Goonj Setu Fellowship 2025–2026: A Transformational Year Of Learning And Leadership -

About the Goonj Setu Fellowship

The Goonj Setu Fellowship 2025–2026 is a year-long, immersive leadership program designed for young Indians passionate about driving change at the grassroots level. Rooted in Goonj’s 25+ years of community-led development, the fellowship enables participants to deeply engage with underserved communities across rural and urban India.

Running from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026, the fellowship focuses on practical problem-solving, systems thinking, and civic action. Fellows explore critical issues like menstrual health, education, livelihoods, environmental resilience, disaster relief, and community development.

This is not merely a fellowship—it’s a powerful opportunity to challenge personal beliefs, rethink development, and grow into a purpose-driven leader.

Eligible Fields

The Goonj Setu Fellowship invites individuals from a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds. Although a specific academic field is not required, applicants who have experience, interest, or curiosity in the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply:

Social work and development studies

Environmental sciences and climate action
Education and youth development
Public health and hygiene (especially menstrual health)

Rural development and sustainability
Civic engagement and governance
Disaster management and humanitarian relief

Communications, storytelling, or digital advocacy in social contexts

Whether you’re from the humanities, sciences, or professional disciplines, what matters most is your willingness to learn, serve, and lead.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Goonj Setu Fellowship 2025–2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Age: Must be between 21 and 30 years old as of July 31, 2025
Education: Must have completed an undergraduate degree by July 31, 2025
Language Proficiency: Basic understanding of either English or Hindi is necessary

Technical Skills: Comfortable with using digital tools and basic computer applications
Motivation: Demonstrated passion for social change, equity, and grassroots innovation

Ideal candidates are empathetic, resilient, eager to step out of their comfort zones, and committed to learning through community engagement.

Selection Criteria

The selection process is holistic and values authenticity and intent over polished resumes. Applicants are evaluated based on:

Clarity of Purpose: Why you want to join the fellowship and how it aligns with your goals
Community Orientation: Past experiences or interest in working with underserved populations

Adaptability: Openness to uncertainty, discomfort, and new perspectives
Critical Thinking: Ability to engage with complex issues and think beyond surface-level solutions
Communication Skills: Expressive, thoughtful responses in written and verbal interactions

Selection Stages:

Online Application – Submit your form thoughtfully. AI-generated responses are strictly discouraged.
Assessment & Interview – Shortlisted candidates attend a one-day evaluation and interview at a nearby Goonj office.

Final Selection – Selected fellows receive their offer letters and attend a pre-fellowship orientation session.

Eligible Countries

The Goonj Setu Fellowship 2025–2026 is open only to Indian citizens. Applicants must either be currently residing in India or be willing to relocate for the duration of the fellowship.

International applicants or non-Indian citizens are not eligible at this time, as the fellowship is specifically designed to address grassroots development challenges within India.

Documents Required

To complete your application for the Goonj Setu Fellowship, you will need:

A scanned copy of your valid government-issued ID (Aadhaar, PAN, or passport)
A recent passport-sized photograph

A copy of your undergraduate degree certificate or provisional degree
Updated resume or CV
Reflective responses to a set of application questions (to be answered without AI assistance)

These documents help the selection team better understand your background, values, and alignment with Goonj’s mission.

Benefits of the Goonj Setu Fellowship

The Goonj Setu Fellowship 2025–2026 offers much more than professional development—it’s a year of transformative growth. Key benefits include:

Real-World Learning: Work hands-on in diverse communities tackling real challenges

Leadership Development: Receive training in communication, project management, and systems thinking
Network Expansion: Collaborate with changemakers, grassroots leaders, and social impact professionals
Mentorship & Support: Engage in peer-to-peer learning and receive guidance from experienced facilitators

Exposure Visits: Participate in ecosystem learning visits and joint initiatives with partner organizations
Personal Projects: Lead individual or group-based projects aligned with your interests and community needs
Stipend & Logistics Support: While specific financial details are not published, basic living and travel expenses related to the fellowship are supported

Above all, the fellowship gives you the platform to explore your sense of purpose and be part of a cohort dedicated to inclusive change.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply for the Goonj Setu Fellowship 2025–2026 by completing the online application.

Application Steps:

Visit the official Goonj Fellowship page
Fill out the application form with honest, reflective responses
Upload all required documents

Submit before the deadline

Important Note: Avoid using AI-generated answers. Goonj values sincerity and lived experience over perfection.

Final Thoughts

The Goonj Setu Fellowship 2025–2026 is not for those seeking a traditional career boost—it’s for those willing to invest a year in unlearning, reimagining, and rebuilding. If you’re ready to immerse yourself in grassroots India, challenge your worldview, and work on real solutions that matter, this fellowship is your call to action.