and clarity.

At CFSS, fellows are equipped with:

  • Rigorous academic training rooted in real-world challenges
  • Hands-on field exposure and research opportunities
  • Mentorship by leading practitioners and academics
  • Market-ready skills in analysis, communication, and problem-solving

Our alumni have gone on to work with leading institutions across sectors, including:

  • KPMG
  • Sattva Consulting
  • NIAS
  • Observer Research Foundation
  • Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy
  • Centre of Policy Research and Governance
  • ISB Hyderabad
  • JSW
  • IIM Shillong
  • Stimson
  • Lokniti
  • Centre for Public Policy Research

Join Us at Chanakya University

Chanakya University Global Campus
Bengaluru , Karnataka, India

Situated in the heart of Bengaluru’s innovation and policy ecosystem, our campus offers an immersive environment for academic and professional growth with access to strategic access to policymakers, non-profits, research institutions, and startups alike, ensuring Fellows are not siloed in classrooms but are immersed in India’s most dynamic public problem-solving ecosystem.

Ready to turn your curiosity into real-world change and build a career that matters?

Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis. Early Applicants will be at an advantage for admission and scholarships!