The Azim Premji Health Equity Fellowship 2026 offers young MBBS doctors a unique opportunity to understand the complexities of medical practice while serving the most vulnerable populations in remote and resource-scarce geographies across India. Designed as a 12-month immersive programme, the Fellowship combines hands-on clinical experience, structured learning, mentorship, and exposure to community health systems. The last date to apply is March 15, 2026.
The Fellowship is ideal for early-career doctors committed to advancing health equity, primary care, and community-based healthcare delivery.
Programme Highlights & Benefits
Fellows will receive diverse professional exposure, including:
- Posting at primary/secondary healthcare facilities in rural and underserved urban communities
- Mentorship under experienced doctors
- A network of like-minded Fellows and healthcare professionals
- Travel to remote regions of India
- Participation in a structured placement process
- Certification of completion
Additionally, Fellows will be enrolled in a Certificate Programme in Foundations in Family Medicine, offered by Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, with the possibility of joining the Post Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (PGDFM) after successful completion.
Honorarium & Financial Support
Azim Premji Foundation will provide financial support structured as:
- ₹40,000 per month (12 months)
- ₹1.2 lakh completion award upon successful completion
- Relocation and travel costs covered across participating institutions
Please note: The honorarium is intended to cover expenses and is not a salary.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be MBBS graduates
- Must have completed internship and any service obligation
- Preferably have state medical registration
- Within six years of qualification (graduates from 2020–2025 batches)
- If degree obtained outside India, must have cleared National Medical Commission (NMC) exams
- Candidates with postgraduate medical degrees are not eligible
- Proficiency in Hindi, English, and regional language as per location
Programme Structure
- Duration: 12 months
- Anchor Posting: Majority of the year at a designated healthcare facility
- Short Exposure Visit: At another healthcare location
- Capacity-Building Sessions: On community health and social contexts (online and in-person)
- CMC Vellore Sessions: Combination of online modules and in-person training
- Each Fellow will be assigned a designated mentor to develop a personalised learning plan
Important Dates
- Last Date to Apply: March 15, 2026
- Selection Process: February–March 2026
- Selection Announcement: April 10, 2026
- Programme Start Date: May 25, 2026
Quick Reference Summary
| Category | Details |
| Programme Name | Azim Premji Health Equity Fellowship 2026 |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Eligibility | MBBS (2020–2025 graduates) |
| Monthly Honorarium | ₹40,000 |
| Completion Award | ₹1.2 Lakh |
| Application Deadline | March 15, 2026 |
| Programme Start | May 25, 2026 |
| Certification Partner | CMC Vellore |
Why This Fellowship Matters
India faces significant disparities in access to quality healthcare in rural and underserved regions. This Fellowship aims to nurture compassionate, community-oriented physicians capable of addressing these inequities. Through structured mentorship, exposure to high-caseload facilities, and training in family medicine, Fellows gain both professional growth and social impact experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Who can apply for the Azim Premji Health Equity Fellowship 2026? |
| MBBS graduates (2020–2025 batches) who have completed internship and service obligations. |
| What is the duration of the Fellowship? |
| The programme runs for 12 months. |
| What financial support is provided? |
| ₹40,000 per month plus ₹1.2 lakh on successful completion, along with relocation and travel coverage. |
| Is this a salaried position? |
| No, the honorarium is meant to cover expenses and is not a salary. |
| Are postgraduate degree holders eligible? |
| No, candidates with postgraduate medical degrees cannot apply. |
| What certification is offered? |
| A Certificate Programme in Foundations in Family Medicine from CMC Vellore. |
| When will the programme begin? |
| The Fellowship will commence on May 25, 2026. |
| What type of healthcare facilities will Fellows work in? |
| Primary and secondary healthcare centres in rural, remote, or underserved urban communities. |
The Azim Premji Health Equity Fellowship 2026 presents a transformative opportunity for young MBBS doctors to serve communities while strengthening their clinical and public health competencies. With structured mentorship, CMC Vellore certification, and financial support, the programme bridges clinical practice and social responsibility. Interested candidates should apply before March 15, 2026, and refer to the official Azim Premji Foundation website for detailed guidelines. Bookmark this page for future updates and fellowship announcements, for more details and apply CLICK HERE
