Acumen India Fellowship
Acumen India · All India
| Scheme Name | Acumen India Fellowship |
| Provided By | Acumen India |
| Eligibility Summary | Professional · No income limit |
Status check
The previous application cycle (2025–26) closed on 31 October 2026. The upcoming 2026–27 cycle is expected to open soon. We will update the links here as soon as the official notification is released.
View active scholarships you can apply for today →About the Program
The India Acumen Fellowship is a transformative, cohort-based leadership program designed for extraordinary individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset committed to solving problems of poverty and injustice in India. The program brings together social entrepreneurs and senior decision-makers to develop moral leadership skills and build scalable solutions.
Benefits & Financial Support
₹10.0 Lakh+
The Acumen India Fellowship is fully funded for selected Fellow candidates. It covers all program-related expenses, including costs associated with the in-person immersives such as lodging and food. Reimbursements for travel to immersives may also be available for participants. The fellowship does not provide any direct funding, cash stipends, or additional financial benefits beyond covering these program costs.
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Fully funded program covering all expenses
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access to global alumni network of 1800+ peers
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specialized tools and exclusive coaching from Bain and Company
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community of award-winning social entrepreneurs
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exposure to investors and industry leaders
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early-stage funding opportunities through Acumen Angels
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mentorship and resources for building and scaling organizations
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Professional |
| Course / Stream | Relevant courses |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | General |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Application form
- ✓work experience documentation
- ✓commitment statement towards poverty alleviation
Selection Process
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Candidates are selected based on their profile as social entrepreneurs or senior decision-makers who are actively scaling solutions to problems of poverty in India
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Applicants must have a minimum of five years of work experience, with successful candidates typically demonstrating 10-15 years of experience, and a proven commitment to solving issues of poverty
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They should possess an entrepreneurial mindset, strong leadership potential, and the ability to scale sustainable solutions
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The program prioritizes applications from underrepresented groups, including women and gender-diverse leaders, leaders of for-profit organizations, and rural leaders
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The selection process involves reading an Applicant Toolkit, submitting a detailed online application, and participating in a virtual Selection Conference if shortlisted
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The fellowship targets individuals aged 18-45 years.
Renewal Policy
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The Acumen India Fellowship is a 7-month (or 6-month, depending on the source) hybrid leadership program and is not annually renewable
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It is a one-time transformative experience
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Upon successful completion of the program, Fellows join the Foundry, Acumen's global community of over 2,000 social innovators, which provides ongoing access to tools, coaching, community, and opportunities for catalytic funding.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Read the Applicant Toolkit
Before starting your application, carefully review the Applicant Toolkit, which provides detailed information about the program and helps prepare your application. (The toolkit link is typically provided on the official fellowship page when applications are open).
- 2Submit Your Online Application
Complete and submit the online application form within the specified application window. This form is designed to understand your organization, your impact, and your readiness for the fellowship.
- 3Join the Selection Conference
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a virtual Selection Conference. For the 2026-2027 cycle, this is scheduled for January 15-16, 2027.
- 4Start the Fellowship
If selected, you will be notified, and the Fellowship journey will begin. For the 2026-2027 cycle, the program is scheduled to run from March 2027 to October 2027.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Is the Acumen India Fellowship fully funded?
Yes, the Acumen India Fellowship is fully funded for all selected Fellow candidates. This covers all program-related expenses, including the costs of in-person immersives, lodging, and food. Reimbursements for travel to these immersives may also be available. However, no additional stipends or direct financial benefits are provided.
Can I continue working in my current role during the Fellowship?
Yes, the Acumen India Fellowship is specifically designed as a hybrid program to accommodate working professionals. It consists of virtual sessions, in-person immersives, and self-paced learning, allowing Fellows to remain in their current jobs and continue their impactful work while participating in the program.
What is the duration of the Fellowship, and what happens after its completion?
The Acumen India Fellowship is a 7-month (or 6-month, depending on the source) hybrid leadership development program. Upon successful completion, Fellows become part of Acumen's global alumni network, known as the Foundry, which connects them with over 2,000 social innovators worldwide and provides ongoing access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities for catalytic funding.
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Legal Disclaimer
IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Acumen India website before final submission.