Raisina Young Fellows Programme 2027: Fully Funded International Leadership Programme in India for Young Leaders

The Raisina Young Fellows Programme 2027 is inviting applications from outstanding young leaders interested in international relations, geopolitics, diplomacy, economics, business, media, civil society and academia. Through a special call for applications, the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS) has reserved two fully funded places for members of its youth community to participate in the international programme in New Delhi, India.

Taking place from 11 to 20 March 2027, the programme brings together emerging leaders from different parts of the world to discuss contemporary political, economic and social challenges, with particular attention to Asia. Participants engage with senior political figures, business leaders and academics while developing international connections and gaining insights into global affairs.

The opportunity is part of a strategic partnership between the Policy Center for the New South, the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI). Through this partnership, participating institutions nominate promising individuals for each other’s programmes, encouraging cross-regional dialogue, professional exchange and shared learning.

Applications must be submitted by Monday, 2 November 2026. Eligible applicants should review the age requirements, professional background expectations, language requirements and availability conditions before applying.

Overview of the Raisina Young Fellows Programme 2027

• Programme name: Raisina Young Fellows Programme 2027
• Opportunity provider: Policy Center for the New South (PCNS), through its youth community
• Programme partners: Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI)
• Opportunity type: Fully funded international fellows’ programme
• Programme dates: 11–20 March 2027
• Location: New Delhi, India
• Number of funded places under this call: Two
• Application deadline: 2 November 2026
• Notification date for unsuccessful applicants: 23 November 2026
• Age requirement: 28–35 years
• Professional backgrounds: Politics, diplomacy, business, media, civil society and academia
• Language requirement: English proficiency
• Funding coverage: Round-trip economy airfare, accommodation, meals and in-country transportation
• Application route: Complete the application form provided by the Policy Center for the New South for this call.

The two funded places are specifically reserved for members of the PCNS youth community. Prospective applicants should therefore verify their eligibility under this particular call rather than assume that it is an unrestricted application opportunity open to everyone.

What Is the Raisina Young Fellows Programme?

The Raisina Young Fellows Programme is an international leadership and engagement initiative that brings together emerging leaders to examine major political, economic and social developments affecting the world.

The programme provides a platform for participants to exchange ideas, engage with experienced decision-makers and develop a broader understanding of international affairs. Its discussions place particular emphasis on Asia while encouraging engagement with global issues and perspectives.

Participants have opportunities to interact directly with senior figures from politics, business and academia. These engagements are intended to expose fellows to different perspectives on contemporary international challenges and help them develop the knowledge and professional relationships needed to contribute to global discussions.

The programme also connects participants with the Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics. The conference is co-hosted by the Observer Research Foundation and the Ministry of External Affairs of India.

As part of the programme, participants will be inducted as Raisina Young Fellows at the Raisina Dialogue. This provides an opportunity to become part of a wider community associated with international policy discussions and leadership engagement.

Following the programme, fellows join ORF’s alumni network, which includes more than 2,500 former participants in its governance programmes. According to the announcement, this network includes ministers, chief executive officers and political party leaders.

For emerging leaders seeking to strengthen their understanding of global affairs and expand their international networks, the programme offers a structured opportunity to engage with issues that cross national and regional boundaries.

Why the Raisina Young Fellows Programme Matters

Contemporary international challenges increasingly require cooperation among governments, businesses, researchers, civil society organisations and other institutions. Issues such as economic development, international security, diplomatic relations and political change cannot always be understood from the perspective of one country or profession.

The Raisina Young Fellows Programme creates a setting in which emerging leaders can exchange experiences and consider these challenges from different perspectives.

1. Exposure to international political and economic issues

Fellows participate in discussions about current political, economic and social developments, with a particular focus on Asia.

This exposure can help participants broaden their understanding of international affairs, examine the connections between regional and global developments, and engage with perspectives beyond their immediate professional environments.

For individuals working in diplomacy, government, business, media, academia or civil society, such engagement can provide useful context for their existing work.

2. Engagement with senior leaders and experts

The programme provides opportunities for direct engagement with senior political, business and academic figures.

These interactions can help fellows understand how experienced professionals approach international challenges, make decisions and participate in policy discussions.

Participants may also gain insights into the relationships between political institutions, economic interests, academic research and international cooperation.

3. Participation in the Raisina Dialogue

A central feature of the programme is the induction of participants as Raisina Young Fellows at the Raisina Dialogue.

The Dialogue is an international conference focused on geopolitics and geo-economics. Its connection to the fellowship places participants within a broader setting for discussion of international political and economic developments.

For young leaders seeking to contribute to international affairs, this provides an opportunity to engage with a prominent forum dedicated to global issues.

4. Access to an international alumni network

After completing the programme, fellows join ORF’s active alumni network of more than 2,500 former participants in its governance programmes.

The announcement notes that the network includes individuals who have served or are serving in senior positions, including ministers, CEOs and party leaders.

Being part of an international alumni community can help fellows maintain professional connections, exchange perspectives and remain engaged with discussions relating to governance and international affairs.

The announcement does not guarantee specific employment opportunities, individual mentorship arrangements or future funding through the alumni network. Applicants should therefore regard these connections as a potential professional benefit rather than a promise of particular career outcomes.

5. Cross-regional dialogue and shared learning

The partnership involving PCNS, ORF and ISPI is designed to promote dialogue and exchange among institutions and participants from different regions.

Through this approach, the programme encourages fellows to engage with different perspectives and contribute to discussions that extend beyond their national or professional contexts.

This feature may be particularly valuable for participants whose work involves international cooperation, diplomacy, regional development, public policy or cross-border relationships.

Fully Funded Benefits of the Raisina Young Fellows Programme 2027

Under this call, selected participants will receive support covering several major costs associated with participating in the programme in New Delhi.

1. Round-trip economy airfare

Selected fellows will receive round-trip economy airfare for travel associated with participation in the programme.

This support helps cover the cost of travelling to and returning from the programme location.

Applicants should consult the organisers for any additional information about travel arrangements, approved routes, booking procedures and required documentation.

2. Accommodation

The programme covers accommodation for selected participants.

This support reduces the need for fellows to independently arrange and finance accommodation for their participation in the programme.

The supplied announcement does not specify the type of accommodation, room arrangements or precise check-in and check-out conditions.

3. Meals

Meals are included in the stated funding package.

This is an important component of the support because participants will be attending a programme lasting ten calendar days, from 11 to 20 March 2027.

Applicants should check the organisers’ detailed information for clarification about the number of meals covered and whether meals outside scheduled programme activities are included.

4. In-country transportation

Selected fellows will receive support for transportation within the country during the programme.

This coverage is intended to help participants manage local transport requirements associated with their participation in India.

The announcement does not specify the precise transport arrangements or whether every personal journey outside the programme schedule will be covered.

5. A structured fellows’ programme

Selected participants will take part in a comprehensive fellows’ programme focused on engagement with international political, economic and social issues.

The programme brings together emerging leaders and provides opportunities to interact with senior figures from politics, business and academia.

6. Induction as Raisina Young Fellows

Participants will be inducted as Raisina Young Fellows at the Raisina Dialogue.

This connects fellows to the conference’s international setting and to the wider community of people who have participated in ORF governance programmes.

Important funding clarification: The supplied announcement confirms round-trip economy airfare, accommodation, meals and in-country transportation. It does not explicitly state whether visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses or other costs are covered. Applicants should verify these details with the organisers before making travel arrangements.

Programme Dates and Location

The Raisina Young Fellows Programme 2027 will take place in New Delhi, India, from 11 to 20 March 2027.

The ten-day programme will bring together selected participants for engagement with international political, economic and social issues.

New Delhi is the location for the programme and the Raisina Dialogue activities associated with the fellowship. Participants should be prepared to attend the programme for its full duration.

Applicants must confirm their availability for all programme dates before applying. The eligibility criteria specifically require participants to be available for the full duration.

The supplied announcement does not provide a detailed daily schedule, travel-arrival requirements or a complete itinerary. Selected participants should follow the official communications issued by the organisers for these arrangements.

Who Should Apply for the Raisina Young Fellows Programme 2027?

The programme is designed for emerging leaders who have demonstrated strong achievements, leadership capacity and the ability to contribute to international forums.

The eligibility criteria identify several requirements that applicants must meet.

1. Applicants must be between 28 and 35 years old

Applicants must fall within the specified age range of 28–35 years.

Candidates should confirm how the organisers interpret the age requirement, including whether age is assessed on the application deadline, the start date or another specified date.

The supplied announcement does not clarify the exact date used to calculate age eligibility.

2. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding achievements and leadership

Candidates are expected to demonstrate outstanding achievements and proven leadership.

This means applicants should be prepared to explain their professional, academic, public-service or community contributions and how these demonstrate their ability to take initiative and contribute meaningfully to wider discussions.

Relevant evidence may include leadership responsibilities, professional accomplishments, policy engagement, research contributions, organisational initiatives or other significant work. These are examples of possible evidence rather than an official exhaustive list of accepted achievements.

Applicants should focus on substantiated accomplishments rather than relying only on general statements about their ambitions.

3. Applicants must work in a relevant professional field

The programme identifies the following professional backgrounds:

• Politics
• Diplomacy
• Business
• Media
• Civil society
• Academia

Candidates should demonstrate a connection to at least one of these fields and explain how their work relates to the programme’s international focus.

For example, a diplomat may be interested in international cooperation, while a media professional may focus on international affairs and public communication. A business leader may be interested in the relationship between economic policy and global developments, while an academic may contribute research-based perspectives to international debates.

These examples illustrate possible connections; the organisers’ formal assessment criteria should be consulted for additional guidance.

4. Applicants must be available for the entire programme

Successful applicants must be available from 11 to 20 March 2027.

The programme is not presented as an activity that participants can attend selectively. Candidates should ensure that professional responsibilities, academic commitments and personal obligations will not prevent them from participating for the full duration.

5. Applicants must be ready to contribute to international forums

The programme seeks candidates who demonstrate the capacity and readiness to contribute to international forums.

Applicants should therefore be able to explain what perspectives, professional experience or knowledge they can bring to discussions about political, economic and social issues.

Candidates should also consider how they could engage constructively with participants from different professional, national and regional backgrounds.

6. Applicants must be proficient in English

English proficiency is a stated eligibility requirement.

Applicants should be able to communicate effectively in English and participate in discussions, professional exchanges and other activities associated with the programme.

The supplied announcement does not specify a required English-language test, minimum test score or accepted certification. Candidates should verify whether any additional evidence of language proficiency is required.

Important Eligibility Restriction: The Two Places Are Reserved for PCNS Youth Community Members

One of the most important details of this opportunity is that the Policy Center for the New South has reserved two fully funded places specifically for members of its youth community.

This means that meeting the general age, professional and language requirements may not, by itself, establish eligibility for this particular call.

Applicants should confirm that they qualify as members of the PCNS youth community and satisfy any additional conditions attached to the nomination process.

The announcement does not provide a full definition of PCNS youth community membership or explain whether there are additional membership requirements. Prospective applicants should consult the official call or contact PCNS directly if they are uncertain about their status.

Is the Raisina Young Fellows Programme Open to International Applicants?

The programme itself convenes emerging leaders from around the world, and its stated purpose includes international engagement and cross-regional dialogue.

However, this particular application call is issued by the Policy Center for the New South and reserves two funded places for members of its youth community.

The supplied announcement does not provide a definitive list of eligible nationalities or countries for this specific call.

Consequently, applicants should not assume that the international nature of the wider programme means every applicant worldwide can apply through the PCNS nomination route. Prospective candidates should verify their eligibility based on PCNS youth community membership, nationality requirements if any, and the formal application conditions.

The announcement does not specify any race or ethnicity restrictions. Applicants should refer to the official call for any additional eligibility conditions.

How to Apply for the Raisina Young Fellows Programme 2027

Interested candidates should follow the official application instructions provided by the Policy Center for the New South.

Step 1: Review the official call

Read the announcement carefully and confirm that you meet the age, professional, leadership, English-language and full-duration availability requirements.

Pay particular attention to the condition that the two funded places are reserved for members of the PCNS youth community.

Step 2: Confirm your eligibility

Before completing the application, verify that you qualify for consideration under the PCNS youth community call.

If your membership status is unclear, contact the Policy Center for the New South to seek clarification before the application deadline.

Step 3: Prepare evidence of your achievements and leadership

Consider how your professional or academic experience demonstrates leadership and the ability to contribute to international forums.

Your application should accurately present your achievements, responsibilities and relevant experience. Where appropriate, explain how your work connects to international affairs, diplomacy, economic issues, politics, media, civil society or academia.

The supplied announcement does not provide a complete list of supporting documents or a detailed scoring rubric. Follow the application form’s instructions for the required information.

Step 4: Confirm your availability

Ensure that you can participate in the programme for its entire duration, from 11 to 20 March 2027.

If selected, you will need to make arrangements to attend the programme in New Delhi, India.

Step 5: Complete the application form

Complete the application form provided through the official Policy Center for the New South call for applications.

Ensure that the information supplied is accurate and that all required sections are completed.

Step 6: Submit before the deadline

The application deadline is Monday, 2 November 2026.

Submit your application before the closing date and check the official form for any specified submission time or additional instructions.

Step 7: Monitor your email for a response

Due to the high volume of applications, only selected applicants will be contacted.

The announcement states that applicants who have not received a response by Monday, 23 November 2026 should consider that their application was not selected for the 2027 edition.

Applicants should monitor the email address associated with their application for any communication from the organisers.

Click HERE to Apply

Application Deadline and Important Dates

Applicants should keep the following dates in mind when planning their submissions.

Event	Date
Application period begins	16 October 2026, according to the event listing
Application deadline	Monday, 2 November 2026
Date by which unsuccessful applicants should expect to have heard	Monday, 23 November 2026
Programme dates	11–20 March 2027
Programme location	New Delhi, India

The original event listing displays the call as running from 16 October at 5:00 p.m. to 2 November 2026 at 5:00 p.m. However, the supplied text does not specify the time zone for these times. Applicants should verify the official application form for the exact closing time and time zone.

The date of 23 November 2026 is not presented as a second application deadline. It is the date by which applicants who have not received a response are advised to consider their application unsuccessful.

About the Policy Center for the New South

The Policy Center for the New South (PCNS) is a Moroccan think tank based at the Rabat campus of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco.

The organisation conducts research and activities connected to public policy and international affairs. Its work includes areas such as international relations, economics, security and defence, commodities and energy, agriculture and society.

Through research, events and youth leadership initiatives, PCNS engages with issues relevant to policy debates and international cooperation.

The Raisina Young Fellows Programme call reflects the centre’s interest in empowering young leaders and expanding their access to international forums. By reserving two funded places for members of its youth community, PCNS is providing a route for selected participants to engage with the international programme and its network of leaders and professionals.

About the Programme Partners

The call is part of a strategic partnership between the Policy Center for the New South, the Observer Research Foundation and the Italian Institute for International Political Studies.

Observer Research Foundation

The Observer Research Foundation (ORF) is associated with the Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics.

The programme’s connection to ORF provides participants with access to the Raisina Young Fellows induction and the wider alumni network described in the announcement.

Italian Institute for International Political Studies

The Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) is the third institution identified in the strategic partnership.

Through this partnership, the institutions nominate outstanding individuals to participate in each other’s programmes. The stated aim is to encourage cross-regional dialogue and shared learning.

The arrangement creates opportunities for institutional exchange and helps connect emerging leaders with international professional and policy discussions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Raisina Young Fellows Programme 2027?

It is an international fellows’ programme that brings emerging leaders together to discuss political, economic and social issues, with a particular focus on Asia. Participants engage with senior figures from politics, business and academia and are inducted as Raisina Young Fellows at the Raisina Dialogue.

2. Is the programme fully funded?

The two places reserved through this PCNS call are described as fully funded. The stated benefits include round-trip economy airfare, accommodation, meals and in-country transportation.

The supplied announcement does not confirm coverage for visa fees, travel insurance or personal expenses.

3. How many funded places are available through this call?

The Policy Center for the New South has reserved two fully funded places for members of its youth community.

4. Who can apply?

Applicants must be between 28 and 35 years old, demonstrate outstanding achievements and proven leadership, work in politics, diplomacy, business, media, civil society or academia, be proficient in English, be available for the entire programme and demonstrate readiness to contribute to international forums.

They must also verify that they qualify under the PCNS youth community call.

5. Can applicants from any country apply?

The wider programme convenes emerging leaders from around the world. However, the specific PCNS call reserves two places for members of its youth community, and the supplied announcement does not provide a definitive country or nationality eligibility list. Applicants should verify their eligibility directly with PCNS.

6. What is the application deadline?

The deadline is Monday, 2 November 2026. Applicants should confirm the exact closing time and time zone in the official application form.

7. When will the programme take place?

The programme will run from 11 to 20 March 2027.

8. Where will the programme take place?

The programme will take place in New Delhi, India.

9. When will applicants be notified?

Only selected applicants will be contacted. If an applicant has not received a response by Monday, 23 November 2026, the announcement advises them to consider their application unsuccessful.

10. Does the programme guarantee employment or future funding?

No such guarantee is stated in the supplied announcement. The programme provides leadership engagement, international exposure and access to an alumni network, but it does not promise employment, further funding or a specific career outcome.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Raisina Young Fellows Programme 2027.

Conclusion

The Raisina Young Fellows Programme 2027 offers emerging leaders an opportunity to engage with international political, economic and social issues, connect with senior professionals and participate in a programme associated with the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, India.

The Policy Center for the New South has reserved two fully funded places for members of its youth community. Selected participants will receive round-trip economy airfare, accommodation, meals and in-country transportation, while taking part in a comprehensive fellows’ programme and joining ORF’s alumni network after the programme.

The opportunity is intended for applicants aged 28–35 who demonstrate outstanding achievements and leadership, work in politics, diplomacy, business, media, civil society or academia, are proficient in English, and can participate for the full duration from 11 to 20 March 2027.

Interested candidates should pay particular attention to the PCNS youth community eligibility requirement and verify any additional conditions before applying. The application deadline is Monday, 2 November 2026.

For complete information and access to the application form, visit the official Policy Center for the New South website and consult the Raisina Young Fellows Programme 2027 call for applications.

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