Transforming Society Through AI Fellowship 2026
The Centre for Policy Research and Governance (CPRG) and AI4India offer the Online Transforming Society Through AI Fellowship 2026, a six-month online fellowship programme designed for early-career professionals, postgraduate students, and researchers interested in studying the social and economic impact of Artificial Intelligence in India. The fellowship is jointly organised by.
The programme focuses on policy-oriented AI research and provides participants with mentorship, expert interaction, and practical research exposure. Applications for the fellowship are open until 17 May 2026.
About the CPRG and AI4India
About CPRG
Centre for Policy Research and Governance (CPRG) is a public policy research organisation that works on governance, technology, public administration, education, and socio-economic policy issues. The institution promotes evidence-based policymaking through research programmes, fellowships, consultations, and policy discussions.
CPRG regularly collaborates with policymakers, academicians, researchers, and industry experts to address emerging national and global challenges. Its programmes are designed to support young researchers and professionals working in governance and policy sectors.
About AI4India
AI4India is an initiative focused on promoting awareness, research, innovation, and responsible adoption of Artificial Intelligence in India. The organisation supports projects and educational programmes related to AI policy, workforce transformation, digital inclusion, and technology-driven development.
AI4India aims to make AI accessible and beneficial across different sectors, including education, business, employment, governance, and public services.
Fellowship Duration
- Programme Duration: June 2026 to November 2026
- Mode: Online
- Fellowship Type: Research and Policy Fellowship
Objective of the Fellowship
The fellowship aims to encourage research on the socio-economic impact of Artificial Intelligence in India. Participants will conduct original research projects with policy relevance and practical applications.
The programme is designed to help fellows:
- Understand the changing role of AI in society
- Study AI adoption across sectors
- Examine workforce and employment changes due to AI
- Explore inclusive and responsible AI implementation
- Develop policy recommendations for AI governance
Fellowship Thematic Areas
Applicants can conduct research in the following focus areas:
Impact of Generative AI on Education
- Role of AI in digital learning
- AI-powered teaching systems
- Opportunities and risks in educational technology
- Accessibility and learning outcomes
Building an AI-Ready Workforce
- AI skill development
- Workforce training programmes
- Future employment trends
- Industry-academia collaboration
Gig Economy and Artificial Intelligence
- AI-driven work platforms
- Opportunities for gig workers
- Challenges faced by aggregators and workers
- Labour market transformation
AI for Recruitment and Human Resources
- AI-based hiring systems
- Automated recruitment tools
- Ethical concerns in AI hiring
- HR technology innovation
Making Small Businesses AI-Ready
- AI adoption among micro and small enterprises
- Business automation
- Digital transformation for startups and MSMEs
- Cost-effective AI implementation
Enterprise Adoption of AI
- AI integration in companies
- Productivity and operational efficiency
- Enterprise automation
- AI-enabled business models
Social Impact of AI
- Behavioural changes caused by AI
- Human-AI interaction
- Digital society and technology usage
- Ethical and social concerns
Enabling AI Diffusion in India
- Inclusive AI access
- Policy frameworks for AI expansion
- Public awareness and AI literacy
- Challenges in nationwide AI adoption
Key Features of the Fellowship
The programme offers several academic and professional learning opportunities:
- Personalised mentorship from domain experts
- Regular interactions with mentors and researchers
- Virtual sessions with AI experts and practitioners
- Policy-focused research guidance
- Collaborative peer learning environment
- Structured research development support
Benefits of the Fellowship
Selected fellows will receive multiple academic and financial benefits, including:
- Specialised understanding of AI’s socio-economic impact
- Interaction with AI researchers, bureaucrats, industry experts, and academicians
- Hands-on policy research experience
- Opportunity to develop a capstone research project
- Mentorship throughout the programme
- Consolidated stipend of ₹50,000 released in three instalments, subject to completion of fellowship requirements
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to:
- Early-career professionals
- Postgraduate students
- Researchers
- Individuals interested in AI policy and socio-economic research
Applicants with backgrounds in public policy, law, economics, technology, social sciences, management, education, or related fields may find the programme particularly relevant.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming education, employment, governance, and business operations. India’s growing AI ecosystem requires researchers and policymakers who can analyse both opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption.
This fellowship provides a platform for young researchers to contribute meaningful policy research while gaining mentorship and practical exposure to real-world AI issues.
Application Deadline
- Last Date to Apply: 17 May 2026
How to Apply
Apply Online: Transforming Society through AI Fellowship 2026: Second Edition
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