SHAKTI Scholars Young Research Fellowship
Why in news?
The National Commission for Women (NCW) launched the SHAKTI Scholars Young Research Fellowship in mid-December 2025 to promote policy research on women's issues in India. Recent coverage from December 21-24, 2025, highlights its objectives, eligibility, and application deadline of December 31, 2025.​
About Fellowship
- Organizer: National Commission for Women (NCW)
- Duration: 6 months
- Grant Amount: ₹1,00,000 (one‑time financial support)
- Target Group: Young Indian citizens aged 21–30 with at least a bachelor’s degree
- Deadline: Applications typically close on 31 December 2025 for the current cycle
Objectives
- Encourage policy‑focused research on women’s rights, safety, dignity, and empowerment
- Strengthen evidence‑based policymaking by bridging research with law, advocacy, and implementation
- Provide a national platform for young scholars to contribute to gender equality and social justice
Research Themes
- Women’s safety and dignity
- Gender‑based violence and access to justice
- Cybersecurity and online safety
- Implementation of POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) framework in workplaces
- Women’s leadership and political participation
- Health, nutrition, education, and skill development
- Economic empowerment and labour participation
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 21–30 years
- Education: Minimum bachelor’s degree (any discipline)
- Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen
- Proposal: Submission of a clear, innovative research proposal on women‑centric issues
Key Considerations & Risks
- Short duration: Six months may limit depth of research; applicants should design focused, achievable projects.
- Competitive selection: Fellowship is prestigious, so proposals must be innovative and policy‑relevant.
- Funding scope: ₹1 lakh is supportive but may not cover extensive fieldwork; scholars should plan budgets carefully.
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