LAMP Fellowship 2026-27 is one of the most competitive and respected public policy fellowships in India — only around 75 candidates are selected each year from thousands of applicants to work full-time with sitting Members of Parliament. Run by PRS Legislative Research, the fellowship runs for approximately 10–11 months, from the Monsoon Session of Parliament through the end of the Budget Session. Fellows receive a monthly stipend of Rs.23,000 and gain unmatched first-hand exposure to India’s legislative process, policy-making, and parliamentary functioning.
This guide is for Indian graduates aged 25 or younger who want to understand how the LAMP Fellowship works, what the eligibility criteria and selection process look like, and how to prepare for the next application cycle expected to open in November 2026. This article covers everything: roles and responsibilities, stipend details, selection stages, eligibility, application tips, career outcomes, and FAQs — all in one place.
The LAMP Fellowship 2026-27 is a full-time, 10–11 month fellowship by PRS Legislative Research where selected graduates work directly with a Member of Parliament and receive Rs.23,000 per month as stipend. Approximately 75 fellows are selected each year through a 3-stage process: application screening, online evaluation test, and personal interview.
- Fellowship Name: Legislative Assistants to Members of Parliament (LAMP) Fellowship
- Conducted by: PRS Legislative Research, New Delhi
- Monthly Stipend: Rs.23,000 (statutory deductions applicable)
- Duration: 10–11 months (Monsoon Session to end of Budget Session)
- Start Date: Mid-June (with 1-month compulsory training)
- Seats: Approximately 75 fellows per year
- Age Limit: 25 years or younger (born on or after June 1, 2000 for 2026-27)
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
- Citizenship: Indian citizens only
- Application Cycle 2027-28: Expected to open November 2026
- Official Website: prsindia.org/lamp
- What Is the LAMP Fellowship 2026-27?
- Who Should Apply for the LAMP Fellowship?
- Stipend and Benefits of the LAMP Fellowship
- Eligibility Criteria for LAMP Fellowship 2026-27
- Role and Responsibilities of a LAMP Fellow
- LAMP Fellowship Selection Process — 3 Stages Explained
- How to Apply for LAMP Fellowship 2027-28
- LAMP Fellowship vs Other Policy Fellowships in India
- Pros and Cons of the LAMP Fellowship
- Career Outcomes After LAMP Fellowship
- Important Terms Related to LAMP Fellowship
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the LAMP Fellowship 2026-27?
The LAMP Fellowship — Legislative Assistants to Members of Parliament — is a prestigious full-time fellowship run by PRS Legislative Research, India’s leading independent parliamentary research institute. The fellowship places young, motivated graduates directly with sitting MPs from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, across party lines, for a period of 10–11 months. It is not an internship — fellows are expected to function as professional research assistants from day one.
PRS Legislative Research was established in September 2005 as an independent, non-profit public policy institution based in New Delhi. Its core mission is to make India’s legislative process better informed, more transparent, and participatory. The LAMP Fellowship is its flagship public engagement programme.
The fellowship begins in mid-June with a rigorous one-month training programme covering the Indian Constitution, parliamentary procedures, economic policy basics, and research tools. Fellows are then assigned to their respective MPs for the Monsoon Session and continue through the end of the Budget Session of the following year. The assignment of fellows to MPs is done on a random basis — no consideration is given to political leanings, educational background, or geography.
Who Should Apply for the LAMP Fellowship?
The LAMP Fellowship is designed for a specific kind of applicant — intellectually curious, public-service oriented, and capable of rigorous research under real deadline pressure. Below are the 8 specific profiles that fit this fellowship best.
- 🎓 Fresh graduates in any discipline — engineering, law, economics, sciences, commerce, journalism, or political science — who want direct exposure to national-level governance.
- 📚 Post-graduate students or recent master’s degree holders looking to apply academic knowledge in a high-stakes policy environment before entering the job market.
- ⚖️ Law graduates interested in the legislative drafting process, parliamentary procedures, and constitutional law in action.
- 📊 Economics or finance graduates who want to understand how Union Budgets, taxation policy, and economic Bills are debated, amended, and passed.
- 🌾 Agriculture, environment, or public health graduates seeking to influence sector-specific parliamentary committees and policy debates.
- ✍️ Aspiring civil servants (IAS/IPS aspirants) who want 11 months of immersive governance experience before UPSC attempts.
- 🌐 Candidates aiming for international policy roles at institutions like the World Bank, UNDP, or foreign embassies — the network and credential are globally recognised.
- 🔬 Research-minded individuals who want to experience the full cycle of evidence-based policy: from data gathering, to briefing notes, to live parliamentary debate.
Stipend and Benefits of the LAMP Fellowship 2026-27
LAMP Fellows receive a monthly stipend of Rs.23,000 during the entire duration of the fellowship, as confirmed on the official PRS India FAQ page. Statutory deductions apply as per applicable laws. The fellowship does not provide accommodation, office equipment, or a travel allowance — fellows are expected to arrange their own housing in New Delhi and use their own computers and internet connections.
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | Rs.23,000 (statutory deductions apply) |
| Duration of Stipend | Entire fellowship period (~10–11 months) |
| Training Programme | 1-month comprehensive training in June (mandatory) |
| Policy Workshops | Sessions with think-tank experts, academics, and ministry officials |
| Field Visits | Compulsory field visits during inter-session periods (travel arranged by PRS) |
| MP Mentorship | Full 10–11 months direct mentorship by a sitting MP |
| Leave | 2 days per month (not during Parliament sessions) |
| Office Space | Depends on MP’s arrangement (usually from MP’s residence office) |
| Accommodation | Not provided — fellow arranges own in New Delhi |
| Equipment | Not provided — fellows use personal computers |
The stipend of Rs.23,000 per month is modest for New Delhi’s cost of living. Candidates from outside Delhi should budget carefully for accommodation and daily expenses before accepting the offer. That said, the professional and career value of the fellowship far exceeds its monetary compensation — alumni regularly secure positions at Harvard, Yale, IIMs, the World Bank, IAS, and leading consulting firms.
Eligibility Criteria for LAMP Fellowship 2026-27
The LAMP Fellowship has simple but firm eligibility requirements. All three conditions must be met — no exceptions are made for any reason.
- Age: Must be 25 years of age or younger. For the 2026-27 cycle, applicants must have been born on or after June 1, 2000. For the upcoming 2027-28 cycle, the cut-off date will shift by one year.
- Education: Must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree in any academic discipline. Final-year students are eligible provided all examinations are completed before the fellowship begins — no leave of absence is granted for pending exams.
- Citizenship: Only Indian citizens are eligible. Individuals holding PIO/OCI cards are not eligible, even if they hold an Indian passport.
Beyond formal eligibility, PRS seeks candidates who are highly motivated, intellectually curious, capable of independent research, and comfortable working in a demanding professional environment. Candidates from all academic disciplines — engineering, law, sciences, commerce, humanities, journalism — are encouraged to apply. Work experience is not mandatory but can strengthen an application.
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | 25 years or younger |
| Education Minimum | Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) |
| Citizenship | Indian citizen only |
| Work Experience | Not mandatory (helpful but not decisive) |
| PIO/OCI holders | Not eligible |
| Masters degree advantage | No — Master’s holders not preferred over Bachelor’s holders |
| Political affiliation | Irrelevant — MP assignment is random |
| Location | Must be willing to be based in New Delhi for full duration |
Role and Responsibilities of a LAMP Fellow
A LAMP Fellow is the dedicated research backbone of their assigned Member of Parliament. This is a full-time professional role — not an internship, not a shadowing exercise. The workload is demanding, especially when Parliament is in session, and may involve flexible working hours including evenings and weekends.
The core responsibilities of a LAMP Fellow include the following:
- Drafting parliamentary questions — researching and preparing questions for Question Hour in Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha on behalf of the assigned MP.
- Preparing speeches and debate briefs — writing research-backed speeches for Zero Hour debates, matters of public importance, and legislative discussions.
- Legislative analysis — studying pending Bills, understanding their implications, and preparing summary notes and amendments for the MP.
- Standing Committee support — preparing background material, evidence summaries, and policy notes for Parliamentary Standing Committee meetings.
- Policy research — conducting evidence-based research across sectors such as defence, environment, health, agriculture, education, and finance.
- Drafting private members’ Bills — assisting the MP in formulating and drafting legislation on issues of public interest.
- Data analysis — processing government data, budget figures, and ministry reports to support the MP’s parliamentary interventions.
- Briefing notes — preparing concise, accurate briefings on any issue the MP may be called to speak on at short notice during sessions.
LAMP Fellows report directly to two entities: their assigned MP (daily) and PRS (weekly review meetings). Maintain a daily task log — PRS mandates it, and it also helps you build an impressive portfolio of legislative work that distinguishes you in future applications for IAS, think-tanks, and international universities.
LAMP Fellowship Selection Process — 3 Stages Explained
The LAMP Fellowship 2027-28 selection process is expected to follow the same 3-stage structure used in previous cycles. Understanding each stage helps candidates prepare effectively months in advance.
- Stage 1 — Online Application Form (December): Candidates submit an 8-section application form covering personal details, academic qualifications, work experience, and two mandatory essays — a 500-word statement of purpose justifying their candidature, and a 500-word policy analysis essay on any issue. Essays must be original, written in English, and entirely the candidate’s own work. AI-generated or plagiarised essays lead to automatic rejection.
- Stage 2 — Online Evaluation Test (January): Shortlisted candidates appear for a mandatory online test assessing analytical thinking, research aptitude, writing clarity, and awareness of parliamentary and policy issues. For the 2026-27 cycle, this test was held on January 4, 2026. Clearing this test is necessary to proceed to interviews.
- Stage 3 — Personal Interviews (February–March): Candidates who clear the online test are called for interviews conducted by a panel from PRS and associated experts. The selection committee evaluates depth of thinking, communication, and genuine interest in public service. Final results are announced by end of March.
| Stage | Activity | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Applications Open | Online form released | November 2026 (for 2027-28) |
| Application Deadline | Last date to submit | December 2026 |
| Online Evaluation Test | Shortlisted candidates | January 2027 |
| Personal Interviews | Test-cleared candidates | February–March 2027 |
| Results Announced | Selected fellows notified | End of March 2027 |
| Training Begins | Induction & training month | Mid-June 2027 |
| Monsoon Session Begins | MP assignment commences | July 2027 |
| Fellowship Ends | End of Budget Session | March–April 2028 |
How to Apply for LAMP Fellowship 2027-28
Applications for the 2026-27 cycle are now closed. The next application cycle for 2027-28 is expected to open in late November 2026. Use the current period to prepare thoroughly. Here is the step-by-step process to apply when the form goes live.
- Visit the official LAMP portal — go to prsindia.org/lamp/how-to-apply and bookmark the page. The application link is only live during the application window in November–December.
- Prepare your essays before the form opens — write a 500-word statement of purpose explaining your candidature and a 500-word policy analysis essay on any national issue. These must be in your own words; AI-generated content is instantly rejected.
- Gather academic documents — collect UG mark sheets, PG transcripts (if applicable), and details of all internships, work experience, and volunteer work.
- Fill all 8 sections of the application form — the form covers personal information, academic qualifications (Bachelor’s, PG, other), work experience, language proficiency, and your essays. Review every section carefully before submitting.
- Submit before the deadline — the 2026-27 deadline was 11:45 PM IST on December 21, 2025. Submit at least 48 hours early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
- Prepare for the online test — shortlisted candidates are informed in December or January and must appear for the mandatory online evaluation test.
- Attend the interview — if selected after the test, attend the interview panel in February–March. Read PRS monthly policy reviews and follow parliamentary debates actively.
LAMP Fellowship vs Other Policy Fellowships in India
India has a growing ecosystem of public policy fellowships. The LAMP Fellowship is unique in its direct MP-interface model. Here is how it compares to other prominent fellowships.
| Parameter | LAMP Fellowship | AICTE AIEDFP Fellowship | IGIDR Post-Doc Fellowship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conducted By | PRS Legislative Research | AICTE | IGIDR, Mumbai |
| Monthly Stipend | Rs.23,000 | Rs.70,000 | Rs.70,000 |
| Duration | 10–11 months | 1 year | 1–2 years |
| Primary Role | MP research assistant | Academic/tech research | Post-doctoral research |
| Age Limit | 25 years or younger | As per notification | PhD required |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s in any discipline | Engineering/Tech | PhD degree |
| Location | New Delhi (Parliament) | Various | Mumbai (IGIDR campus) |
| Networking Value | Extremely high (MPs, ministers) | High (industry + academia) | High (economics academia) |
| Career Outcome | IAS, World Bank, IIMs, think-tanks | Industry, R&D | Academia, central banks |
| Best For | Policy, governance, law | STEM graduates | Economics PhD holders |
For graduates under 25 interested in public policy, governance, or a career in the civil services or international institutions, the LAMP Fellowship is unmatched in India. No other fellowship gives you direct, daily access to a Member of Parliament inside Parliament itself. The Rs.23,000 stipend is modest by Delhi standards, but the professional credential and network it builds are worth several multiples of that figure in career terms. If you are eligible, apply without hesitation.
Pros and Cons of the LAMP Fellowship 2026-27
Like every competitive fellowship, the LAMP Fellowship has real advantages and genuine trade-offs. Here is a balanced view.
Advantages of the LAMP Fellowship
- ✅ Unmatched legislative exposure — you work inside Parliament, not just read about it. Bills, debates, committee work — all experienced first-hand.
- ✅ Extraordinary professional network — alumni routinely end up at Harvard, Yale, LSE, IIMs, World Bank, IAS, IFS, and leading Indian think-tanks.
- ✅ Cross-disciplinary learning — regardless of your degree, you will work on health, agriculture, defence, environment, finance, and education policy over 11 months.
- ✅ Training from PRS — the intensive one-month induction and regular policy workshops are taught by leading academics, bureaucrats, and policy experts.
- ✅ High credibility on resume — the LAMP Fellowship is globally recognised as a signal of research ability, public service commitment, and intellectual rigour.
Disadvantages / Challenges
- ⚠️ Low stipend for Delhi — Rs.23,000 is modest for New Delhi’s cost of living, especially for candidates from outside Delhi who must pay rent.
- ⚠️ Extremely demanding workload — during Parliament sessions, fellows work long and unpredictable hours, including weekends, at short notice.
- ⚠️ No choice of MP — assignment is random. You may be placed with an MP whose political affiliation or area of focus you are unfamiliar with.
- ⚠️ No accommodation or equipment provided — fellows must self-arrange housing and use personal computers.
Career Outcomes After the LAMP Fellowship
The career trajectory of LAMP Fellowship alumni is one of the strongest arguments for applying. Across 15+ cohorts, alumni have pursued the following paths:
- 🎓 Advanced degrees at Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Oxford, LSE, SciencesPo, IIMs, ISB, XLRI, and JNU.
- 🏛️ Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Foreign Service (IFS) — several alumni have cleared UPSC Civil Services after the fellowship.
- 🌍 International organisations — World Bank, UNDP, foreign embassies, and multilateral development institutions.
- 🔬 Policy think-tanks — NIPFP, CEEW, CSF, and other leading Indian policy research organisations.
- 💼 Corporate sector — investment banking, management consulting, and e-commerce.
- 🗳️ Political consulting and MP offices — some fellows continue working with their assigned MP or move to political advisory roles.
The LAMP Fellowship selects only about 75 fellows annually from thousands of applicants. This selectivity, combined with the quality of work experience and PRS’s reputation, makes it one of the most powerful early-career credentials in India’s public policy ecosystem. See also our guide to NABARD Research Fellowship 2026 and the AICTE AIEDFP Fellowship 2026 for comparison with other high-value fellowship programmes.
Important Terms Related to LAMP Fellowship
Understanding these key terms will help you prepare a stronger application and perform better in the online test and interview.
- PRS Legislative Research: India’s premier independent parliamentary research institute, founded in 2005, based in New Delhi. Provides research support to MPs and runs the LAMP Fellowship.
- Monsoon Session: One of Parliament’s three annual sessions, typically held July–August. LAMP Fellows are assigned to their MPs at the start of this session.
- Budget Session: India’s most important parliamentary session, held February–May. The LAMP Fellowship concludes at the end of the Budget Session.
- Zero Hour: The period in Parliament (12 noon onwards) when MPs raise urgent matters of public importance without prior notice. Fellows often brief their MP right before this session.
- Private Member’s Bill: A Bill introduced in Parliament by a non-Cabinet MP. LAMP Fellows often draft these for their assigned MP.
- Parliamentary Standing Committee: Permanent subject-based committees that scrutinise Bills and government policy. Fellows prepare detailed notes for committee meetings.
- Statement of Purpose (SoP): The 500-word essay in the LAMP application justifying why you should be selected as a fellow.
- Policy Analysis Essay: The second 500-word essay in the application where candidates analyse any national or global policy issue — this is where analytical thinking is evaluated.
- Stipend: Monthly financial support of Rs.23,000 paid to selected LAMP Fellows during the fellowship duration, subject to statutory deductions.
- Fellow-MP Random Assignment: PRS assigns fellows to MPs through a random process — political ideology, geography, and academic background are deliberately not considered.
Important Links — LAMP Fellowship 2026-27
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official LAMP Fellowship Page | prsindia.org/lamp |
| Eligibility & Selection Process | prsindia.org/lamp/eligibility-and-selection-process |
| Official FAQ — LAMP Fellowship | prsindia.org/lamp/faq |
| How to Apply (Application Portal) | prsindia.org/lamp/how-to-apply |
| Contact PRS for Queries | [email protected] |
| NABARD Research Fellowship 2026 | Agrijob.in — NABARD Fellowship Guide |
| AICTE AIEDFP Fellowship 2026 | Agrijob.in — AICTE Fellowship Guide |
| IGIDR Post-Doctoral Fellowship 2026 | Agrijob.in — IGIDR Fellowship Guide |
Conclusion
The LAMP Fellowship 2026-27 is one of the most selective and impactful early-career opportunities available to young Indian graduates. With approximately 75 seats filled annually from thousands of applicants, it offers 10–11 months of full-time work directly inside Parliament, a Rs.23,000/month stipend, and a career-defining credential that opens doors to IAS, IIMs, the World Bank, and global universities. Applications for the 2026-27 cycle are now closed, but the next cycle for 2027-28 is expected to open in November 2026 — giving you several months to prepare your essays, build your policy knowledge, and strengthen your application. Bookmark this page for updates, and check the official PRS portal at prsindia.org/lamp regularly.
- LAMP Fellowship 2026-27 provides Rs.23,000/month stipend for 10–11 months working directly with an MP in Parliament.
- Only ~75 fellows selected annually from thousands of applicants — highly competitive with a 3-stage selection process.
- Eligibility: Indian citizens aged 25 or younger with at least a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
- Application for 2027-28 cycle expected to open in November 2026 — start preparing policy essays now.
- Alumni go on to IAS, Harvard, Yale, LSE, World Bank, IIMs — the career value far exceeds the stipend.
- Check prsindia.org/lamp and bookmark this page for 2027-28 application alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions About LAMP Fellowship 2026-27
What is the LAMP Fellowship and who runs it?
LAMP stands for Legislative Assistants to Members of Parliament. The fellowship is run by PRS Legislative Research, an independent non-profit parliamentary research institute based in New Delhi, established in 2005. It places approximately 75 young graduates directly with sitting Members of Parliament for 10–11 months each year, from the Monsoon Session through the end of the Budget Session.
What is the LAMP Fellowship 2026-27 stipend?
The confirmed monthly stipend for LAMP Fellowship 2026-27 is Rs.23,000 per month, as stated on the official PRS India FAQ page. Statutory deductions apply as per Indian law. No accommodation, transport, or equipment allowance is provided — fellows must self-arrange housing and use personal computers in New Delhi.
Who is eligible for the LAMP Fellowship 2026-27?
To be eligible for the LAMP Fellowship, you must be 25 years of age or younger (born on or after June 1, 2000 for the 2026-27 cycle), hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in any academic discipline, and be an Indian citizen. PIO/OCI cardholders are not eligible. Candidates with any academic background — engineering, law, economics, sciences, humanities — are encouraged to apply.
How many LAMP Fellows are selected each year?
PRS Legislative Research selects approximately 75 LAMP Fellows each year from thousands of applicants across India. The selection is extremely competitive and involves three stages: online application and essays, a mandatory online evaluation test, and personal interviews. The final list is typically announced by end of March.
Is the LAMP Fellowship an internship?
No. The LAMP Fellowship is explicitly not an internship. PRS describes it as a full-time professional engagement. Fellows work as the research backbone for their assigned MP for the entire 10–11 month duration. PRS does offer short-term internship opportunities separately, which are announced on its Careers page. If you are looking for a short-term experience, those are the relevant options.
Can I choose which MP I am assigned to?
No. The assignment of LAMP Fellows to Members of Parliament is done on a completely random basis by PRS. No consideration is given to the fellow’s political preferences, ideology, educational background, or home state. MPs from both the Treasury bench and Opposition, from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, across all major parties, participate in the fellowship.
When will LAMP Fellowship 2027-28 applications open?
Based on the consistent pattern of previous cycles — with the 2026-27 cycle opening in early December 2025 — the 2027-28 application cycle is expected to open in late November 2026. The application deadline is typically in the third week of December, with the online test in January and interviews in February–March. Bookmark prsindia.org/lamp and this page for alerts.
What essays are required in the LAMP Fellowship application?
The LAMP Fellowship application requires two essays, each 500 words. The first is a statement of purpose justifying your candidature for the fellowship. The second is a policy analysis essay where you analyse any national or international issue and its policy implications. Both must be written entirely in English and in your own words. AI-generated or plagiarised essays result in automatic rejection — PRS uses detection tools.
What career opportunities open up after the LAMP Fellowship?
LAMP Fellowship alumni have pursued a wide range of distinguished careers. Many have secured admissions at Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Oxford, LSE, SciencesPo, IIMs, and ISB. Others have joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), the World Bank, UNDP, foreign embassies, and leading Indian think-tanks such as NIPFP and CEEW. Several have entered management consulting, investment banking, and senior roles in e-commerce and the startup sector.
Is work experience required to apply for the LAMP Fellowship?
Work experience is not a mandatory criterion for the LAMP Fellowship. The only essential requirements are a Bachelor’s degree and age of 25 or younger. However, prior internships or work experience in policy research, law, journalism, or governance can strengthen your application essays and interview performance. Having a Master’s degree does not give any automatic advantage over Bachelor’s degree holders.
Last Updated: September 2026. This guide is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for LAMP Fellowship 2027-28 updates as they are announced by PRS Legislative Research.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All eligibility criteria, stipend figures, and selection details are sourced from the official PRS Legislative Research website (prsindia.org/lamp). Readers are advised to verify the latest information directly from the official portal before applying.
