Kalaari Fellowship 2027

The Kalaari Fellowship is a selective, two-year, full-time, paid apprenticeship-style program designed to develop future leaders in venture capital and entrepreneurship. The first year focuses on systematic training and analytical rigour. During the second year, Fellows receive deeper exposure to investment transactions, deal-making and founder relationships. The upcoming batch is scheduled to begin by the end of March 2027.

• Applicants must be available full-time from the program’s commencement date.
• Applicants must work in person from Bengaluru for the entire Fellowship.
• International applicants must have the right to work in India and be able to relocate to Bengaluru.
• Kalaari does not require a specific academic or professional background.
• Candidates with exposure to emerging technologies and startups are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants with up to five years of experience are expected to benefit most, but this is not a mandatory limit. Kalaari may consider candidates with additional experience who demonstrate exceptional academic or professional achievements and strong startup and technology exposure.
• The program does not accept part-time candidates, short-duration interns or college students seeking summer internships.
• Candidates graduating after the Fellowship’s joining date are not eligible unless they can join full-time with the rest of the cohort.
• Internships may be included in the application when relevant, but they are not counted as full-time work experience.
• Previous applicants may reapply if they continue to meet the eligibility conditions.

• Fixed stipend of approximately INR 18 lakhs per annum throughout the two-year program.
• Health insurance and other employee benefits.
• Boarding is covered during the induction period.
• Fellows must arrange their own accommodation after induction, although Kalaari may provide assistance during the process.
• Hands-on experience in investment analysis, startup sourcing and investment-thesis development.
• Experience supporting portfolio companies through MIS analysis, competitive research, market research and strategic projects.
• Opportunities to conduct primary and secondary research and publish thematic and sector-specific reports.
• Exposure to organizational initiatives, content publishing, marketing and leadership-event execution.
• Direct interaction with startup founders, investors, Kalaari’s portfolio companies and other startup ecosystem participants.
• Potential post-Fellowship pathways include venture capital, entrepreneurship, corporate operating roles and postgraduate management education.

• Stage 1: Application submission.
• Stage 2: Case-study submission.
• Stage 3: Technical interviews.
• Stage 4: Culture round.
• Stage 5: Offer rollout.
• The complete selection process takes approximately 24 weeks. Applicants shortlisted for the case-study round are expected to receive an update within two to three weeks after the application deadline. Approximately 12 to 15 Fellows are selected for each batch.