NAS-China Track (NASC)

NASC develops rigorous, original scholarship on China among a new generation of Indian researchers, at a time when understanding China is increasingly consequential for India.

NAS FELLOWSHIP / NASC

NAS‑China Track

Turn your interest in understanding China into a well-rounded research portfolio. NASC seeks to develop rigorous, original scholarship on China among a new generation of Indian researchers, at a time when understanding China has never been more consequential for India’s foreign policy, economic strategy, and national security.

Proposal deadline Last date for submission of proposals — 7 September 2026

Research domains

Propose your own topic

This is a general call for research proposals. Fellows are not required to work on pre-assigned themes. You propose a topic within the broad domain of China studies, including the following areas.

C.01 China's political system, governance, and the Chinese Communist Party
C.02 China's economy, growth model, structural challenges, and industrial policy
C.03 China's foreign policy and global ambitions
C.04 The Belt and Road Initiative and China's overseas presence
C.05 China's military modernisation and the PLA
C.06 India–China relations, border, trade, and strategic competition
C.07 China's technology policy, AI, semiconductors, digital infrastructure, and clean-tech
C.08 Taiwan and cross-strait relations
C.09 China and the Global South
C.10 Chinese society, nationalism, and public opinion

As part of the fellowship, fellows will have access to the Open Takshashila Expert Capsule Course (ECC). Fellows can choose to enrol in any of the ECCs running during the fellowship period, currently spanning subjects like China, Geospatial Technology, Space Power, and AI.

Guidance

Subject-matter specialists

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

Dr. Anton Harder Guest Lecturer (International History), King’s College London

Manoj Kewalramani Programme Head, NASC Fellowship and Chairperson, Indo-Pacific Studies Programme, Takshashila Institution

Dr. Pradeep Taneja Senior Lecturer, University of Melbourne

Katja Drinhausen Head of Program, Politics and Society, MERICS, Berlin, Germany

Dr. Devendra Kumar Associate Fellow at the Centre of Excellence for Himalayan Studies, School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Helena Legarda Lead Analyst, Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS), Berlin, Germany

Application process

How to apply

Proposal & Statement of Purpose

Submit a research proposal of 1,000–1,500 words outlining the topic, the research questions, and the approach. Proposals should clearly identify the gap in existing scholarship and explain why the topic merits sustained attention. Applicants are also required to submit a 500–800-word Statement of Purpose explaining their reasons for pursuing a fellowship in this domain. Only one author per proposal will be accepted.

Interviews

Submitted proposals undergo internal review, and applicants whose proposals are shortlisted will be invited to a virtual interview.

Fellow announcements

Up to 6 selected candidates per track will be invited to join the 2026–2027 NAS fellowship cohort.

Apply to NASC

Submit your proposal and Statement of Purpose for the 2026–2027 cohort.

Last date for submission of proposals: 7 September 2026.

Apply now →