India, being one of the 'youngest' countries in the world, has a lot of students that receive a degree every year.

The government seeks to harness this potential through fellowships, employing skilled, young citizens in areas that are crucial to national development. These fellowships are not only an opportunity to contribute to society but they also pay well. These programmes are designed to empower the aspiring young Indian while providing vital services to the country.

Legislative Assistant to Member of Parliament Fellowship (LAMP)

If you are a graduate and want a taste of how law-making and public policy work, Legislative Assistant to Member of Parliament Fellowship (LAMP), is a great opportunity for you. LAMP gives you the chance to work under a Member of Parliament. It gives the opportunity to be in contact with experts in various fields and is a great way to gain experience regarding laws and policies in India. It is definitely useful for graduates who are planning to pursue higher education or work in fields related to legislative research or the Indian Administrative Service.

Duration: The duration of the programme is around 10-11 months, depending on the Parliamentary calendar. The fellowship starts around mid-June. You start with a month of rigorous training, during which you'll be acquainted with the constitution, public policy, parliamentary procedures, basic economics and research tools.

Workload: The work that a LAMP fellow is required to do includes research support, data analysis, framing parliamentary questions, media-related work, interacting with stakeholders, and drafting Private Member Bills.

Eligibility: You need to be a graduate and be not more than 25 years of age.

Stipend: As a fellow, you receive a sum of Rs 20,000 every month.

The Delhi Assembly Research Centre Fellowship (DARC)

The Delhi Assembly Research Centre (DARC) was set up by the Legislative Assembly of Delhi to act as a repository for research and reference information useful for Legislators. The DARC fellowship gives its Fellows the chance to work closely with MLAs and various departments and organisations that play a role in the decision-making and implementation of government policies.

Duration: DARC is a 2-year programme. Fellows will go through a programme during the first two weeks that will give them input on government policies, and the structure and functioning of the government.

Work: As a DARC fellow, you will be given an assignment related to a specific area for the duration of the programme. These areas range from sports, art, and tourism to areas like law and health. The fellows are expected to produce project notes, opinions, reports, presentations etc. based on the work assigned to them throughout the programme.

Eligibility: To apply, you must be between 21 and 35 years of age and have completed a graduation course.

Stipend: The fellows will receive a consolidated stipend of Rs 100,000 per month and Associate Fellows will receive a stipend of Rs 60,000 per month.

The Prime Minister's Rural Development Fellowship (PMRDF)

The Prime Minister's Rural Development Fellowship (PMRD) is a programme that focuses on reducing poverty and improving the lives of people living in rural areas. It is an initiative on the part of the Ministry of Rural Development. It aims at providing short-term support to district administrations across the country.

Duration: PMRD is a 2-year programme. After the programme, it is required that the fellows spend one year as paid full-time employees in public service under the State Rural Livelihood Mission in the state to which the fellow is assigned.

Work: As a PMRD fellow, you will assist the District Collector of the district you are assigned to in improving the implementation of programmes and the ease of communication involved. Knowledge about local languages and culture will definitely aid a fellow with this task. The fellow will also have the opportunity to take part in a post-graduation programme

Eligibility: You have to be between 22-27 years of age to be eligible to apply for this fellowship and have completed a graduation course.

Stipend: Fellows are paid Rs 75,000 per month.