Apply for India Acumen Fellowship 2027, The India Acumen Fellowship, offered by Acumen Academy, is designed for social entrepreneurs working to address poverty and create lasting social impact. The programme supports leaders who have already developed a functioning model, demonstrated meaningful impact and are ready to expand their reach and influence the systems surrounding their work.
Over seven months, Fellows participate in a leadership development journey alongside a cohort of social entrepreneurs from across India. The programme helps participants strengthen their leadership capabilities, develop greater clarity and judgment, and navigate organisational growth while remaining connected to the communities they serve.
After completing the Fellowship, participants join the Foundry, Acumen’s global community of more than 2,000 social innovators across 71 countries. Collectively, members of this community have developed initiatives that have reached more than 50 million people.
If you’re interested in this prestigious fellowship program, we encourage you to read the article carefully and follow the application guidelines closely. Make sure to review all eligibility criteria and submit your application within the specified timeline.
Last Date of Application: 31st October 2026
How to Apply Curriculum Apply for India Acumen Fellowship 2027
The India Acumen Fellowship focuses on developing the leadership capabilities needed to scale social impact while staying connected to the communities being served. Key areas of the curriculum include:
- Polarity Management: Learning to balance competing leadership demands while bringing people together around shared goals.
- Good Society Readings: Exploring ideas from thinkers such as Plato, Amartya Sen and Chimamanda Adichie to examine the principles of a just society.
- Adaptive Leadership: Understanding stakeholders, identifying their needs and responding effectively to uncertainty during different stages of growth.
- Authentic Voice: Developing the ability to communicate a compelling story that helps investors, partners and policymakers understand the importance of the work.
Programme Structure Apply for India Acumen Fellowship 2027
The Fellowship is delivered through a seven-month hybrid programme comprising:
- One-day virtual orientation
- Three in-person immersives lasting 5 to 6 days each, held in different Indian cities
- Two virtual Learning Labs, with each involving 16 hours of learning spread over two weeks
- Self-paced learning between programme sessions
- A minimum weekly commitment of 4 to 6 hours, excluding immersives and Learning Labs
- Acumen covers programme-related costs, including travel and accommodation for the in-person immersives. This support applies to domestic travel.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a social entrepreneur or senior decision-maker actively working to scale solutions addressing poverty.
- Have at least 5 years of professional experience. The average Fellow has 10 to 15 years of experience, including approximately 10 years working on poverty-related issues.
- Be a resident of India. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis for applicants with a strong and concrete connection to the region.
- Have reliable internet access and be available to participate throughout the programme.
- Be over 18 years of age.
- Have sufficient English proficiency, as all programme sessions are conducted in English.
- Currently work full-time in an organisation focused on social impact or poverty alleviation.
- Have not previously participated in an Acumen Fellows programme or graduated from specified Acumen Leadership Accelerators, such as Leadership Essentials for Social Innovators India.
- Only one applicant per organisation can advance in a given year, even if multiple employees apply.
The programme encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including women, gender-diverse leaders, for-profit social entrepreneurs and rural leaders.
Experience Requirement: Minimum 5 years of professional experience. The typical Fellow has 10 to 15 years of overall experience and around 10 years of experience working on poverty-related issues.
Learn more here how to apply <<<toolkit>>>
Learn more about the Fellowship Program
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for the India Acumen Fellowship?
The fellowship is open to social entrepreneurs and senior decision-makers who are actively working to scale solutions to poverty and social challenges in India.
- How much professional experience is required?
Applicants must have at least 5 years of professional experience. The typical Fellow has around 10–15 years of overall experience, including significant experience addressing poverty-related issues.
- How long is the India Acumen Fellowship?
The programme runs for 7 months and includes virtual learning, three in-person immersives, Learning Labs, and self-paced activities.
- Does Acumen cover travel and accommodation costs?
Yes. Acumen covers programme-related costs, including domestic travel and lodging for the in-person immersive sessions.
- Can previous Acumen Fellows apply?
No. Individuals who have previously participated in an Acumen Fellows programme or certain specified Acumen Leadership Accelerators are not eligible to apply.
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