Build for Bharat Fellowship 2026

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Company Description

Bharat Digital is a non-profit initiative focused on modernizing and re-imagining how governments use technology in public service. The Build for Bharat fellowship program, our flagship initiative, aims to equip the next generation of public technologists to leverage technology for mission-critical systems. These technologists will tackle unique challenges and implement tech solutions within complex social frameworks, ensuring technology serves everyone at all times.

Role Description

The Build for Bharat Fellowship (Jan–June 2026) is a 6-month, fully immersive program that offers top engineering and design students a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of technology and public service. Fellows will be placed in government departments to design and implement technology-driven solutions that strengthen governance, improve public service delivery, and create social impact at scale.

The program provides:

• Real-World Problem Solving: Work on mission-critical projects that directly impact millions of people.
• Public Technologist Training: Undergo a curated orientation program designed to help fellows understand the policy ecosystem, governance structures, and the challenges of implementing tech responsibly.
• Expert Mentorship: Receive one-on-one mentorship from leading technologists, innovators, and policymakers throughout the fellowship.
• Cohort Experience: Join a vibrant community of India’s brightest engineering and design minds working toward public good.
• Stipend: ₹40,000 per month for six months.

Example Projects from the Previous Cohort:

• Redesigning the MoSPI mobile app to make official statistics accessible
• Introducing annual passes on the National Highways mobile app
• Enhancing welfare discovery in Tamil Nadu
• Strengthening Karnataka’s attendance and panchayat systems through user-focused tech
• Leveraging GIS and AI/ML to improve emergency response times

Qualifications:

• Open to students (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD) graduating in 2026, and early-career professionals who graduated in 2024 or 2025.
• Strong interest in applying technology for public good.
• Background in engineering, design, computer science, or related disciplines.
• Willingness to work on-site at a partner government department through the fellowship duration.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, think critically, and contribute meaningfully to high-impact projects.

Link to apply