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The Breaking Barriers Fellowship is a one-year, full-time program that places exceptional young professionals within government to advance disability inclusion. Fellows contribute to policy research, implementation and citizen engagement, working alongside the people shaping and advancing accessibility and inclusion in India.

In its pilot year, the Fellowship placed 10 fellows across the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) in the central government and its allied institutions. Among other things, their work informed recommendations for a national caregiver policy and led to Purple Dots, a discovery network piloted across 12 districts to connect persons with disabilities (PwDs) with employers and support professional certification.

Building on this foundation, the Fellowship will expand its placements across central and state governments in 2027. The expansion aims to strengthen state capacity for inclusion, accelerate the realisation of India’s commitments under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and build a cadre of young leaders committed to advancing disability rights through sustained engagement with public policy.

Launched by Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) and the Nipman Foundation, the Breaking Barriers Fellowship will run across two tracks in 2027, with the centre edition supported by India Autism Center and the state edition in Goa supported by Bajaj Finserv. It is both an opportunity for fellows to contribute meaningfully to public policy and a step towards making accessibility a lived reality for every Indian.

Jump to: Placement Locations | Fellowship Overview | Application Process | FAQs | Application Form

Placement Locations

Fellows will be placed within government institutions and leading national and state institutions across Delhi and Goa. Details of placements for the upcoming edition will be shared with shortlisted candidates.

Past Placements (2026):

Jump to: Placement Locations | Fellowship Overview | Application Process | FAQs | Application Form

Fellowship Overview

Illustration of one person standing on a stack of books helping another person climb up, symbolizing mentorship and support through learning.

Key Responsibilities

As a Breaking Barriers Fellow, you will:

Commit to a full-time fellowship from January 2027 to December 2027, with mandatory participation in the orientation, virtual learning/speaker sessions, closing, and in-person convenings during the year.
Support research to help identify pathways for more disability-inclusive policies, and draft reports, briefs, and communication material for internal and external stakeholders.
Support program design, monitoring, and evaluation at the host institution.
Liaise with stakeholders such as government officials, NGOs, practitioners, and community groups to strengthen implementation.
Contribute to awareness and sensitisation efforts on disability inclusion.

Eligibility Criteria

Essential:

Hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
Have at least one year of professional work experience.
Be an Indian citizen under 40 years of age.
Be available for a full-time, year-long placement.

Desirable:

Be a resident of the state or Union Territory for which they are applying.
Prior work/volunteer experience or strong interest in social impact, policy, governance, disability, law, education, psychology, or related sectors.

Note: These are the broad-based eligibility criteria for the fellowship. Final placement within host institutions will be determined by the organisers based on skills alignment and institutional requirements. We strongly encourage persons with disabilities to apply.

Compensation & Perks

Fellows receive a monthly stipend of ₹30,000, along with structured mentorship and guidance from YLAC and departmental supervisors.
Year-long placement within government institutions working closely with government systems at the national or state level. Fellows contribute to the design, implementation and monitoring of disability rights policies and programs.
Curated workshops, speaker sessions, and reflection circles hosted by YLAC to foster peer learning and connect fellows to the broader movement for disability inclusion.
A strong foundation in disability inclusion, and universal design principles through structured learning sessions and hands-on experience.
Exposure to YLAC’s network of policymakers, civil society leaders, experts, and alumni community, helping fellows gain visibility and build professional networks.

Note: 10% TDS will be deducted from the stipend; fellows can claim a refund of the applicable TDS when filing their income tax returns at the end of the financial year.

Jump to: Placement Locations | Fellowship Overview | Application Process | FAQs | Application Form

Application Process

The application process includes an online submission detailing academic and professional achievements, short essays, and references. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview and/or a written task. Final selections are based on the candidate’s academic and professional background, demonstrated commitment to disability rights, and alignment with the needs of the host institution.

Final Deadline: Sunday, 22^nd November, 2026

If you face any difficulty while filling the form, please contact us at [email protected]

Jump to: Placement Locations | Fellowship Overview | Application Process | FAQs | Application Form

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to be a resident of the state/Union Territory I’m placed in?

We encourage applications from candidates based in the state/Union Territory they are applying to, as fellows will be expected to be based there during the fellowship. Placements are currently available in Delhi and Goa. Candidates applying from elsewhere are also welcome to apply, but please note that relocation costs and accommodation will not be provided.

2. Is this a full-time commitment? Can I pursue other work/studies during the fellowship?

Yes, this is a full-time fellowship (January 2027 – December 2027). Fellows cannot take up part-time work or academic programs during the fellowship period.

3. Is accommodation or housing provided as part of the fellowship?

No, housing is not provided. Fellows must arrange their own accommodation in the city where they are placed.

4. Will I receive a certificate upon completing the fellowship?

Yes, fellows who successfully complete the program will be awarded a certificate of completion.

5. Where were fellows placed in the pilot edition of the Fellowship?

In the pilot edition, fellows were placed with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD); Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD); The National Trust, National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD), Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (Divyangjan) (AYJNISHD(D)), Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities (Divyangjan) (PDUNIPPD). Details of placements for the upcoming edition will be shared with shortlisted candidates.