FAQ

Q.1. What is the basic qualification to join the i-Saksham Fellowship Program?

The i-Saksham Fellowship Program is designed for local young women, particularly from marginalized communities.


  • Basic Academic Qualification: 12th pass.
  • Typical Age Group: 70% of fellows are 18-19 years old, and 30% are married young women.


Q.2. What is the selection process for the fellowship program?

Our selection process ensures that we identify and nurture the most promising local young women. It includes:


  1. 1. Basic Academic Assessment: Testing foundational academic skills.
  2. 2. Behavioral Event Interviewing: Understanding candidates' motivations and problem-solving skills.
  3. 3. Community Verification: Ensuring alignment with the community's context.
  4. 4. Family Counseling and Consent: Gaining family support for the fellow's journey.


Q.3. What happens to the fellows after the 2-year fellowship program?

After completing the 2-year fellowship, our Edu-leaders unlock their choices, including:


  1. 1. Higher Education:
    1. Pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, or professional development courses.
    2. Alumni have gained admission to esteemed universities like Azim Premji University.
  2. 2. Careers:
    1. Many become valuable grassroots resources for government and civil society organizations.
    2. Alumni are working with the Government of Bihar, JEEViKA, Pradan, Pratham, and more.
  3. 3. WAYAM Network:
    1. Fellows join our alumni collective to continue capacity building and lead collective community action.

Explore the inspiring stories of our Edu-leaders.


Q.4. How does the i-Saksham program lead to population-level change?

The i-Saksham Fellowship empowers 10% of young women in selected communities to become ‘Leaders of Change.’ These leaders:


  • Build leadership skills in 50+ children and adolescents through direct action.
  • Gain the trust of families by fostering caring relationships and solving community challenges.
  • Promote gender sensitivity and support for children among community families.
  • Transform perceptions of women’s potential through their achievements in diverse fields.
  • Act as a resource for government and civil society organizations (CSOs) to scale their work.

By inspiring these leaders, and influencing their families and communities we create a nurturing ecosystem where all young women can realize their true potential.