TRC Investigative Reporting Fellowship
The Reporters’ Collective (TRC) is excited to announce the 3rd TRC Investigative Reporting Fellowship. It is an opportunity to work with like-minded journalists and produce a top-notch investigative story. The selected fellow’s work will be published in English, and it will also be translated into Hindi. It will also be made available for co-publication by regional newsrooms.
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Journalism’s key job is to tell the truth and seek out facts that hold those in power accountable to citizens. In India, the space for this kind of journalism has shrunk because speaking truth to power is bad business. The Collective wants to reclaim that space by building a nonprofit newsroom that invests in reportage, and reports without fear or favour.
We are a collective of like-minded journalists recognised for our deep, original and time-intensive reporting, which often requires scouring thousands of public records and spending months digging for information.
Since 2019, we’ve published over 170 investigations on the industry-government nexus, political corruption, public policies, electoral malpractices, and environmental issues. Our work has earned us recognition in India and internationally.
To learn about our work, click here.
The Fellowship
For the third round of fellowship, we are interested in investigative stories about India’s political economy, industry-government collusion, policy and government failures that impact the disadvantaged communities, governance and failed public policies.
This is not an exhaustive list. We are also open to other ideas. So, is there an investigative story that you have been waiting to publish? If yes, please write to us.
As a fellow, you will receive Rs. 100,000 (inclusive of taxes) and reimbursement of approved travel costs (if needed).
Applications open today, and the deadline for submitting applications is January 10, 2026. The fellowship runs from January 10 to March 30, 2026.
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We prefer applications from journalists who have completed pre-reporting and are not starting from scratch. However, don’t let it deter you.
If you want to develop a story from scratch, please share your ideas.
We are excited to receive your pitches!
To learn about our work, click here.
Submissions are open
A word from our past fellows
In a time when the reporting environment is increasingly abysmal — with many outlets choosing to play it safe and align with those in power — this fellowship stands out as a rare space that encourages honest, independent journalism.
This fellowship went way beyond just the financial support that was crucial for pursuing the story on the ground in a meaningful way. It gave me the rare chance to explore an issue I deeply care about, with the perfect balance of freedom and support.
It was a truly rewarding experience that supported both my personal growth and professional development.
- Meenakshi Kapoor TRC FELLOW
In an era where journalism often dwindles to fleeting social media snippets, chasing a gritty story demands raw courage.
In my first meeting with The Reporters’ Collective (TRC), I found myself surrounded with a cadre of seasoned journalistic minds, their eyes glinting with the fire of countless scoops.
They guided me with unwavering support to plunge headfirst into the murky depths of the inter-state liquor trade.
While editing copy has been reduced to mere grammar tweaks in many newsrooms, TRC’s battle-hardened team wove my raw findings into a masterfully narrated investigative saga.
- Kashif Kakvi TRC Special Grantee
As a long-time follower of The Collective’s work, being awarded the inaugural TRC Investigative Reporting Fellowship was a remarkable opportunity.
This prestigious fellowship enabled me to delve deeply into a subject of immense significance to millions of Indian youth. It gave me the resources and support to explore this critical issue thoroughly.
- Suchak Patel TRC FELLOW
At a time when Indian journalism has been reduced to sheer sycophancy of the political masters, working with The Collective, I felt that it is possible to produce critical and in-depth stories based on empirical facts.
I realised that journalism is not just about setting certain narratives which please one or another but it is more about dealing with piles of data and digging out something relevant and impactful.
- Alok Rajput TRC Special Grantee
