The unit through its network of media contacts and through advertisements launches the media fellowships. Ads are also placed in Down To Earth (in English) and posters (in English and Hindi) are distributed. Applications accompanied by the following documents is accepted:

• Curriculum vitae
• A letter of support from the editor
• Three samples of published work on development issues
• Proof of leave taken to pursue the fellowships
• A write-up discussing story ideas, travel plans and a list of people to be interviewed

The preliminary selection of candidates is done by the experts within the organisation. After that an external jury comprising of experts in the particular field select the final fellows. Selected candidates are expected to generate and publish articles totaling 5,000 words or more. A stipend of Rs 55,000 is earmarked for each selected candidate to support research, travel and writing for the fellowships.

In the four programmes, CSE has awarded fellowship grants to about 34 journalists from across India. The unit makes an effort to keep in touch with the fellows on a regular basis, and to encourage them to write more on issues of concern. In 2005-06, the unit proposes to conduct two fellowship programmes on issues of current relevance, out of which the Fifth CSE Media Fellowship on Mining, Environment and People’s Protests is in progress. The details of the fellows and the fellowship are given below.