Flagship Program
The Democracy Fellowship
An output-oriented online fellowship nurturing young policy researchers aged 18–22. Apply to join 30 fellows in intensive courses on policy, governance, and social change.
About The Democracy Fellowship
Democracy Fellowship is CRF's flagship program designed to nurture the next generation of policy researchers. Each cohort brings together 30 young people aged 18–22 from across India for an intensive, fully online fellowship experience.
Unlike traditional fellowships that focus solely on learning, ours is output-oriented. Every workshop produces a tangible deliverable—a policy brief, research report, or analytical article—that gets published on the CRF platform.
Fellows gain not just knowledge, but a portfolio of published work and membership in a national peer community that extends beyond the fellowship period.
Curriculum
Eight intensive courses, each with two sessions, covering critical areas of policy research and public engagement.
Politics of Labour
Understanding labor markets, worker rights, and employment policy in India.
Health and Climate Change
Exploring the intersection of public health and environmental policy.
Illustrating Social Problems
Visual storytelling techniques for communicating policy issues.
Understanding Social Movements
Analysis of collective action and civil society in democratic contexts.
Consulting for a Cause
Applying consulting frameworks to social sector challenges.
AI and Social Change
Technology policy, algorithmic governance, and digital transformation.
Lawyering for Justice
Legal frameworks, rights-based approaches, and access to justice.
Policy Communication
Writing and presenting policy research for diverse audiences.
Fellowship Outputs
Every course produces published work. Fellows graduate with a portfolio of research contributions.
Policy Briefs
Research Reports
Articles
Beyond the Fellowship
The Democracy Fellowship doesn't end with the final session. Fellows join a national peer community with continued mentorship, networking opportunities, and pathways to further engagement with CRF's work.
Continued Mentorship
Fellows receive ongoing guidance from CRF researchers and domain experts as they develop their policy research careers.
National Peer Network
Connect with fellow alumni across India, share opportunities, and collaborate on future research projects.