I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Swaniti Initiative (New Delhi) in Oct 2017
Interview
First of all, Thanks for making SPARC Associate fellowship program. I have immense respect for the idea behind Swaniti.
There are four rounds to get through this program:
1. Descriptive form
2. Assignment
3. Telephonic Round
4. Face 2 Face Round
The first and second rounds were very creative and content-rich. Although, I have my apprehensions about the lack of professional approach while conducting the third round. The third round, telephonic interview was conducted in a haphazard manner. A google form was sent by mails to ask for the preferred slots from 23rd to 25th October. I chose the slot as 25th from 2PM to 3PM. I waited till 5PM but didn’t receive a call. I sent a mail to them on the same day mentioning the same. I received a call at 8PM but I told my interviewer that I am not available at this time. We both finalised 2PM on 26th October for the same. I called her @1 PM on 26th October to ask her confirmation for the same. She suggested to take it right away on the same call. She asked me a question or two about me. Asked if I know about the program and what an MP does. Asked me if I had any questions. She seemed to be in a hurry and irritated by my questions. She ended it all under 7 minutes.
I put my heart in the preparation and the first two rounds. It just seems very unfortunate to miss out on a good fellowship because of someone else’s lack of professionalism.