Become one of the
Climate Champions of Young India!
What is CCYI Fellowship?
Climate Champion of Young India Fellowship
The Climate Champions of Young India Fellowship under the National Youth Climate Consortium is a flagship program aimed at empowering passionate young individuals to lead grassroots climate actions across India. The fellowship fosters leadership, advocacy, and community engagement by equipping fellows with resources, mentorship, and opportunities to create meaningful environmental change.
In its inaugural year, the fellowship ensured representation from grassroots rural youth, marginalized communities, tribal regions, and gender-diverse groups. The first cohort with 28 Champions from 26 States and Union terrtitories made a remarkable impact by:
- Mobilizing 62,350 community members and engaging 2,515 young people.
- Collaborating with 250 partners and engaging 135+ government stakeholders.
- Initiating 245+ grassroots activities focusing on sustainable practices and local governance across India.
Apply today to become the next Climate Champion of Young India
Grants up to INR 1 Lakh
Get trained by Climate Experts
Representation at National and International Platforms
Eligibility:
Age 18 to 29 years old
The Selection process will have three stages
Stage 1: Application screening wherein best performing profiles will be shortlisted and AI Applications will be eliminated
Stage 2: Shortlisted individuals will receive an email regarding project proposal submission
Stage 3: Virtual interviews will be conducted with the selection panel, Final selection based on commitment and project viability.
How to Apply?
You can apply via our Google Form in English, Hindi or your preferred regional language. You can also submit your responses on our Whatsapp Network.
Confused about the form? Go to our Application Guidelines to get an idea!
What do our Champions have to say about their experiences?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am below 18 y/o and above 29 y/o?
Unfortunately, you cannot apply to the fellowship if you are below 18 or above 29 years of age on 1st July 2025.
Can I do the fellowship along with my full-time job?
Yes, you can pursue the fellowship alongside a full-time job, as a student or self-employed. In addition, we do not require any minimum educational qualifications for the applicants.
Can I fill the form in any language other than English?
Yes, you can fill the form in any language you prefer including Hindi, Marathi, Malayalam, Bengali, Assamese, Tamil and more!
Can I apply if I don't have any experience in climate action?
Yes, you can! We are seeking passionate young people who are interested in climate action at the intersection of research, innovation, youth mobilization or advocacy. If you have a problem to solve in your community which falls under any of the above categories, you can apply and we will get back to you if selected.
Can I change my proposal later in the process?
We will encourage you to submit a proposal brief which is conceptually closest to the project you want to execute once you become the Climate Champion of Young India representing your state. Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to continue with a project proposal different to what you submit in the application.
Will participants maintain ownership of their projects and intellectual property?
Yes, you will maintain ownership of your innovations as an intellectual property, subject to your preference. However, the project itself will remain the property of NYCC under the Bring Back Green Foundation.
I can’t decide which thematic area I should choose, can I apply for Innovation if I don’t have any experience in the same?
Yes, you can apply to any thematic area based on your experience or expectations from the project. Please ensure that you choose the thematic area which works the best for you, considering that we will not be able to provide an opportunity to change your thematic area.
Will I be rejected from NYCC if I don’t get selected for the fellowship?
You can still stay connected with us by applying to our larger community of grassroots youth focused in climate action, by joining Young India Climate Community. Make sure that you select ‘Yes’ when asked about your interest in the aforementioned in our application form. Alternatively, go to our Young India Climate Community form to join our community of 1000+ young leaders from across India.
