The Policy in Action Program is ideal for those who wish to develop a better understanding of public policy and development. It is designed to give participants a sneak peek into the policymaking process in India, as well as to give them an opportunity to affect real change by working on live projects, while at the same time building on their leadership and communication skills.

If you are civic-minded and you want to know how the system works and how it may be pushed, this is the right place for you. In addition to helping you pick up skills to analyze policy, the program will equip you with tools to build influential advocacy campaigns and powerful public narratives.

If you are someone who is considering a career in public policy or development, this program will help you get the right exposure. Both the sessions as well as the projects are designed to give you an insight into the different roles available in policy and development. The program will also plug you into a network of professionals in the space and help you tap new opportunities. Many of our fellows from the earlier cohorts have already transitioned into the sector.

Undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as young professionals between 20 and 30 years of age are eligible to apply. There are no prerequisites in terms of fields of study or prior experience.

Since we work with sitting policymakers, eligibility is restricted to Indian citizens. For online editions of the program, there are no restrictions in terms of residence; candidates living/ working outside India can apply as well. For editions conducted in-person, physical presence at the sessions is required.

There are two broad categories of work in any project: ‘Policy research’ and ‘Advocacy’. Project topics are decided on the basis of requirements specified by the participating policymakers. You may be asked to research and advise on a particular policy issue and/ or develop an advocacy campaign. Details of projects from the previous editions of the program can be accessed here.

YLAC will invite policymakers to address the Policy in Action cohort. In the past, speakers have spent time interacting with the class, giving insights into the their work, and the broader policymaking process. We have also had policy professionals from offices of Members of Parliament (and otherwise) come and speak with the participants.

However, please note that project related engagement with participating policymakers or their offices will be minimal. This design element is intentional. YLAC realizes that policymakers are stretched for time and often do not have the bandwidth to supervise projects. The Policy in Action Program in fact allows them to outsource some of their policy work. Training, project supervision and quality control is completely handled by YLAC and its panel of experts. The program is specifically designed to not add to the workload of policymakers.

This arrangement is a win-win for both the participants and the recipients of the output - it gives participants an experience of working on real and live policy issues, while supporting the work of our policymakers in the legislature and in government.

Project allocations are made on the basis of your preferences. While we try to match projects with your areas of interest, a specific allocation cannot be guaranteed.

Projects usually require about 12-15 hours per participant per week. This is over and above the time spent in attending classes.

The Policy in Action Program aims to select talented young individuals who are committed to strengthening the development and governance ecosystem. Applicants are selected on the basis of their responses to the application form while also considering their resume. We look for logic, nuance and structure as well as motivation and past initiatives.

Applications to the Policy in Action Program are processed in two batches. Those applying on or before the first deadline are eligible for early decisions. For the others, admission decisions are announced in a few days after the final applications deadline.

The Policy in Action Program is a highly selective program that receives outstanding applications from a large pool of candidates. Candidates from the best universities and colleges in India and abroad apply to the program. We usually receive upwards of 250 high quality applications for each edition and select 50-65 fellows.

Fellows come from a diverse range of backgrounds – lawyers, engineers, chartered accountants, anthropologists, economists, political scientists, journalists, architects, writers and even start up evangelists! This diversity of the cohort has become a mainstay of the program and is one of its key highlights today.

A majority of the fellows are young professionals. The median age in the program is 25.

Yes, a certificate is issued at the end of the program. However, certification is subject to attendance and successful completion of the assigned project work.

Please note that attendance is mandatory. Since the program involves working in teams, if members miss training or team meet-ups, it adversely affects the team's output. Please also keep in mind that as a participant in the program, you'll be working on live projects for policymakers and you'll be required to complete your assigned project work to the satisfaction of the facilitators. Your final submission must be analytically rigorous and well presented; it must meet the highest standards of quality.

In case any unforeseen circumstances prevent you from joining the program, you can request our office to initiate the refund process. YLAC will refund 100% of your payment if the request is received 30 days before the beginning of the program. For requests received 15 days before the program, the refund amount shall be 50% of the payment received. YLAC shall not be able to issue any refunds in case the intimation reaches us at a shorter notice.