Climate Corps® India Fellows
Ashoka-Environmental Defense Fund Climate Corps Fellowship Program
For more than a decade, EDF has supported India’s shift to a prosperous, healthy, low-carbon economy. Working in close collaboration with on-the-ground partners including government officials, businesses, academia, NGOs and others in civil society, EDF has implemented innovative solutions that demonstrate how low-carbon economic development can deliver tangible near-term benefits ranging from cleaner air to stronger rural economies.
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is partnering with AshokaX, a unique initiative from Ashoka University for lifelong learners, to execute Climate Corps fellowship in India, to build a skilled green workforce and accelerate net-zero and sustainability goals. Ashoka-Environmental Defense Fund Climate Corps Fellowship is committed to empowering skilled leaders who will advance solutions to put the economy on a path to reach net-zero emissions by mid-century and grow the economy while mitigating the worst effects of climate change. The program recruits and trains talented, passionate postgraduate students and pairs them with organizations across private and public sectors diligently working toward meeting climate goals and helping strengthen the Indian economy. The fellows work with leading organizations for 3 months or 6 months between April and September.
Learn more about the partnership between AshokaX and EDF here.
Since the program’s inception in 2008, more than 2,200 graduate students and early-career professionals have been placed in nearly 800 leading organizations spanning the U.S., China and India. Climate Corps fellows join the active and growing alumni network of 5,200 former fellows and host representatives.
The application for 2026 is closed.
How Climate Corps Works
Fellow Training
Before the fellowship begins, we conduct hands-on training for fellows, featuring experts and industry practitioners. The curriculum covers topics such as climate risk assessment, supply chain sustainability, sustainable finance, reporting, and disclosures. Learn more here.
Fellow Eligibility Criteria
Climate Corps India seeks individuals with demonstrated motivation and passion to work in climate and sustainability. Eligibility criteria include:
- Master’s students or recent postgraduates with at least 2 years of relevant experience
- Early-career professionals (graduated in the last five years at the time of application) from diverse backgrounds (engineering, economics, finance, policy, management, environment, data, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the fellowship for?
The fellowship is open to applicants currently enrolled in Master’s or post-graduate programs, or who have graduated within the last 5 years (not earlier than 1 July 2022), from a degree program in engineering, finance, business, sustainability, environmental management, public policy, or other relevant fields.
I am graduating in 2027. Am I eligible for the fellowship?
Yes. As long as you are able to commit full-time to the fellowship project (3 or 6 months) between April and September 2027, you are eligible to apply.
I completed my master’s in 2022. Am I still eligible?
Applicants who have graduated on 1 July 2022 or later (within the past 5 years) are eligible to apply.
I have a full-time offer after my master’s. Can I still apply?
Yes. If you can commit full-time to the fellowship project for at least 3 months between April to September, you are eligible.
Is the fellowship full-time or part-time?
The fellowship is a full-time commitment.
Which fellowship duration is right for me — 3 months or 6 months?
If you are looking for a summer internship or have a limited period to commit, the 3-month option is suitable.
If you are seeking a more immersive experience, exploring a career pivot, or wish to contribute over a longer period, the 6-month option would be ideal.
What is the stipend?
Each fellow receives a fixed stipend of Rs 50,000 per month of their fellowship.
Additionally, the fellow is eligible to receive a one-time relocation allowance of up to Rs. 30,000 for expenses incurred towards accommodation and travel, subject to submission of invoices and payment receipts, only after completing the fellowship and submitting all final deliverables.
Is there a training period? Why is it compulsory?
Yes. Training ensures all fellows begin with a strong foundational understanding of climate and sustainability. Sessions are conducted virtually by experts and industry leaders. Climate Corps Training is conducted in three phases, which for the 2027 cycle will be as follows:
- Asynchronous in January 2027
- Live Level UP (Understand + Practice) in February-March 2027
- Continued Learning in April-September 2027
Learn more about the training here.
Attendance is mandatory, as the certificate of completion is awarded only after meeting participation requirements.
What is a host organization? Who will I report to?
The host organization is where you will work during your fellowship. Fellows are matched with host organizations based on skills, experience, and interests. Each host assigns a supervisor/reporting manager who acts as your primary point of contact and guide throughout the fellowship.
What is the matching process, and how long does it take?
The matching process considers your skills, experience, and interests alongside the project requirements of host organizations. Matching takes place in February and March.
What is the role of Climate Corps once the fellow starts working with the host?
Climate Corps periodically engages with the fellows and hosts through structured touchpoints to ensure the smooth running of projects. Schedule of touchpoints:
Kick off between fellow, host, Climate Corps team within a week of the start of the fellowship:
To get aligned on the project and timelines and to provide any resource-related or expert connection support to fellows and hosts
Monthly meetings between fellow and Climate Corps team:
To ensure desired progress is being made on the project and provide any support that the fellow or host may require from Climate Corps. It’s optional for hosts to attend these meetings.
End point meeting between fellow, host, and Climate Corps team towards the end of the project:
Here, the fellow gives a presentation on project goals, results, outcomes, and impact to both the host and Climate Corps and shares their learnings.
Post the presentation, the fellow also submits final deliverables to Climate Corps, including a report and public summary, after getting them approved by the host.
What happens after the fellowship?
You will join the Global Climate Corps alumni network, gaining access to a global community of climate leaders and professionals. Learn more about the network here.
How can I apply to become a fellow?
The Climate Corps applications for the 2027 cycle are currently closed and will open in September 2026. You will find an application link on this page.
Have Questions?
Please contact the Climate Corps India Team at:
climatecorpsindia@ashoka.edu.in.