Network for Advanced Study of China (NASC) Fellowship
On this page
Fellowship Overview
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Who Should Apply
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Testimonials
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Fellowship Process
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Timeline
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Mentor Panel
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Contact
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Fellowship Overview 〰️ Who Should Apply 〰️ Testimonials 〰️ Fellowship Process 〰️ Timeline 〰️ Mentor Panel 〰️ Contact 〰️
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 over a period of a year, and create a body of knowledge that will inform policy, strategy, economics, technology, and society.
The NASC Fellowship offers opportunities for analysts and scholars to work under the co-guidance of foremost experts and work towards a publication in the leading journals and publications in the field. It includes a two-day conference in Bengaluru (funding for travel and accommodation inclusive). 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 only 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.
Hear what the winners of the 2024-25 NASC cohort have to say about the Fellowship
“My year-long NASC Fellowship at Takshashila Institution was truly transformative. The structured mentorship, meaningful peer exchange and critical inquiry deeply shaped my research which resonated strongly with the academic community.”
~Biyon Sony Joseph
Author of the paper: ‘The CPC’s Influence On CPI(M) Thought: An Analysis From Political Economy Perspective’ [Best Paper Prize]
“NASC Fellowship has been an invaluable experience for me. I had the opportunity not only to write a research paper under expert mentorship but also to develop a more rigorous and grounded understanding of China from an Indian perspective.”
~Megha Shrivastava
Author of the paper: ‘China as a New Developmental State: Examining the ‘Multi-actor Model’ in the ICT Industry’ [Runner-Up Prize]
“For me, the NASC fellowship by Takshashila has been the right blend of challenge and learning; through engaging lectures, insightful peers, mentors, and coordinators, it offered a truly enriching intellectual experience.”
~Meghna Pradhan
Author of the paper: ‘China Online: Videogames as a tool of Soft Power, and its influence in Chinese policy’ [Runner-Up Prize]
“The NASC Fellowship offers an in-depth exploration of contemporary China. It encourages critical thinking through sessions and topical discussions with leading scholars, helping to shape an informed Indian perspective on Chinese affairs.”
~Hritika Patil
Author of the paper: ‘China’s Dominance in the Shipping Container Manufacturing Industry: A Geo-economic Strategy’ [Spl. Jury Mention]
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
Dr. Alka Acharya
Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University and Honorary Director, Institute of Chinese Studies, Delhi
Pranay Kotasthane
Deputy Director, Takshashila Institution and Chairperson, Takshashila High-Technology Geopolitics Programme
Dr. Jabin Jacob
Associate Professor, Department of International Relations and Governance Studies, Shiv Nadar University
Aditya Ramanathan
Fellow, Takshashila Institution and Chairperson, Takshashila Advanced Military Technologies Programme (AMTOS)
Dr. Nithiyanandam Yogeswaran
Head of Takshashila Institution’s Geospatial Research Programme
Manoj Kewalramani
Programme Head, NASC Fellowship and Chairperson, Indo-Pacific Studies Programme, Takshashila Institution
Our Mentors
Dr. Pradeep Taneja
Senior Lecturer, University of Melbourne
Air Marshal TD Joseph AVSM VM VSM (Retd.)
Senior Air Staff Officer HQ TC (retd. in 2021)
Anupam Manur
Associate Professor, Takshashila Institution
Reach Out
Please write to nasc@takshashila.org.in for any requests and clarifications.