The Fellowship
India is home to one of the world’s largest youth populations, with over 250 million young people aged 18-23, yet access to quality higher education remains deeply unequal.
According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22, the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education is 28.4%, meaning that less than one in three young Indians pursue a college degree.
Professional courses like law, medicine, engineering, design, and the arts remain out of reach for most due to high fees, coaching costs, and lack of mentorship — keeping many talented students from realising their potential.
The Ilika Fellowship was created to bridge this divide. Envisioned as an ecosystem for systemic change that goes far beyond funding tuition. It is designed to empower promising students with the tools, support, and ecosystem they need to navigate their undergraduate journey with confidence and purpose, and to emerge as leaders, innovators, and changemakers in their fields.
Eligibility Criteria
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Candidate should have secured admission in a bachelors or diploma course.
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Students who have passed std. 10th with a minimum of 70% marks and std. 12th with a minimum of 60% marks
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Students having Household income < INR 12 lacs (preference given to < INR 5 lacs)
(The definition of ‘family income’ is the gross family income for the latest financial year. For the determination of family income, family is considered as members of a family residing together which includes self, parents, sibling, spouse / partner of the student.)
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Screening: An initial review of all applications, including essays, financial documentation, and references, to create a shortlist of qualified candidates.
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Interview: Shortlisted candidates proceed to a panel-based interview, conducted partly in a virtual format to ensure accessibility. This stage assesses the candidate's motivation, critical thinking, and alignment with the fellowship's values.
Selection Process
Timeline
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Applications open - 1st December 2025
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Applications close - 15th January 2026
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Selection process - 16th January 2026 to 15th February 2026
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Scholarships announced - 23rd February 2026
Our Approach
Guided
Every Ilika Fellow is paired with a dedicated Buddy, their single point of contact throughout their under-graduate journey. This personalised mentorship ensures each student receives continuous support, encouragement, and direction, tailored to their individual needs and aspirations.
Nurtured
We believe that academic success is built not just on tuition but on the full range of support a student needs to thrive. Along with financial assistance, we provide access to essential learning tools while also supporting well-being, life skills, and personal growth.
Connected
Education only unlocks knowledge, but connections unlock opportunity. Through curated exposure to subject-matter experts, mentors, industry professionals, and accomplished leaders, Ilika Fellows build a lifelong network that opens doors to ideas, collaborations, and opportunities beyond the classroom.
Empowered
Our support doesn’t end with a degree. We actively equip Fellows with the skills and opportunities they need to step confidently into the professional world from career-readiness programs and specialised training to internships and placement support ensuring they are empowered to lead, innovate, and create meaningful impact.