Right to Information Fellowship 2026: ₹50,000 Monthly Stipend & Application Process
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Quick answer
The Right to Information Fellowship provides a monthly stipend of ₹50,000 for three months and a ₹50,000 research grant to selected professionals. It is open to journalists, civil society workers, and RTI trainers aged 25 to 40 years to conduct field-based research on the RTI Act. Candidates must submit five sets of their application and proposal offline to the Department of Personnel and Training.
At a glance
| Main benefit | ₹50,000 monthly stipend and ₹50,000 grant |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Personnel, Public Grievances And Pensions |
| Level | Central Government |
| Age | 25–40 years |
| Application mode | Offline |
About the scheme
The Right to Information Fellowship (RTIF) is an initiative by the Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. It awards four short-term research fellowships every year to media professionals, civil society workers, and RTI trainers. The fellowship aims to promote transparency and accountability in governance by analyzing the real-world implementation, challenges, and successes of the RTI Act. Fellows undertake field-based studies and produce practical deliverables such as monographs, investigative stories, or video reports to help strengthen the RTI framework.
Benefits
- Stipend of ₹50,000 per month for three months (subject to tax deduction at source).
- Additional grant of ₹50,000 for books, research material, travel, printing, and creative production, reimbursed upon submitting actual bills.
- Opportunity to publish research output or media stories under the Government of India.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Applicant must be an Indian national.
- Applicant must be between 25 and 40 years of age.
- Applicant must be a working professional in journalism (print, radio, or television), civil society, or research and training in the RTI field.
- Applicant must have proven credentials in their professional field.
- Applicant must possess prior experience in work relating to the Right to Information.
- Applicant must possess a demonstrated aptitude for research.
Documents required
- Comprehensive research proposal (maximum 6 to 8 A4 pages) outlining the subject, research plan, and final deliverable.
- Curriculum vitae (maximum 3 A4 sheets) with a photograph.
- Brief statement of past work undertaken in the field of RTI.
- Two references from professionals familiar with the applicant's work.
- No-objection certificate (NOC) from the current employer.
- Passport-sized photograph.
How to apply
- 1Download the prescribed application proforma from the official RTI portal (rti.gov.in).
- 2Prepare a comprehensive research proposal of 6 to 8 pages detailing your research objectives, plan, and final deliverables.
- 3Compile your curriculum vitae, RTI work summary, employer NOC, and references.
- 4Prepare five complete sets of the application form along with all required enclosures.
- 5Send all five sets by post to the Under Secretary (IR), Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India, North Block, New Delhi - 110 001.
Frequently asked questions
How many fellowships are offered under the RTIF scheme?+
The Department of Personnel and Training offers 4 (four) short-term fellowships under the scheme.
How much financial support is provided to selected fellows?+
Fellows receive a monthly stipend of ₹50,000 for three months (subject to TDS) and an additional reimbursable grant of ₹50,000 for research expenses.
Can government or PSU employees apply for the fellowship?+
Yes, individuals working under Central or State Governments or Public Sector Undertakings can apply through proper channel, and they may also send an advance copy.
What is the age limit to apply for the RTI Fellowship?+
Applicants must be between 25 and 40 years of age.
Who owns the copyright of the research output?+
The copyright of the research output vests in the Government of India. However, if the government does not utilise it within one year, fellows may be granted permission to use it.
What formats are accepted for the final research deliverable?+
Deliverables can be a publishable monograph of approximately 10,000 words, journalistic features or investigative stories, or short video films and reports.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)