The Goonj Setu Fellowship 2026 is a one-year immersive social development fellowship running from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, open to Indian graduates aged 20 to 30 with a basic understanding of English or Hindi and foundational technology skills. Offered by Goonj – a grassroots organisation with over 27 years of social innovation — the fellowship places urban youth across field locations spanning 27 states and Union Territories for hands-on engagement in menstrual health, education, environment, disaster response, and rural development. The last date to apply is 30 April 2026.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Social Development Leadership Fellowship |
| Organising Body | Goonj Foundation |
| Mode | Offline (Field Immersion across India) |
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Dates | 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 April 2026 |
About the Program
The Goonj Setu Fellowship 2026 is a purpose-driven annual program designed to immerse young urban leaders in India’s grassroots development ecosystem, combining field exposure, experiential learning, and structured leadership development across a cohort drawn from across the country. Fellows engage directly with Goonj’s wide-ranging social initiatives — spanning menstrual health, education, environment, disaster response, rural development, and urban community action — working alongside grassroots leaders and communities in diverse geographies across 27 states and Union Territories. Consequently, participants develop a grounded, first-hand understanding of development challenges while driving self-led projects aligned with their individual interests and professional goals. Furthermore, the fellowship’s curriculum — rooted in skill labs, cross-sectoral exposure, peer-to-peer learning, and personalised mentorship — positions it as a substantive one-year launchpad for impact-oriented young professionals seeking to contribute meaningfully to India’s development sector.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Must have graduated by 31 July 2026; final-year students on track to complete their degree are eligible
- Basic understanding of English or Hindi is required for effective participation
- Basic computer knowledge including MS Office and other standard tools is required
Experience & Other Conditions
- Applicants must be between 20 and 30 years of age as of 31 July 2026
- Must be Indian residents; the fellowship operates exclusively within India across 27 states and UTs
- Must demonstrate curiosity, an impact-oriented mindset, and readiness for full-time field immersion
Benefits & Funding
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Field Immersion | Hands-on placement across 27 states and Union Territories of India |
| Skill Labs | Workshops covering professional skills, reflections, and peer-to-peer learning |
| Mentorship | Personalised mentorship from Goonj’s experienced development practitioners |
| Cross-Sectoral Exposure | Engagement with development sector leaders working on diverse social issues |
| Self-Led Projects | Opportunity to design and lead projects aligned with personal interests |
| Ecosystem Access | Deep immersion in Goonj’s 27+ years of grassroots innovation and networks |
Topics / Themes Covered
- The Goonj Way: Deep dive into Goonj’s values, ethos, and development philosophy
- Practica: Rural India immersion and learning-by-doing with grassroots leaders and communities
- Ecosystem Exposure: Engagement with development sector innovators working across diverse social issues
- Participation and Action: Civic participation in development and climate action initiatives
- Skill Labs: Workshops, reflections, peer learning, and proactive skills development
- Self-Discovery through Projects: Purpose-finding through experiential and self-led project work
Selection Process
- Online application form submitted via the official Goonj Setu Fellowship portal before 30 April 2026
- Applicants are advised to reflect authentically on personal experiences; AI-generated responses are not accepted
- Shortlisted candidates are invited for a one-day assessment and panel interview at the nearest Goonj office
- Selected fellows receive a formal offer followed by an orientation program to integrate into the Goonj ecosystem
How to Apply
- Visit the official Goonj Setu Fellowship 2026 application portal.
- Complete the online application form, reflecting genuinely on your personal experiences, values, and motivation; avoid AI-generated responses.
- Demonstrate your interest in grassroots development, social impact, and experiential learning throughout your application.
- If shortlisted, attend the one-day assessment and panel interview at your nearest Goonj office.
- Submit your application before the 30 April 2026 deadline.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| All Applicants | N/A |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 30 April 2026 |
| Fellowship Start Date | 1 July 2026 |
| Fellowship End Date | 30 June 2027 |
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Website | Goonj Foundation Official Website |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Goonj Setu Fellowship 2026?
Indian graduates aged 20 to 30 as of 31 July 2026, with basic English or Hindi communication skills and foundational computer knowledge, are eligible; notably, applicants must be on track to complete their degree by July 2026.
What does the Goonj Setu Fellowship 2026 involve?
Fellows are immersed in Goonj’s grassroots development work across 27 states and Union Territories, engaging in field placements, skill labs, self-led projects, cross-sectoral ecosystem exposure, and personalised mentorship throughout the one-year program.
What is the selection process for the Goonj Setu Fellowship 2026?
Applicants first submit an online form with authentic personal reflections; shortlisted candidates attend a one-day assessment and panel interview at the nearest Goonj office, followed by a formal offer and orientation for selected fellows.
Can fellows choose their placement location?
Refer to the official Goonj Setu Fellowship FAQ section on the Goonj website for details on placement location preferences and assignment processes.
Are AI-generated application responses accepted?
No – Goonj explicitly requires applicants to reflect personally and authentically on their experiences; AI-generated responses are not accepted and may disqualify an application.