Network for Advanced Study of China (NASC)
As India navigates a complex strategic landscape, it needs a nucleus of exemplary scholars from the profession of arms to provide counsel on pressing questions of national security.
The NASC Fellowship Overview
The Network for Advanced Study of China (NASC) Fellowship aims to create high-quality scholarship and knowledge of the People’s Republic of China by nurturing new generations of analysts in academia, think tanks, media, and industry.
The programme aims to train and nurture a cross-disciplinary community of outstanding scholars and create a body of knowledge that will inform policy, strategy, economics, technology, and society.
It includes a two-day conference in Bengaluru (funding for travel and accommodation inclusive). Other than that, the Fellowship is conducted virtually.
In addition, cash prizes will be awarded to select papers determined by the jury. The duration of the fellowship is one year.
Who Should Apply
NASC invites applications from researchers from any background, including from universities, research institutes, media, government services, and industry, who are enthusiastic about undertaking fresh research on China.
Prospective fellows must either be working or studying in India, and must have at least an undergraduate degree and be proficient in English (speaking and writing).
This year, we encourage applicants to submit research proposals that focus on answering dedicated thematic questions prepared by the Takshashila Institution. The same can be perused in the document below:
Please note that we do encourage proposals on topics pertaining to the themes, even if they do not exactly pertain to the thematic questions. However, preference would be given to applications that provide a framework and approach to answering the 19 listed questions.
At Takshashila, we encourage empirical research based on frameworks and models of thinking. In this regard, please approach the questions posed in the document through an evidence-based framework model of research.
Fellowship Process
Prospective fellows must fill out the form (linked below) and submit a brief research proposal demonstrating their interest and capability to complete the project.
The proposal (1000 words maximum) should clearly state the current gaps in research and how the author(s) would approach the issue, based on one thematic question of choosing.
Along with the research proposal submission, the author(s) must also send a past writing sample, either published or unpublished, on any topic, that is more than 1000 words. Application deadline: June 15, 2025, 11:59 PM IST.
Up to three authors can submit a joint proposal. Only one/ primary author may fill out the form. Multidisciplinary approaches and collaborations are encouraged.
Selected applicants will be invited to join the fellowship, and will be assigned mentors and projects. The best research output will be rewarded with cash prizes and commendations.
Please note that we do encourage proposals on topics pertaining to the themes, even if they do not exactly pertain to the thematic questions. However, preference would be given to applications that provide a framework and approach to answering the 19 listed questions.
Tentative Timeline
The application window for the third NASC Fellowship Cohort is now open.
May 21, 2025: Call for Proposals on dedicated, thematic questions Google form
June 15, 2025: Research proposal submission deadline
June 15-25, 2025: Interviews with authors of shortlisted proposals
By Early July, 2025: Intimation regarding the selection of Fellows (Please note: we do not entertain e-mails regarding urgency of information on selection)
July 7, 2025: Commencement of Fellowship
August 31, 2025: Submission of the first draft of papers
September 15, 2025: First round of feedback by the NASC-Takshashila team
October 30, 2025: Submission of the second draft of papers
21-23 November, 2025: Two-day in-person Academic Conference with presentations by fellows on their research, inclusive of feedback
December 5, 2025: Formal feedback on the second drafts by the mentor
February 15, 2026: Submission of third and final drafts of papers
March, 2026: Final evaluations and announcement of award winners
Reach Out
Please write to nasc@takshashila.org.in for any requests and clarifications.