DAPRF Data Analytics for Policy Research Fellowship- Cohort 4.0

An Online National Winter & Spring School Program
A Four-Month Immersive Online Hands-On Certificate Training Fellowship Program

February – May 2026

Details of the #WebPolicyLearning:

The fellowship duration is a total of 4 months. The first 12 weeks comprise weekly two-hour Zoom classes covering both technical and program sessions. The next 3 weeks are dedicated towards the finalisation of the fellowship project.

Live Sessions with Experts & Program Team-

Dates: February 14 – May 9, 2026
Twelve Consecutive Saturdays
Time: 11 am – 1 p.m. IST
Platform: Zoom

Fellowship Project Timeline-

Blog Article Submission: 13 April, 2026
To be published on the IMPRI Insights Blog.

Creative Presentation: 2nd & 9th May, 2026
To be presented live on IMPRI’s YouTube Channel–Fellows Presentation Playlist.

Book Chapter Publication Milestones
A structured pathway for the fellowship project culminating in the final publication to be published by IMPRI Books in an IMPRI ISBN Edited Volume titled the Anthology of Essays.

Abstract Submission: 23 March, 2026
Fellowship Project Discussion: Throughout the fellowship
Extended Abstract Submission: 27 April, 2026
Draft Final Chapter Submission: 16 May, 2026
Final Book Chapter (Post-Review): 30 May, 2026

Note: Detailed session dates & time will be shared via the Guidelines Document.

Registration form link: https://forms.gle/wMSZ8y2AQm5rQPM89

Course Fee in INR (inclusive of GST):

Special 20 percent discount for IMPRI Alumni. Bulk Discounts can be availed for groups of more than 5 participants. IMPRI Alumni can avail benefits through the IMPRI Referral Policy for Alumni & Friends.

Payment of Course Fee: https://pages.razorpay.com/impricoursefee
Alternatively, can use any payment method from here: https://www.impriindia.com/payment-details/

Scholarship Details

To apply for the scholarships, please complete the
Scholarship Form link: https://forms.gle/E6cxBtazpwi5LLrQ7

Last Date to Apply: Feb 7th, 2026
Notification: Selected candidates will be informed via email.

The Data Analytics for Policy Research Fellowship (DAPRF) – Cohort 4.0 is an Online International Winter School Program designed to equip emerging researchers, students, and professionals with advanced analytical capabilities for evidence-based policymaking. Organized by the IMPRI Generation Alpha Data Center (GenAlphaDC), this four-month immersive leadership certificate training fellowship offers a dynamic learning environment where participants engage with real-world datasets, applied research methods, and hands-on analytical tools essential for policy analysis. Through expert-led sessions, interactive exercises, and guided data projects, fellows gain the technical proficiency, critical thinking skills, and professional confidence needed to interpret data meaningfully and contribute to impactful public policy research in an increasingly data-driven world.

The Data Analytics for Policy Research Fellowship (DAPRF) is an intensive, practice-oriented program designed to equip participants with the analytical skills necessary to drive evidence-based policymaking. Moving beyond theoretical understanding, the fellowship immerses learners in rigorous hands-on training across a wide spectrum of analytical methods, statistical tools, and data visualization techniques essential for policy research. Participants engage with key methodologies such as ANOVA, regression analysis, econometrics, forecasting, and survey data analysis, while gaining proficiency in tools including Stata, EViews, Excel, GIS/ArcGIS, and other data-driven frameworks widely used in public policy, governance, and social research.

Throughout the program, participants work on real-world datasets and policy challenges, culminating in a guided data project that each fellow presents at the end of the fellowship—with select projects earning an opportunity for publication in an ISBN-edited volume. Ideal for students, researchers, professionals in government, development sectors, and academia, DAPRF fosters a collaborative learning environment where participants build strong analytical capabilities, enhance their policy research acumen, and join a growing network of practitioners committed to shaping informed, impactful governance through the power of data.

Objectives

• Acquire hands-on training in various data analytics techniques and platforms.
• Master data visualization and statistical tools for policy research.
• Perform comprehensive data analysis including ANOVA, regression analysis, and econometrics.
• Utilize advanced tools like GIS, Arc GIS, EViews for data insights.
• Develop skills in monitoring, evaluation, and Excel-based data analysis.
• Engage in a hands-on project to apply learned techniques and tools in real-world scenarios.

Key Highlights: Hands-on Data Analytics Learning with Practice Datasets (excel, eviews, stata, R); Statistics & Econometrics in Practice; Monitoring & Evaluation; AI Data Tools; Spatial Data Analysis- GIS; Thematic Curated Interactive Expert Sessions; Fellowship Project Submission (to be published as an ISBN edited book).

For Whom

Professionals: Practitioners, researchers, policymakers, administrators, and development professionals across sectors.
Academia & Subject Experts: Faculty members, scholars, and domain specialists engaged in research or policy work.
Civil Society & Community Actors: Individuals working in NGOs, social enterprises, advocacy groups, or grassroots initiatives.
Interdisciplinary Thinkers: Those bringing cross-sector perspectives to policy, governance, and societal challenges.
Students: UG, PG, MPhil, and PhD learners from any discipline.

Applications from participants across disciplines, sectors, and regions are encouraged. IMPRI fellowships promote a multidisciplinary, inclusive learning environment that brings together diverse stakeholders to engage with real-world policy challenges.

Chair: Dr Soumyadip Chattopadhyay, Associate Professor, Economics, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan; Visiting Senior Fellow, IMPRI
Co-Chair: Mr Rakesh Pandey, Doctoral candidate in the Research, Analysis, and Design stream, RAND School of Public Policy and Assistant policy researcher, RAND Corporation (TBC)

Session Experts: 

To be announced soon!

Convenors:
Dr Simi Mehta, CEO & Editorial Director, IMPRI
Dr Arjun Kumar, Director, IMPRI

Note: The final experts’ list along with session dates & time will be updated shortly.

DAPRF Data Analytics for Policy Research Fellowship

Cohort 3.0 | Aug-Dec 2025 
Fellows List
Fellows Creative Project PPT Video 1 & 2
Anthology of Essays by Fellows ISBN Book

Cohort 2.0 | Feb-May 2025 
Fellows List
Fellows Creative Project PPT Video 1 & 2
Anthology of Essays by Fellows ISBN Book

Cohort 1 | Sept-Dec 2024
Fellows List
Fellows Creative Project PPT Video
Anthology of Essays by Fellows ISBN Book

Program Approach

The fellowship uses a flexible, interactive, and applied learning model to help participants develop strong foundations in public policy and governance.

1. Flexible Learning
An online structure with live sessions, recordings, curated readings, and peer-support channels enables participants to learn at their own pace alongside academic or professional commitments.

2. Capacity Building
Expert-led webinars, thematic masterclasses, and guided research tasks build analytical, writing, and policy skills across governance, development, social justice, environmental issues, and related areas.

3. Applied Leadership
Through creative projects, research writing, and presentations, fellows engage critically with real-world challenges and practice leadership in policy dialogue and public communication.

Outcomes

Foundational Understanding: Develop a strong grasp of the public policy landscape, institutional processes, and key governance challenges.
Expert Guidance: Learn from domain experts through webinars, masterclasses, and structured mentoring.
Research & Writing Skills: Conduct focused research and produce well-reasoned analytical work.
Creative & Practical Application: Present insights through visual, narrative, or audio-visual formats that support wider discourse.
Publication Pathways: Contribute to IMPRI blogs, reports, and ISBN book chapters.
Peer & Professional Networks: Build relationships with peers, practitioners, scholars, and mentors.
Public Presentation: Present research in live YouTube sessions with expert feedback.

Benefits

• Membership in the IMPRI Alumni Network of emerging professionals and changemakers.
• Flexible online learning with live sessions, recordings, and accessible resources.
• Milestone-based structure to support steady progress alongside work or studies.
• Expert-led sessions to build strong analytical, research, and policy skills.
• Guided projects to apply concepts to real-world governance and development issues.
• Opportunities to present work, lead discussions, and collaborate with peers.
• Engagement with scholars, practitioners, and policymakers for deeper insights.
• Access to curated readings, course materials, and session recordings.
• Publication opportunities through blogs, reports, and ISBN book chapters.
• Presentation of work on live YouTube sessions with expert feedback.
• Recognition on IMPRI Insights, social media, and event outcome reports.
• Official IMPRI Certificate of Participation & Completion.

The fellowship duration is a total of 4 months. The first 12 weeks comprise weekly two-hour Zoom classes covering both technical and program sessions. The next 3 weeks are dedicated towards the finalisation of the fellowship project.

1. Technical Sessions
Live classes, interactive discussions and networking with leading experts, covering the core curriculum and subject matter in depth.

Session Topics & Experts: To be announced soon!

2. Program Sessions
The program sessions help in building the projects chosen by the fellows. These sessions feature live interaction with the experts regarding the projects. Sessions include:

• Participant introduction session
• Fellowship project discussion session
• Project Update Discussion Session
• Research article writing session
• Presentation session
• Feedback & Careers Session

Note: Exact session dates, times, and expert details will be communicated through the program Guidelines Document.
The Guidelines Document comprises the Templates for all required submissions, Submission guidelines and timelines, Reference materials for each submission, Reading resources shared by experts and Communication and coordination support.

Fellowship Assistance & Coordination: Dedicated Coordinators support participants throughout the program with the help of WhatsApp groups and IMPRI email.

Flexible Learning: All session recordings are available for 2 weeks post live session.

The Fellowship Project is the central experiential component of all IMPRI Fellowship Programs. It enables participants to apply their learning through research, analysis, and creative expression on contemporary policy, governance, and development issues. The project aims to generate original, high-quality insights that inform academic, professional, and public policy dialogues.

Project Outputs

Fellows produce three core outputs that become part of IMPRI’s public-domain documentation ecosystem—IMPRI Insights, IMPRI Books, and IMPRI’s YouTube Channel—ensuring safety, transparency, and long-term accessibility:

• Book Chapter: A well-researched, original written piece developed through structured stages—Abstract, Extended Abstract, Draft Chapter, and Final Chapter. Final chapters are published in an IMPRI ISBN Edited Volume (Anthology of Essays).
• Blog Article: A concise analytical or reflective write-up published on IMPRI Insights, highlighting key perspectives, findings, or thematic insights from the fellow’s work.
• Creative Presentation: A live presentation of the fellowship project on IMPRI’s YouTube Channel, using formats such as presentations, short films, documentaries, spoken word, poetry, or visual storytelling.
• Additional visibility is provided through IMPRI’s social media platforms, including Meet Our Fellows announcements, blog posts, fellows’ publication announcements, and the YouTube live presentation of the fellowship project.
• Fellows are encouraged to present their work — in seminars, conferences, and workshops — and are also expected to publish in journals, magazines, newspapers, blogs, books, and other platforms to broaden the reach and policy impact of their work. In this regard, the IMPRI team will provide all necessary assistance.
• A certificate of completion will be awarded to fellows and will be issued after the final publication is released.
• Overall, the outcome is to equip and empower fellows to engage critically with the issue, communicate their insights with confidence, and contribute meaningfully to advancing further research, advocacy, and social impact.

All submissions undergo plagiarism checks, quality review, and relevance assessment to ensure academic integrity.

Process & Support

• Mentorship from chair experts and the program team through live learning and training sessions on the fellowship project.
• Continuous feedback and guidance provided via email, WhatsApp groups, calls, and direct coordinator support to ensure steady progress.
• Access to templates, guidelines, reading resources, and timelines through a detailed Guidelines Document.
• Encouragement to present or publish research beyond IMPRI—at seminars, conferences, journals, and policy forums—to expand impact.
• All sessions and project presentations are highlighted across IMPRI’s social media and outreach channels, enhancing visibility and placing fellows’ work in the public domain.

Note: To explore some of the featured projects and outcomes, visit the “In Focus” segment below on this webpage.

1. Do I need prior knowledge or an academic background in public policy or governance?
No prior background is required. The fellowship builds foundational to advanced understanding and is suitable for beginners as well as experienced learners.

2. What is the time commitment? Can full-time working professionals apply?
Yes, full-time professionals can apply. The program requires about 2–3 hours per week, including live sessions and preparation.

3. Will the online sessions be recorded?
Yes. All live sessions are recorded, and participants can access the recordings for 15 days after each session.

4. Will I receive an e-certificate?
Yes. All participants who complete the program requirements will receive an official IMPRI e-Certificate of Participation & Completion.

5. Will I get networking opportunities?
Absolutely. Fellows engage with experts, mentors, and peers through sessions, discussions, and collaborative work, becoming part of the wider IMPRI learning and alumni network.

Data Analytics for Policy Research
Cohort 3 | April 2024
Cohort 2 | November 2023
Cohort 1 | October-November 2022

Data, Monitoring and Evaluation
Cohort 2 | July 2024
Cohort 1 | June-July 2023

Upcoming and Previous IMPRI #WebPolicyLearning Events: See here