Krutika Dalvi, Climate Corps Fellow 2021, Mahindra Holidays
Ashoka-Environmental Defense Fund Climate Corps Fellowship is an innovative fellowship programme that trains talented and passionate post graduate students and pairs them with companies and public institutions committed to meeting climate goals and helping to strengthen the Indian economy.
Programme Overview
The programme addresses a crucial human capital gap in the wide-ranging efforts to fight climate change, delivering bold, practical solutions that benefit the planet and people’s health. Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) established the Climate Corps fellowship programme in 2008 to foster climate leadership by equipping professionals with the connections and skills necessary to drive progress. Climate Corps Fellowship operates in three countries: the US, China, and India. Fellows design tools and recommendations that help organisations reduce emissions by mapping climate commitments, augmenting sustainability capacity, increasing both renewable energy and energy efficiency and/or engaging suppliers. To date, Climate Corps fellows have identified opportunities to avoid more than 2 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions — equivalent to taking nearly half a million cars off the road for a year.
AshokaX is partnering with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) to execute this fellowship in India, to build a skilled green workforce and accelerate net-zero and sustainability goals. We are committed to empowering skilled leaders who will advance solutions to put the economy on a path to reach net-zero emissions by mid-century and grow the economy while mitigating the worst effects of climate change.
Read the press release on the partnership between AshokaX and EDF here.
Global Impact of Climate Corps
Focus Sectors and Areas
The fellowship focuses on emission-intensive, hard-to-abate sectors such as:
Agriculture/Food Systems
Incorporating climate smart practices, measuring and reducing emissions across the agricultural and food value chains
Sustainable Finance
Climate risk assessment, sustainable financing, climate-related policy and disclosures, investing in net-zero transition
Freight & Logistics
Reducing Scope 3 emissions, engaging suppliers on sustainability initiatives, zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicle fleets
Manufacturing
Reducing emissions, incorporating material circularity to manufacturing processes, enabling efficient industrial operations
Across these sectors, fellows work in the high-demand areas as follows:
Climate Risk Assessment
Identifying physical and transition risks, estimating financial implications, integrating climate risk into business strategy, understanding risk mitigation strategies for identified climate risks, learning relevant regulations and reporting requirements
Climate Finance & Carbon Markets
Exploring innovative green finance instruments (green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, etc.), climate funds, global and Indian carbon markets (compliance and voluntary markets), carbon trading methodologies, carbon project development, etc.
Supply Chain Sustainability
Measuring and reducing Scope 3 emissions, implementing sustainable procurement strategies and supplier engagement, integrating renewable energy and resource efficiency, developing criteria for sustainable supply chain and their assessment
Reporting and Disclosures
International & national ESG frameworks, standards, and ratings, India’s BRSR framework & alignment with ESG metrics & national guidelines, impact on investment decisions & stakeholder trust, double materiality, reporting challenges & tech-led solutions
Programme Structure
Who the Programme Is for and Why
Experienced Postgraduate Students and Early-career Professionals gain:
Intensive training by industry experts in emerging areas of climate risk, supply chain, ESG disclosure, and sustainable finance
Real-world experience on cutting-edge net-zero and sustainability projects for 3 months/6 months
Launchpad for sustainability careers and opportunity to build a strong professional network
Companies, Public Sector Organisations, and Think Tanks gain:
A competitive edge by boosting their organizations’ bandwidth to expedite sustainability and climate action goals
Trained fellows from leading universities, who bring niche skills in climate risk, supply chain, ESG disclosure, and sustainable finance
Opportunity to attract and retain top talent, making their organization more attractive by showing strong environmental commitment
Featured Projects
The Climate Corps fellowship drives lasting change across multiple sectors within a wide range of top companies and organizations. More than 35 organisations have hosted Climate Corps fellows across 100+ projects in India. See the full list here.
Learn Sustainability Skills and Empower Your Career!
Our fellows undergo training that includes virtual sessions from industry leaders and experts, covering essential topics such as GHG accounting, sustainability strategy, carbon accounting, financial analysis, and more. Navigate to the Climate Corps Training page through the button below, and register to get access to our training sessions.
Transforming Ideas Into Action: Fellow and Host Experiences
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For Hosts
For Fellows
The programme works with a diverse range of organisations, including:
- Corporates across sectors
- Startups and climate tech companies
- Nonprofits and social enterprises
- Public sector organisations
Any organisation looking to advance its sustainability journey can benefit from hosting a fellow.
Fellows are carefully selected, Master’s level students or early-career professionals with at least 2 years of work experience and a demonstrated interest in climate and sustainability. They come from diverse disciplines and bring fresh perspectives, structured thinking, and a willingness to engage deeply with complex business challenges.
All fellows are trained in emerging sustainability areas and practical problem-solving before starting their projects, enabling them to contribute meaningfully from day one.
Matching is based on:
- Project requirements and technical needs of the hosts
- Fellows’ skills, backgrounds, and interests
- Sectoral alignment
The goal is to ensure a strong fit that maximises both impact and learning.
Each fellowship project typically runs for either 3 months or 6 months after mutual alignment between the fellow and host.
Yes, each fellow receives a monthly stipend of INR 50,000, which is borne by the host.
Yes. Fellows are expected to work full-time on their assigned projects during the placement phase, ensuring focused and consistent progress.
Host organisations are expected to:
- Define project scope with deliverables
- Nominate a point of contact/mentor for the fellow
- Provide relevant data, context, and access required for the project
- Offer periodic feedback and guidance to the fellows
- Participate in check-ins with the Climate Corps team to ensure alignment
- Review and approve the fellows’ project deliverables as part of the fellowship.
The Climate Corps team supports both fellows and hosts to ensure smooth execution.
Climate Corps periodically engages with the fellows and hosts through structured touchpoints to ensure the smooth running of projects. Schedule of touchpoints:
Kick off between fellow, host, Climate Corps team within a week of the start of the fellowship:
To get aligned on the project and timelines and to provide any resource-related or expert connection support to fellows and hosts
Monthly meetings between fellow and Climate Corps team:
To ensure desired progress is being made on the project and provide any support that the fellow or host may require from Climate Corps. It’s optional for hosts to attend these meetings.
End point meeting between fellow, host, and Climate Corps team towards the end of the project:
Here, the fellow gives a presentation on project goals, results, outcomes, and impact to both the host and Climate Corps and shares their learnings.
Post the presentation, the fellow also submits final deliverables to Climate Corps, including a report and public summary, after getting them approved by the host. This marks the formal conclusion of the engagement between the fellow and the host.
Climate Corps recognises that fellows may work with sensitive organisational data. Fellows are expected to adhere to strict standards of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality throughout their engagement.
We encourage hosts to clearly communicate any specific confidentiality requirements at the outset to ensure alignment.
Fellows and hosts are not expected to submit or share any confidential information with the Climate Corps.
Yes. Many host organisations choose to continue working with fellows beyond the programme, either through full-time roles or extended engagements. Please note that any such arrangements are made directly between the fellow and the host organisation. Climate Corps does not play a role in or influence these decisions.
To host a fellow, contact paridhi.mishra@ashoka.edu.in, and let’s have a scoping discussion about your organisation’s priorities and project requirements
You can also send an application here.
The fellowship is open to applicants currently enrolled in Master’s or post-graduate programs, or who have graduated within the last 5 years (not earlier than 1 July 2022), from a degree program in engineering, finance, business, sustainability, environmental management, public policy, or other relevant fields.
Yes. As long as you are able to commit full-time to the fellowship project (3 or 6 months) between April and September 2027, you are eligible to apply.
Applicants who have graduated on 1 July 2022 or later (within the past 5 years) are eligible to apply.
Yes. If you can commit full-time to the fellowship project for at least 3 months between April to September, you are eligible.
The fellowship is a full-time commitment.
- If you are looking for a summer internship or have a limited period to commit, the 3-month option is suitable.
- If you are seeking a more immersive experience, exploring a career pivot, or wish to contribute over a longer period, the 6-month option would be ideal.
Each fellow receives a fixed stipend of Rs 50,000 per month of their fellowship.
Additionally, the fellow is eligible to receive a one-time relocation allowance of up to Rs. 30,000 for expenses incurred towards accommodation and travel, subject to submission of invoices and payment receipts, only after completing the fellowship and submitting all final deliverables.
Yes. Training ensures all fellows begin with a strong foundational understanding of climate and sustainability. Sessions are conducted virtually by experts and industry leaders. Climate Corps Training is conducted in three phases, which for the 2027 cycle will be as follows:
- Asynchronous in January 2027
- Live Level UP (Understand + Practice) in February-March 2027
- Continued Learning in April-September 2027
Learn more about the training here.
Attendance is mandatory, as the certificate of completion is awarded only after meeting participation requirements.
The host organisation is where you will work during your fellowship. Fellows are matched with host organisations based on skills, experience, and interests. Each host assigns a supervisor/reporting manager who acts as your primary point of contact and guide throughout the fellowship.
The matching process considers your skills, experience, and interests alongside the project requirements of host organisations. Matching takes place in February and March.
Climate Corps periodically engages with the fellows and hosts through structured touchpoints to ensure the smooth running of projects. Schedule of touchpoints:
Kick off between fellow, host, Climate Corps team within a week of the start of the fellowship:
To get aligned on the project and timelines and to provide any resource-related or expert connection support to fellows and hosts
Monthly meetings between fellow and Climate Corps team:
To ensure desired progress is being made on the project and provide any support that the fellow or host may require from Climate Corps. It’s optional for hosts to attend these meetings.
End point meeting between fellow, host, and Climate Corps team towards the end of the project:
Here, the fellow gives a presentation on project goals, results, outcomes, and impact to both the host and Climate Corps and shares their learnings.
Post the presentation, the fellow also submits final deliverables to Climate Corps, including a report and public summary, after getting them approved by the host.
You will join the Global Climate Corps alumni network, gaining access to a global community of climate leaders and professionals. Learn more about the network here.
The Climate Corps applications for the 2027 cycle are currently closed and will open in September 2026. You will find an application link on this page.
The program works with a diverse range of organisations, including:
- Corporates across sectors
- Startups and climate tech companies
- Nonprofits and social enterprises
- Public sector organisations
Any organisation looking to advance its sustainability journey can benefit from hosting a fellow.
Fellows are carefully selected, Master’s level students or early-career professionals with at least 2 years of work experience and a demonstrated interest in climate and sustainability. They come from diverse disciplines and bring fresh perspectives, structured thinking, and a willingness to engage deeply with complex business challenges.
All fellows are trained in emerging sustainability areas and practical problem-solving before starting their projects, enabling them to contribute meaningfully from day one.
Matching is based on:
- Project requirements and technical needs
- Fellows’ skills, backgrounds, and interests
- Sectoral alignment
The goal is to ensure a strong fit that maximises both impact and learning.
Each fellowship project typically runs for either 3 months or 6 months after mutual alignment between the fellow and host.
Yes, each fellow receives a monthly stipend of INR 50,000, which is borne by the host.
Yes. Fellows are expected to work full-time on their assigned projects during the placement phase, ensuring focused and consistent progress.
Host organisations are expected to:
- Define project scope with deliverables
- Nominate a point of contact/mentor for the fellow
- Provide relevant data, context, and access required for the project
- Offer periodic feedback and guidance
The Climate Corps team supports both fellows and hosts to ensure smooth execution.
Climate Corps periodically engages with the fellows and hosts through structured touchpoints to ensure the smooth running of projects. Schedule of touchpoints:
Kick off between fellow, host, Climate Corps team within a week of the start of the fellowship:
To get aligned on the project and timelines and to provide any resource-related or expert connection support to fellows and hosts
Monthly meetings between fellow and Climate Corps team:
To ensure desired progress is being made on the project and provide any support that the fellow or host may require from Climate Corps. It’s optional for hosts to attend these meetings.
End point meeting between fellow, host, and Climate Corps team towards the end of the project:
Here, the fellow gives a presentation on project goals, results, outcomes, and impact to both the host and Climate Corps and shares their learnings.
Post the presentation, the fellow also submits final deliverables to Climate Corps, including a report and public summary, after getting them approved by the host. This marks the formal conclusion of the engagement between the fellow and the host.
Climate Corps recognises that fellows may work with sensitive organisational data. Fellows are expected to adhere to strict standards of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality throughout their engagement.
We encourage hosts to clearly communicate any specific confidentiality requirements at the outset to ensure alignment.
Fellows and hosts are not expected to submit or share any confidential information with the Climate Corps.
The fellowship is open to applicants currently enrolled in master’s or post-graduate programs, or who have graduated within the last 5 years (not earlier than 1 July 2021), from a degree program in engineering, finance, business, sustainability, environmental management, public policy, or other relevant fields.
Yes. As long as you are able to commit full-time to the fellowship project (3 or 6 months) between April and September 2026, you are eligible to apply.
Applicants who have graduated on 1 July 2021 or later (within the past 5 years) are eligible to apply.
Yes. If you can commit full-time to the fellowship project for at least 3 months between April to September, you are eligible.
The fellowship is a full-time commitment.
- If you are looking for a summer internship or have a limited period to commit, the 3-month option is suitable.
- If you are seeking a more immersive experience, exploring a career pivot, or wish to contribute over a longer period, the 6-month option would be ideal.
All fellows receive a fixed stipend of Rs 50,000 per month of their fellowship.
Yes. Training ensures all fellows begin with a strong foundational understanding of climate and sustainability. Sessions are conducted virtually by experts and industry leaders. Climate Corps Training is conducted in three phases: Asynchronous in January 2026; Live Level UP (Understand + Practice) in February-March 2026, and Continued Learning in April-September 2026. Learn more about the training here. Attendance is mandatory, as the certificate of completion is awarded only after meeting participation requirements.
The host organisation is where you will work during your fellowship. Fellows are matched to host organizations based on skills, experience, and interests. Each host assigns a supervisor/reporting manager who acts as your primary point of contact and guide throughout the fellowship. The Climate Corps provides engagement management support during the fellowship through regular check-in calls and assistance with expert connection requests. Here’s a list of our previous hosts and projects.
The matching process considers your skills, experience, and interests alongside the project
requirements of host organisations. Matching takes place in February and March.
You will join the Global Climate Corps alumni network, gaining access to a global community
of climate leaders and professionals. Learn more about the network here.
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Environmental Defense Fund and Climate Corps is the registered trademark of the Environmental Defense Fund, Inc. Used with permission.