Applications for the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MGNF 2021-23) can be submitted by March 27 on the official website https://www.iimb.ac.in/mgnf.
Around 660 students will be given two-year skill training through nine IIMs. The IIM Kozhikode, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Jammu, IIM Lucknow, IIM Nagpur, IIM Ranchi, IIM Udaipur, IIM Visakhapatnam and IIM Bangalore have been roped in for the programme. IIM Bangalore is the main coordinator of the MGNF.
On the successful completion of the course, the IIM will give the 'Certificate of Public Policy & Management' to the students. The programme will begin in July.
Along with classroom sessions at IIMs, village-level operations in over 660 districts are also part of the programme.
Key study areas in the classroom: Management methods in public policy, public policy & economic development, soft silks for public administration, and skills livelihood.
The MGNF is fully funded by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). No fee for the course. The monthly stipend is Rs 50,000 for the first year and Rs 60,000 for the second year. Hostel facilities can be availed while studying at the IIMs. While working in the district, students should find their own accommodation.
Who can apply?
Graduates can apply. Final-year students will not be considered. Those in the PIO (Person of Indian Origin) and OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) categories also need not apply.
Age limit: 21-30. Applicants should mandatorily have a keen interest in village-level activities and providing a means of livelihood for the villagers.
Preference for applicants with experience of working in the social service sector in rural areas for up to three years after completing plus-two.
Along with the application, candidates should submit a statement of purpose (not more than 800 words) and two recommendation letters.
Two-hour entrance examinations will be held at the state capitals. Objective questions on general awareness, quantitative ability, data interpretation & logical reasoning, verbal ability & reading comprehension. There is negative marking for wrong answers. The model questions will be given on-site.
Those excelling in this test will be selected for the exam to be held in the state capitals. Skill in writing cases, and proficiency in English and regional languages will be assessed. Interviews will also be held.