INDIA NEEDS ITS BEST MINDS TO SOLVE ITS TOUGHEST CHALLENGES.
ARE YOU READY TO LEAD?
India stands at a turning point.
The challenges we face are complex. But so is our capacity to solve them.
We need bold, thoughtful, and committed leaders who don’t just understand policy but are committed to driving it.
The Policy Pioneers Program by India House is where that journey begins.
WHAT IS THE POLICY PIONEERS PROGRAM?
Policy Pioneers is India House’s flagship policy leadership program, crafted for early-career professionals, scholars, and changemakers who are ready to drive systemic change.
This 4 month blended learning program will equip you with everything you need to create real-world impact—policy insight, leadership development, hands-on experience, and a powerful network of experts, mentors, and peers.
Through a blend of live online sessions, in-person engagements, and hands-on learning, the program bridges the gap between policy theory and real-world impact.
The policy pioneers program is being run in partnership with Public Systems Lab of IIT Delhi and currently being offered in 4 specializations:
WHAT SETS POLICY PIONEERS APART?
Experiential Learning
Workshops, live projects, and field visits to build real-world, relevant skills, and assignments that promote hands-on learning.
Direct Mentorship
Direct engagement with leading experts, practitioners, and policy leaders for learning and guidance.
Career-Ready Focus
Dedicated sessions on policy careers, networking opportunities, and exposure to career paths within and beyond government.
ELIGIBILITY
The Policy Pioneers Program is crafted for early-career and mid-career professionals and public-policy aspirants who are ready to switch gears and drive change through public policy.
Whether you are a graduate or post-graduate from any discipline—engineering, humanities, business, or sciences, this is your gateway into the world of governance reform, public leadership, and systemic change.
You don’t need a technical background, only an unshakable drive to make an impact.
Curious about the next steps?
Learn more about the Selection Process.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Policy Skillbuilding
Master education policy skills in research, analysis, stakeholder mapping and strategic communication.
Experiential Learning
Translate knowledge into action through immersive, real-world education policy projects.
Tech-Driven Innovation
Leverage EdTech, AI, and digital tools to drive innovation in education systems.
Leadership Development
Strengthen your leadership capacity with negotiation, collaboration, and decision-making training.
Systemic Understanding
Gain deep expertise in public education systems, and institutional frameworks.
Career Advancement
Advance your career by expanding networks and unlocking growth in education policy.
Each specialization in the Policy Pioneers Program is structured into five key components
Policy Core
Introduction to foundational concepts of public policy and governance.
Policy Workshops
Hands-on training sessions to build and apply practical public policy skills.
Domain Core
In-depth exploration of specialization-specific themes, key policies, and emerging challenges.
Domain Workshops
Learning through immersive workshops on specialization-specific concepts and themes.
Careers
Career guidance across government, think tanks, civil society, and global organizations.
Sustainability
Why does sustainability remain a challenge despite growing awareness? What does it take to move from discussion to action? If you are ready to take the lead in India’s green transition, this one is for you!
Read MoreEducation
Why do educational outcomes remain uneven despite years of reform? How can India ensure quality learning for all while embracing innovation? If you are ready to rethink and reshape India’s education landscape, this one is for you!
Read MoreHealth
Why do health policies often struggle to deliver impact on the ground? How can we design a system that ensures quality healthcare for all? If you are ready to tackle the toughest challenges in public health, this one is for you!
Read MoreGovernance
Why do strong policies often fail in execution? What does it take to create a governance model that delivers? If you are ready to decode and reimagine the machinery of governance for a stronger India, your journey starts here!
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This program is for changemakers who want to use public policy as a tool to drive large scale impact. If you are a graduate from any discipline—engineering, humanities, business, or sciences—from an Indian or international university and if you are passionate about making a difference, this program is for you.
At India House, we combine deep learning with real-world action. You will:
- Work on live projects with real policy challenges
- Be mentored by policy experts
- Learn through workshops, case studies, and peer discussions
- Get your work published on India House platforms
- Join a growing network of policy leaders and social innovators
The program requires a weekly commitment of 12–15 hours, including:
- Live sessions: ~4–6 hours
- Hands-on projects: ~4–6 hours
- Pre- and post-session work: ~4–6 hours
Designed for working professionals, the program is delivered through bite-sized modules, live projects, and flexible schedules. While rigorous, it is equally enriching and rewarding.
It runs for four months in a hybrid format, with live sessions, fieldwork, and two in-person weekends.
Absolutely! Whether you’re new to policy or a seasoned professional, the program caters to all experience levels. We will teach you the basics and help you build advanced skills in policy thinking, writing, and research.
The program includes:
- Expert sessions
- Writing assignments
- Mentorship meetings
- Team-based live projects
Each participant gets a personal mentor and editorial support.
Live Hands on Projects (HoPs) are an opportunity to solve real-world policy challenges. You will work in small teams to tackle real policy issues with real stakeholders—like government agencies, think tanks, or non-profits—under expert guidance.
It is where learning meets action.
With 2 career-focused sessions, the program offers insights and guidance into opportunities across the policy sector. You will also refine analytical and communication skills, build a professional network, and gain practical tools that are required to thrive.
Yes, these are MANDATORY. These weekends are a great chance to meet your peers, join hands-on workshops, and connect with mentors in person. They will be held in Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore.
You can find the detailed selection process here.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applicants have a higher chance of selection.
You will be assessed on:
- Participation in sessions
- Pre-work and Post-work
- Your team’s Hands-On Projects (HOPs)
The certificate is equivalent to 12 academic credits but doesn’t count toward a university degree.
Applications open in the first week of June. Follow us on social media or check our Policy Pioneers Program page to stay updated.
Yes, the program is open to all nationalities. However, non-Indian passport holders may not be able to join certain field visits as we will not be able to provide sponsored visa. In-person weekends require travel within India.
No. Travel and accommodation costs for the in-person weekends must be borne by the participant.
Alumni of the Policy Pioneers Programme continue to stay connected with India House through the Policy Pioneers Alumni Network. Many will go on to work in think tanks, policy consultancies, journalism, academia, or government. We also support our alumni with references, opportunities, and continued mentorship.
Each cohort will have 25 participants per specialization. We keep it small to ensure focused mentoring and strong peer learning.
Yes, but the program is intensive. You will need to manage your time well and commit to the 4-month journey.
Yes. Needs-cum-merit based scholarships are available for selected candidates and can cover up to 50% of the fee.
Our refund policy
-
- Inform us 2+ weeks before the program begins: 100% refund
- 1 week before the program begins: 60% refund
- Less than 1 week before the program begins: No refund