Govt. of India Mahatama Gandhi Fellowship Certificate Program to study at IIMs
Are you searching for a fully-funded government fellowship management program with a monthly stipend? This article provides complete information about a unique Fellowship Program that provides an exciting opportunity to study at a reputed IIM and work directly on public policies and management at the District level. Details of the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MGNF) for a Certificate Program in Public Policy and Management for 2021-23 have been provided in this article.
Overview
In October last year, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Govt. of India launched the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MGNF) for a Certificate Program in Public Policy and Management through the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bangalore. The program will be implemented in collaboration with State Skill Development Missions (SSDMs) at the various IIMs.
The online applications for MGNF are now open for the academic session 2021-23. MSDE will be providing the funds for selected Fellows who get admission to the certificate program and they will receive monthly stipends as well. While preference will be given to those with work experience, those who do not have any work experience and a strong motivation to work on public policy and management in rural areas are also welcome to apply. 
[Image source: print advt. in Hindustan Times, 15th February 2021]About the MGNF program
The MGNF Certificate Program in Public Policy and Management offered at the IIMs is of two years' duration, with over 600 seats available across the IIMs. You will be attending academic sessions in classrooms as well as engage in fieldwork at the district level. The program is beneficial for those who are looking to develop skills in the management of public policies that will increase the economic output in local districts. You will look into existing schemes, identify hurdles, and create plans to promote growth in rural areas, including the feasibility of linking markets. On successful completion of the program, you will be awarded the Certificate Program in Public Policy and Management.
In addition to IIM Bangalore, which is also the main coordinator for the common admission process, the program is offered at- MGNF Course Modules
The classroom sessions for the MGNF Certificate Program in Public Policy and Management will be over the duration of 40 days, with each of the below-mentioned modules covered within 10 working days. There will be lectures, projects and discussions as well as exams during these academic sessions. The modules are-
The modules for the district immersion sessions for the MGNF Certificate Program in Public Policy and Management will involve applying what you learned in the classroom modules in the pre-selected District, to document and understand the potential of employment and livelihoods in various skills. Two major parts of the district immersion module are, firstly, integrative workshops where you will be required to present specific details about the district where you were assigned. Secondly, there will be mentoring and support by a Mentoring Team (MT) from the IIM to provide direct guidance and support, helping you get through problematic areas, encouraging you and appreciating your success.Stipend
You will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 50,000 during the first year of the Certificate Program in Public Policy and Management and once you complete the requirements of the first year, you receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 60,000 per month during the second year of the program.
Eligibility requirements
Only citizens of India can apply for the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship Certificate Program in Public Policy and Management. Other criteria are-
Age: You must be between 21 and 30 years of age at the time of applying for the program.
Educational Qualification: You should be at least a graduate in any discipline, such as social sciences, law, medicine, engineering, etc. from a recognized university or have a Postgraduate qualification from a recognized university.
Experience: You should have a minimum of three years' work experience after completing your secondary schooling in the social/non-profit sector.
Language skills: You should be proficient in the official language used in the State Government.
General: You should ideally have a keen interest to work in rural areas. How to apply for MGNF program
Applications for the MGNF Certificate Program in Public Policy and Management 2021-23 should be submitted online only at the IIM-B MGNF admission portal.
The last date to submit online applications is 27th March 2021. You can then download the Admit Card in the third week of April for the written test that determines the selection of candidates for the program. About MGNF entrance exam
The entrance exam for MGNF is a closed book paper-based one, scheduled at exam centres in the capital cities of all major States and Union Territories of India. The name and location of the test centre will be indicated in the Admit Card. The test is of two hours' duration and will be in English only, with 100 MCQs (multiple choice questions) in four sections. These are-
The marking system: You will get three marks for a correct answer and -1 for an incorrect answer. No marks will be given or deducted for questions that are not answered at all. You can check out sample questions papers at- https://www.iimb.ac.in/sites/default/files/inline-files/Sample-Questions-MGNF-Exam.pdf.At the exam centre
You must report to the exam centre 60 minutes before the exam actually begins. Bring with you only two things - the Admit Card along with passport size photo pasted on it in the appropriate place, and one extra passport size photo to be affixed on the attendance sheet at the centre. Without these, you will not be permitted to appear for the written exam. Interview session
On successfully clearing the written test, you will be required to appear for a personal interview to interact with members of the selection panel. You will also have to do a case analysis and appear for a language proficiency test. All this will be scheduled in the capital cities only.
Important dates
Online applications have opened on 13th February 2021.
Online applications will close on 27th March 2021.
Admit Card will be available for download on the official website in the first week of April 2021.
Date of Written Test: Will be conducted in the third week of April 2021, the exact date to be put up later.
Result of the written test will be declared in the last week of April 2021.
The Personal Interview will be conducted between the first and the fourth week of May 2021.
The MGNF IIM Certificate Program will begin in mid-July 2021.
Explore Management Courses in India.Contact information
For queries you can contact:
The Admission Office
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
Bannerghatta Road,
Bangalore- 560076.
For admission-related assistance, including any problems in submitting the online application or an inability to download the Admit Card (it will not be sent directly to the candidates), you can send an email to helpdesk.mgnf@gmail.com.
For any other assistance, email: mgnf@iimb.ac.in.
Website: https://www.iimb.ac.in/mgnf.
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