Ashoka Fellowship (India)

The Ashoka Fellowship elects social entrepreneurs — the founders of an idea, not the leaders of an organisation — whose innovations have the potential to change a pattern at national or global scale. India is one of Ashoka's largest fellowship cohorts globally.

Fellows receive a living stipend during the launch phase of their venture (typically up to three years), so they can commit full-time to their idea without needing to draw a salary from it. Beyond the stipend, the value of the fellowship is lifelong access to a global community of over 3,800 fellows and to Ashoka's convenings and platforms.

Nomination or self-nomination → interview with a senior Ashoka representative → second interview with an international Ashoka representative → panel with existing Ashoka Fellows and business leaders → final board approval. The process typically takes 12–18 months.