The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, along with IIM Bangalore, has started a program called the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship for the year 2025. It is a 2-year program for young people who are between 21 to 30 years old and have finished their graduation. This program aims to improve skill training and job-related planning in districts across India.
- Fellows will attend classes at IIMs to learn about public policy, planning, and management.
- They will also work in a district, helping the local team to plan and run a training program that helps people get better jobs.
- Fellows will help create District Skill Development Plans and support District Skill Committees, so that skill training matches the needs of local people and industries.
In short, MGNF helps young people learn and work to make a real change in local communities.
About the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship
The Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship 2025 is a prestigious initiative for undergraduates and postgraduates who are passionate about public service and development.
The Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend of 50,000 during the first year, which will increase to 60,000 per month in the second year. Throughout the two-year program, fellows will work on strengthening skill development initiatives and promoting economic growth.
On a successful completion of the fellowship, the participants will receive a badge and a Certificate in Public Policy and Management. If you are interested in this program, then make sure to meet the eligibility criteria and apply before the due date.
Please note: The last date to apply was March 27, 2025, so make sure to stay updated for future opportunities if you missed this cycle.
The objective of the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship launched the MGNF program to strengthen how skill development is managed at the district level, especially by supporting District Skill Committees.
As part of this program, fellows will take part in classroom sessions at IIMs and also spend time working directly in the districts. This mix of learning and fieldwork helps them gain both academic knowledge and practical experience. The fellows will help to create District Skill Development Plans and support local committees in planning and managing skill development activities more effectively. It’s a hands-on opportunity to bring real change to local communities while building your own skills in policy and management
Gandhi National Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- The student should be a permanent citizen of India.
- Applicant age should be between 21 to 30 years old.
- You should have at least 2–3 years of work experience in any field.
- preference will be given to those students who are fluent in the local language
Benefits of the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship MGNF
- Candidates will get a 5a 0k to 60k stipend per month.
- Fellows attend classroom sessions at prestigious Indian Institutes of Management, which will help them gain strong academic and policy knowledge.
- The fellowship allows the students to work closely with local governments and communities.
- Applicants will be awarded a Certificate in Public Policy and Management from the partnering IIM.
- Fellows get the chance to take part in strengthening skill development initiatives at the baby level, which directly impact local livelihoods and economic growth.
- The blend of academic learning and real-world challenges helps fellows build leadership, problem-solving, and policy implementation skills.
Selection Process
- Online Test
The applicant will first take an online test that includes multiple-choice questions.
- Group Discussion (GD)
This is designed to evaluate how suitable you are for this fellowship
- Personal Interview (PI)
Your overall personality and communication style will be examined in this area, for example.
What motivates you
Your commitment to rural development and public service
Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship Application Process
- Check Eligibility
Make sure you meet the basic eligibility criteria, which are mentioned above.
- Register Online
Go to the official website and complete the registration form with your personal details, educational background, and work experience, and click submit.
- Fill Out the Application Form
Complete login information after registration.
- Upload Documents
Attach all required documents, Degree certificates, Work experience letters, ID card, etc.
- Pay the Application Fee (if applicable)
Some cycles may require a small non-refundable application fee. Pay securely online via net banking, credit/debit card, or other accepted methods.
- Appear for the Online Test
Once your application is accepted, you’ll receive login credentials and test scheduling details. Prepare for an online exam.
- Attend Group Discussion & Personal Interview
As mentioned above, they will examine your personality and give results based on that.
- Admission & Fellowship Letter
Final results are announced after all stages. Successful candidates receive an official fellowship offer letter with details about stipend, start date, and program orientation.
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Login
- Go to the official website.
- Find the “Login” button and click on it.
- Enter Your Credentials
- After entering your details, click on the “Login” button to access your application dashboard and proceed with the next steps.
Important Dates
| Detail | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline (most sources) | March 27, 2025 |
| Alternative reported deadline | March 31, 2025 |
FAQs
- What is the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MGNF)?
MGNF is a two-year certificate program in Public Policy and Management offered by select IIMs, in partnership with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE). Fellows work with district administrations to support skill development and local planning while undergoing academic training at IIMs.
- Who conducts the program?
The program is implemented by:
- The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
- Academic partners: IIM Bangalore, IIM Udaipur, and others
- What is the objective of the fellowship?
To strengthen skill planning and delivery at the district level by placing trained individuals (fellows) to support district skill committees (DSCs).
- Who can apply?
- Indian citizens aged 21–30 years
- Must have a graduate degree in any discipline
- Work experience (preferably 1–3 years) in development, policy, education, or related fields is an advantage.e
- Must be proficient in the local language of the placement state
- Is there an entrance exam?
Yes. The selection process includes:
- Entrance Test (based on General Knowledge, Quant, Logical Reasoning, English)
- Language Proficiency Test
- Case Writing
- Personal Interview
- Is this a full-time program?
Yes. It requires full-time commitment and relocation to the assigned district for field immersion, along with periodic academic modules at IIMs.
- What is the duration of the fellowship?
24 months (2 years), split between academic instruction and district-level fieldwork.
- Is there any fee to apply?
Yes. A nominal application fee (typically ₹500–1,500) is charged. Check the official notification for the exact amount.
- What is the stipend offered?
- ₹50,000 per month total
- ₹33,000 paid monthly
- ₹17,000 held as a performance-linked incentive, released upon successful completion
Note: Earlier cycles had ₹24,500/month; the 2025 update offers ₹50,000 total monthly support.
- Is there job assurance after completion?
No. This is not a placement-based program. However, fellows often secure roles in:
- Government consulting
- Policy think tanks
- NGOs and CSR
- International development agencies
- Public administration fellowships
- What kind of work will I do in the district?
Fellows:
- Support District Skill Committees
- Conduct skill gap analyses
- Design and implement local skilling initiatives
- Work with district officials, NGOs, and training providers
- What is the academic structure?
Fellows attend 3–4 on-campus modules at IIMs throughout the two years, with field assignments and projects running in parallel.
- Can I choose the district/state where I’ll be placed?
No. Allocation is done by the MSDE and program coordinators based on:
- Language proficiency
- Need
- Background
- What documents are needed to apply?
- Photo, ID proof
- 10th, 12th, Graduation mark sheets
- Resume/CV
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- References (2 preferred)
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of work experience (if applicable)
- Where can I apply?
You can apply via the official portal:
🔗 https://www.nimisankalp.in
16. What is the last date to apply?
March 27, 2025, is the last date to apply.