Deadline: 10-Jan-2026
The Reporters’ Collective (TRC) Investigative Reporting Fellowship 2026 supports in-depth investigative journalism on India’s political economy, governance failures, and public accountability. Selected journalists receive financial support, editorial collaboration, and publication opportunities in English and Hindi, with applications open until 10 January 2026.
Overview of the Fellowship
The Reporters’ Collective (TRC) has launched the third edition of its Investigative Reporting Fellowship Program, designed to support journalists producing rigorous, high-impact investigative stories from India.
This fellowship focuses on uncovering systemic issues related to governance, public policy, and power structures, with a strong emphasis on accountability journalism and evidence-based reporting.
The program enables selected fellows to collaborate with experienced investigative journalists, refine their reporting, and publish stories with national and regional reach.
Key Focus Areas and Themes
TRC is particularly interested in investigations that examine structural failures and abuses of power within India’s political and economic systems.
Priority themes include:
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India’s political economy and policy outcomes
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Industry–government collusion and regulatory capture
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Governance failures affecting disadvantaged and marginalised communities
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Failed or ineffective public policies
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Environment and climate change
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Technology, surveillance, and digital security
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Public health systems and policy implementation
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Transparency, accountability, and democratic institutions
Journalists are also encouraged to propose original investigative ideas that align with TRC’s broader editorial mission.
What the Fellowship Offers
Selected fellows receive both financial and editorial support to complete and publish their investigations.
Key benefits include:
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Fellowship grant of ₹100,000 (inclusive of taxes)
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Reimbursement of approved reporting-related travel expenses, if required
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Editorial mentorship and collaboration with TRC journalists
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Publication of the final investigation in English
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Translation of the published story into Hindi
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Opportunities for co-publication with regional newsrooms
This structure ensures that investigations reach diverse audiences across linguistic and regional boundaries.
Publication and Editorial Support
All completed fellowship stories will be published by The Reporters’ Collective.
To maximise impact and accessibility:
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Stories will be edited to meet high investigative and ethical standards
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Hindi translations will expand readership beyond English-language audiences
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Regional media outlets may co-publish the work, increasing reach and influence
TRC actively encourages journalists to pitch investigations they have been developing but have not yet published.
Who Is Eligible?
The fellowship is open to independent journalists, reporters, and investigative writers working on India-focused stories.
TRC prefers applicants who:
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Have completed pre-reporting or background research
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Are not starting entirely from scratch
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Can demonstrate access to documents, sources, or field reporting
However, journalists with strong, well-argued ideas at an early stage are still encouraged to apply if the investigation has clear public interest value.
Fellowship Timeline and Duration
The fellowship follows a fixed and clearly defined schedule.
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Applications open: Now
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Application deadline: 10 January 2026
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Fellowship period: 10 January 2026 to 30 March 2026
Applicants should ensure availability during the full fellowship duration to complete reporting and editorial revisions.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
To apply for the TRC Investigative Reporting Fellowship, applicants should follow these steps carefully.
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Develop a clear investigative pitch outlining the core issue, public interest value, and relevance to TRC’s focus areas.
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Explain the current status of reporting, including any documents collected, sources contacted, or fieldwork completed.
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Describe the proposed methodology, expected outcomes, and potential risks or challenges.
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Submit the application before 10 January 2026, following TRC’s specified application process.
Applicants should ensure clarity, specificity, and feasibility in their proposal.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Investigative journalism plays a critical role in strengthening democratic accountability and public awareness.
This fellowship matters because it:
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Supports independent reporting on underreported governance failures
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Enables journalists to pursue complex investigations with financial backing
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Amplifies stories affecting vulnerable and marginalised communities
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Encourages transparency in public institutions and policymaking
By funding deep investigations, TRC contributes to a stronger public-interest media ecosystem in India.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants can improve their chances by avoiding these frequent issues.
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Submitting vague or overly broad story ideas without a clear investigative angle
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Proposing opinion pieces instead of evidence-driven investigations
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Ignoring feasibility within the fellowship timeframe
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Failing to explain why the story matters now
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Not demonstrating access to sources, data, or documents
Clear, grounded, and realistic pitches are more likely to be selected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the TRC Investigative Reporting Fellowship?
It is a journalism fellowship that funds and mentors investigative reporting projects focused on governance, policy, and accountability issues in India.
How much funding does a selected fellow receive?
Each selected fellow receives ₹100,000 inclusive of taxes, along with reimbursement of approved travel expenses if required.
Can early-career journalists apply?
Yes. Journalists at different career stages may apply, provided they can demonstrate reporting capacity and a strong investigative idea.
Are stories required to be published in English?
Yes. All fellowship stories are published in English and are also translated into Hindi for wider dissemination.
Is starting from scratch allowed?
While TRC prefers applicants who have completed some pre-reporting, journalists with strong ideas at an early stage are still encouraged to apply.
What types of stories are not suitable?
Opinion pieces, advocacy essays, or stories without original reporting and documentation are generally not suitable.
What is the deadline for applications?
The final deadline to apply is 10 January 2026.
Conclusion
The TRC Investigative Reporting Fellowship 2026 offers a significant opportunity for journalists to pursue high-impact investigations into India’s political economy, governance, and public policy failures. With financial support, editorial collaboration, and multilingual publication, the fellowship empowers reporters to produce evidence-based stories that serve the public interest and strengthen accountability.
For more information, visit TRC.