Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can apply provided you are in the final year of college and will successfully complete the degree by Summer of 2024.

No, it is not mandatory. Anyone with a bachelor's degree in any stream can apply.
Technical prerequisites in Math and Programming are defined here . If you are certain that you meet these technical prerequisites, you are welcome to apply, and we will consider your application.

Yes, the Tech Leaders Fellowship is an excellent program for all final year students and fresh graduates who want to transition to AI-ML and Data Science. As the program commences in August each year, a final-year student can apply. However, you should have completed your graduation before the start of the program. About 35% of our tech leaders from the previous cohorts are college freshers who have transitioned into new-age technology roles, after TLF.

Yes, you can apply to TLF. However, you must have a solid foundation in Math/Statistics.

Here are three 3 advantages of submitting your application early:

• Admissions on a rolling basis
The TLF has a limited number of seats. In case these are filled up from the initial rounds of the admission applications, further rounds will be void. Early movers have a clear advantage.

• Bigger share in financial assistance and scholarships
TLF has set aside a larger share of funds for early applicants. Rs. 2.5 crore in scholarships is available for the incoming cohort as need-based assistance, merit-based scholarships, and STEM scholarships for women. If you apply early, we can support you better.

• Early decision equals peace of mind
The earlier you complete the application, the quicker you get the results for the tech aptitude test and interview process. Additionally, you also save yourself the effort of submitting multiple applications.

Yes. We are committed to offering financial assistance to deserving candidates across the country. Need-based scholarships are provided to eligible candidates, selected through a comprehensive financial-aid evaluation process. Limited merit scholarships are also available. All applicants are considered for merit scholarships by default.

After submitting the TLF application, you will receive a call for a technical aptitude test. This will be followed by a round of personal interviews.
• Tech Aptitude Test: The program requires a strong background in mathematics, logical reasoning, and analytical abilities. The tech aptitude test will evaluate these competencies in an AI-proctored environment.

This two-hour-long test has the following components:
Section 1: Mathematical & Cognitive Abilities (MCQs): Probability, Linear Algebra, Logical Reasoning and Calculus
Section 2: Basic Programming abilities: This test shall comprise 1 question testing the basics of Programming in any high-level language.

Timeline: Within a week of submission of the test, we shall inform you if you have been shortlisted for the interview round. Alongside, you will be informed about interview slots for Technical and Personal Interviews.

View sample test here

• Personal Interview: This round shall be a personal interaction aimed at assessing your analytical abilities, understanding your alignment with the program, knowing your interests, assessing how TLP will benefit you, and mapping your attributes which will benefit the TLF cohort. In this round, you will be given a ‘Case Study’ to read and analyse. This will require you to apply principles of problem-solving to analyse and solve a given case. You will then discuss your solution in the interview which will follow this step.

• Lastly, you will interact with a panel of faculty, alumni, Founders, and Directors of Plaksha University. Each discussion shall be for 25-30 minutes.

Timeline: This is the last round of the admissions process. Results will be released as per pre-announced dates. Successful applicants shall receive an email sharing the admission decision and the next steps to follow.

Click here for details.

After completing the Plaksha Tech Leaders Fellowship (TLF), you will receive a Post Graduate Diploma in AI, ML and Leadership, conferred by Plaksha University.

You will be required to pitch your idea to the Capstone Committee. The Committee will evaluate the proposal with a high bar on technical rigour and feasibility. If approved by the committee, we would be glad to support your startup idea as your Capstone Project, right from mentorship to business opportunities.

TLF is a fully residential program as peer learning, inside and outside the classroom, is a big component of the pedagogy. To facilitate this, we require students to stay at the residential facilities provisioned for the program.

No, TLF is a very intensive program and demands full-time commitment.

The Tech Leaders Fellowship is right for you if you want to roll up your sleeves and leverage technology to make real-world impact. You will grasp concepts, tools and techniques in AI, ML and Data Science and learn how to apply these to design products, systems, and solutions for the greater good. Signature experiences such as the Capstones, Challenge Lab and Grand Challenge Lecture Series, leadership and mentorship will prepare you for the real-world and real problems throughout your career.
Tech Leaders Fellowship is for you, if you:
• Are passionate about leveraging technology to solve real-world challenges.
• Are a recent graduate, working professional or entrepreneur and aspiring for an accelerated career path in tech space.


Technical prerequisites are:
-Strong grasp of mathematical concepts, specifically in the areas of probability, statistics and linear algebra
-Good problem solving and analytical abilities

Yes, you are eligible to apply for TLF. Your undergraduate stream is not important if you have a strong understanding of mathematical concepts, specifically in the areas of probability, statistics, linear algebra, and good problem-solving and analytical abilities. This is evaluated in the second step of the admission process, which is the technical test round. If you perform well in the tech aptitude test, then you will be invited for the interview round.

Data Science courses at TLF are taught by top practitioners from Google, UC Berkeley, Microsoft IMB and more. Learning is not limited to comprehensive study of subjects like probability and statistics to understand AI, ML but also includes application of AI, ML to model solutions to real world problems.
You get to learn highly valued skills such as Fundamental Statistics Concepts, Python, Data Analysis, MLOps, Predictive Analytics, NLP (Natural Language Processing), Data Modelling and Visualization, and StoryTelling. Additionally, you also work on data science tools which matter, like PySpark, Python, SciPy, NumPy, Jupyter, Pandas, Hadoom, TensorFlow, Git & SQL.
All these put together would enable you to start applying core data concepts for business decision making and drive strategy and innovation at technology companies

The essay will help us understand your thought process better. You can elaborate your experiences, career goals, and learnings so far. We will also look at how you articulate your life journey. Be creative and thorough in sharing. This will allow us to understand your alignment with the goals and approach of the program.
At TLF, we are looking at individuals:

- Who are curious to learn and develop innovative technology solutions to make a positive impact on the world
- Will be a part of high-performance technology teams working to solve real-life problems
- Approach complex challenges with a critical thought process and an entrepreneurial mindset
- Are go-getters and overcome challenges through perseverance and diligence

Students from previous cohorts have been placed in key technology leadership roles such as Data Scientists, Data Engineers, Machine Learning Engineers, Product Managers, Product Analysts and more.
TLF graduates have been handpicked by top companies like Amazon, Arcesium, Boston Consulting Group, Cisco, Fractal Analytics, Info Edge (India) Ltd. and Walmart Labs and more. While some have gone on to study in top universities globally, others have chosen the exciting path of founding startups.
Click here to learn about the Career Advancement Initiatives at Plaksha.

Plaksha’s Tech Leaders Fellowship is a launchpad for high-impact careers. Tech Leaders are nurtured to lead organisations, build path-breaking ventures, and address real-world problems for India and the world.

TLF promotes one program, many paths:
• Corporate Careers: 80% of students have landed dream roles as Data Scientists, Data Engineers, Machine Learning Engineers, Product Managers, Product Analysts and more.
• Research and Social Impact: 9% of students have opted to pursue research & higher studies or work towards social impact using technology.
• Entrepreneurship: 11% of students have forayed into entrepreneurship. Almost one-fourth of the cohort has founded startups. Startup ideas were conceived and founding teams formed (and disbanded) during the Challenge Lab course, which is a mini entrepreneurial journey.

Click here for past placement reports.

Yes, you can apply to top research and doctoral programs after completing TLF. Many students from previous cohorts have opted for research assignments, with global faculty members at universities like UC Berkeley and Purdue University, during their Capstones.

Some prominent universities where TLF alumni are doing research / doctoral assignments include Columbia University (USA), Purdue University (USA), Aalto University (Finland), KTH Royal Institute (Sweden), University of Washington (USA), New York University (USA), TIFR (India) and IIT Hyderabad, India.

No, there is no application fee.