National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme-2 2026

This fellowship by the Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT) supports four researchers from media, civil society, Read More... and RTI training fields to conduct field research on the Right to Information Act. Read less

Details

The Indian government is committed to transparency and accountability, and the Right to Information (RTI) Act plays a crucial role in this. To further strengthen its implementation and explore its impact, the Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT) offers the 'Right to Information Fellowship'. This program aims to encourage in-depth research and understanding of the RTI Act.

What Is This Scheme?

The Right to Information Fellowship is a special initiative by the DOPT, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. It provides a short-term opportunity for professionals working in journalism, civil society, and RTI training to conduct field-based research. The goal is to study how the RTI Act is being implemented, identify challenges, and suggest ways to overcome them, ultimately enhancing the Act's objectives.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This fellowship is designed for individuals who have a proven track record and a keen interest in the Right to Information Act. This includes professionals working in print or electronic media (newspaper, magazine, radio, TV), individuals from civil society organizations, and those who actively train others on RTI matters. A passion for research and prior experience with RTI are key requirements.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The fellowship's importance lies in its potential to generate valuable insights into the practical application of the RTI Act across India. By supporting researchers to conduct on-ground studies, the DOPT hopes to gain a clearer picture of the Act's successes and limitations. The findings are expected to help policymakers, civil society, and the public better understand and improve the RTI framework, making government operations more transparent and citizens' access to information more effective.

Objective

This fellowship by the Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT) supports four researchers from media, civil society, and RTI training fields to conduct field research on the Right to Information Act.

Benefits

Under the scheme, training will be imparted in Designated Trades (DT) and Optional Trades (OT).

A. Designated Trades (DT)

Designated Trade means any trade or occupation or any subject field in engineering or non-engineering or technology or any vocational course which the Central Government.
Duration of apprenticeship training in DT for Industrial Training Institutes‟ (ITIs) pass-out candidates will ordinarily be one (1) year.
Duration of apprenticeship training in DT for fresher / non-ITI pass-out candidates will ordinarily be two (2) years.
In case of DT, notified through the Gazette, the duration of basic training will be as per the approved course.

B. Optional Trades (OT)

Optional Trade means any trade or occupation or any subject field in engineering or non-engineering or technology or any vocational course as may be determined by the employer.
Duration of apprenticeship training for OT will be six (6) months, nine (9) months, and twelve (12) months.
In case of OT, basic training will be embedded in the course duration of apprenticeship. It will be of minimum two (2) weeks duration before the OJT and will focus on orientation/ induction into the establishment.

Other important facts:-

1. Stipend Support

Partial stipend support by GoI under NAPS-2 will be limited to 25% of stipend paid, up to a maximum of ₹ 1,500/- per month, per apprentice during the training period through DBT to the apprentices‟ bank account.

2. Fund flow mechanism

Establishments pay at least 75% of the stipend to apprentices and GoI pays 25% of the stipend, up to a maximum of ₹ 1,500/- per month per apprentice. Partial stipend support by GoI will be transferred directly in the bank account of apprentice through DBT via PFMS.

3. Minimum Rate of Stipend Payable to Apprentices per Month

The minimum rate of stipend payable to apprentices per month as per Rule 11 of the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992 and Amendments (up to 2019) is as follows:

School pass-outs (Class 5th – Class 9th) - ₹ 5,000/-
School pass-outs (class 10th) - ₹ 6,000/-
School pass-outs (class 12th) - ₹ 7,000/-
National or State Certificate holder - ₹ 7,000/-
Technician (vocational) apprentice or Vocational Certificate holder or Sandwich Course (Students from Diploma Institutions) - ₹ 7,000/-
Technician apprentices or Diploma holder in any stream or Sandwich Course (Students from Degree Institutions) - ₹ 8,000/-
Graduate apprentices or Degree apprentices or Degree in any stream - ₹ 9,000/-

Sources and references

NAPS-2 Scheme Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

You should be a professional working in journalism (print or broadcast media), civil society, or actively involved in research and training related to the Right to Information (RTI).
Your age should be between 25 and 40 years.
You must have a demonstrable track record of achievements in your professional field.
Some previous experience working with or on the Right to Information Act is essential.
You should have a clear aptitude and interest in conducting research.

How To Apply

To apply for the Right to Information Fellowship, you need to submit a comprehensive application package. Make sure to follow these steps:

Prepare a detailed research proposal (6-8 A4 pages) outlining your intended research topic, methodology, and expected outcomes.
Create your Curriculum Vitae (CV), not exceeding 3 A4 pages, and include a recent photograph.
Write a brief statement detailing your past work related to the RTI Act.
Arrange for two reference letters from professionals who know your work well in your respective field.
If currently employed, obtain a 'no-objection certificate' from your employer.
Include a passport-sized photograph.

The complete application should be submitted to the Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT). Please refer to the official notification for the exact submission address and deadline.

Documents Required

A detailed research proposal (maximum 6-8 A4 pages) covering the research subject, plan, and final output.
Your Curriculum Vitae (CV), up to 3 A4 sheets, along with a recent passport-sized photograph.
A concise summary of your prior experience in the field of RTI.
Contact details for two professional references familiar with your work.
A no-objection certificate from your current employer.
Passport-sized Photograph.

Important Note: Your proposal must clearly state what you will deliver at the end of the fellowship. This could be a manuscript of around 10,000 words ready for publication, journalistic articles or investigative reports for national/international media, or even short video films for those in audio-visual media.

FAQ’s

Can I apply if I work for the government or a public sector company?

Absolutely! If you're employed by the Central or State Government or a Public Sector Undertaking, you are welcome to apply. Just make sure to submit your application through the official channel. You can also send an advance copy with all the necessary documents.

What's the expected format for the research output?

You have flexibility in choosing the format of your research output, depending on your field. It could be a detailed monograph of about 10,000 words, ready for publication. Alternatively, it could be journalistic pieces like features or investigative stories for media outlets, or even short video films if you're from the audio-video media background.

Will my research work be published by the government?

Yes, the Government of India reserves the right to publish your research output. They might also use it in other ways to strengthen the RTI system. The copyright of the work belongs to the Government of India.

Is there an age limit to apply for this fellowship?

Yes, you need to be between 25 and 40 years of age to be eligible for this fellowship.

What if my application is not complete?

It's really important to fill out the application completely. Incomplete applications are likely to be rejected, so double-check that you've included all the required information and documents.

What specific output should my research proposal mention?

Your research proposal needs to clearly state what you plan to deliver by the end of the fellowship. This could be a written report, published articles, or even visual content like short films, depending on your area of expertise.

Do I need prior experience with RTI to apply?

Yes, having some previous experience working on or with the Right to Information Act is a requirement for eligibility.

Can I apply if I'm not an Indian citizen?

No, this fellowship is exclusively for Indian nationals. Only citizens of India are eligible to apply.

Will I get to keep any rights over my research if the government doesn't use it?

While the copyright rests with the Government of India, they might give you permission to use your research output if they haven't utilized it within one year.

Will I have to attend an interview or presentation if shortlisted?

Yes, it's possible. Shortlisted candidates might be called to Delhi for an interview or to give a presentation as part of the final selection process.

Can journalists or media professionals apply?

Yes, definitely. The fellowship is open to professionals from media fields, including journalism, as well as civil society and RTI trainers. You can choose to deliver your output in a format suitable for your field.

Is there a requirement for how long the monograph should be?

Your research proposal should ideally include a monograph of about 10,000 words that is ready for publication. However, the exact length can depend on the depth and nature of your research.

What happens if I try to influence the selection process?

Any attempt at canvassing or trying to unfairly influence the selection process will lead to your disqualification. Fairness and transparency are expected from all applicants.

Will I be updated on the selection status during the process?

No, the department will not entertain any interim inquiries or correspondence regarding your application status. You will be informed about the final decision once the selection process is concluded.

Am I encouraged to use new research methods?

Yes, you are strongly encouraged to propose innovative approaches and methodologies in your research. The fellowship aims to bring fresh perspectives to understanding and improving the RTI regime.

What if I face difficulties in completing my research?

Fellows are expected to complete their promised research output. However, in very exceptional situations or due to unforeseen challenges, you should communicate with the concerned authorities immediately to discuss possible alternatives.

Will the government review my research before using it?

Your research output might undergo a review process before it is published or used by the government. This evaluation will likely assess its quality, relevance, and how well it aligns with the goals of the RTI system.