1. What is the structure and dates of Teach For India's Institute training for the Cohort of 2026?

• Registration & Arrival Date - TBA

• Residential Training Period - TBA

• Departure Date - TBA
  
  
  

2. Will TFI provide a pick up and drop service from Pune Airport/Pune Railway Station to FLAME University?

• Arrival - TFI  will not provide a pick up service from the airport to FLAME University. Kindly coordinate with your peers who will be joining  Institute  along with you. 

• Departure  -  TFI will provide a drop service. 2 buses - one for Pune Airport and one for Pune Railway station each. It will be provided post-closing ceremony and the day after the closing ceremony. Please keep the timings mentioned above in mind while booking your tickets.

3. What proof of payment will I need to submit for travel reimbursement? 

You will need to submit your receipt when submitting a request for travel reimbursement. You can submit a pdf the confirmed ticket, with the amount mentioned. We won't accept GooglePay screenshots as proof of payment for an air ticket but the invoice from Cleartrip, etc will be accepted.

4. What if I have exams DURING Institute? 

You will be allowed to take your exams. It is critical that Fellows inform their Program Manager, City Director, and HR representatives in advance upon arrival at the Institute. There will be follow up spaces created to catch up on missed material.

5. What is the leave policy in regard to examinations?
   We are currently working on curating this document and will share this with you by end of April. 

6. I have exams in my home city, can I stay there until my exams get over and then move?
   If you have exams in your home city during the course of the Institute, please make sure to communicate the same to your Program Manager, City Director, and HR representative in advance. Based on the discussion and timelines of exams, you can agree to return to your home city for the exams and turn up to Institute/your placement city upon completion of the same.
   
   
   

7. Will I get days off at the Institute?
   Institute is incredibly important in forming a strong foundation for our Fellows (you!) before you can move into your classrooms and begin teaching your kids. Transformational outcomes, strong shifts in learning can only be met if there is a strong foundation which is why we urge all our Fellows to engage 100% at Institute and avoid taking time away unless absolutely necessary. Additionally, Institute is your probation period at TFI -  which means successfully completing all sessions at Institute is crucial to your successful probation. For many of our Fellows who are entering the workforce for the first time, Institute is where we see many professional practices and behaviors come alive. In case of emergencies, sicknesses or pending examination dates, we will look into your leave requests on a case-by-case basis. Please get in touch with your PoC from the Recruitment Team for early requests and your program manager during the institute.
   
   
   

8. What happens if I just don’t turn up? Will I be asked to leave?
   It is mandatory to attend the Institute (training program) so that you can build your skills to start your Fellowship journey strongly. Failure to do so would result in the automatic cancellation of your candidature. As an organisation, we are responsible for the growth and development of the students and classrooms we commit to. Instead of backing out at the last minute, we’d suggest that you get in touch with your concerned POC who will answer any questions you may have and help you make an informed decision.
    

9. Will the travel tickets to and from Pune for the institute be reimbursed by TFI?

• The travel reimbursement amounts from different locations are as follows -

•  From your HOME to INSTITUTE (PUNE, FLAME University)

  • Pune Locals - INR 500 

  • Maharashtra (except Pune) - INR 1,000 

  • West India (Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh) - INR 2,000 

  • South India - INR 2,000 

  • North India - INR 2,500 

  • East & North East India - INR 3,000 

• From INSTITUTE (PUNE, FLAME University) to your PLACEMENT CITY

  • Ahmedabad - INR 2,000 

  • Chennai, Bengaluru & Hyderabad - INR 2,000 

  • Delhi - INR 2,500 

  • Kolkata - INR 3,000 

  • Mumbai - INR 1,000 

  • Pune - INR 500 

For example: If you are currently located in your home city of Baroda, Gujarat, and your placement city is Kolkata, you can avail the reimbursements in the following ways:
a. Baroda to Flame University, Pune, is up to INR 2,000.
b. Flame Univeristy, Pune to Kolkata is up to INR 3,000.

Please note -

• You can claim reimbursements only after completing Institute training.

• The reimbursement amounts are inclusive of transportation costs from the bus stop/train station or airport to FLAME University. 

• Buses will be provided for your departure from FLAME University to the airport/train station on the last day of the Institute.

• The mode of travel can be as per the choice and safety of the Fellow. (Reimbursement can only be claimed post Institute training. Details will be provided post training)

10. Will TFI reimburse my tickets if I need to go to my city for giving exams during the Institute?

This cost, of returning to one's home city for examinations during Institute - is not reimbursable and it will need to be borne personally.   

11. Will I be provided a salary while we are in the training institute? If so, what will it be?

Yes you will receive the stipend when you are attending Institute. However, for the Institute only, it will be on a pro-rata basis since the Institute is going to start after the 1st of the month. For example, for Institute period, you will be paid from the 25th of May, not the 1st of May since you start working with us from the 25th.

12. When will I  know which school/grade I will be allocated to?

• School Placement - As part of your HR onboarding form (which is released 2 weeks before your joining date as mentioned above), you are asked to fill out a PLACEMENT SURVEY as well. In this survey, you can indicate your preferred area/cluster for school placement in your placement city.  Based on your preference and needs/availability in the city,  school allocations are done.

• Grade Allocation - Based on your preference and how you perform during Institute, a grade(s) & subject(s) is allocated to you. 

Part I : ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS

1. Mandatory Documents

• PAN card (original and 2 photocopies)

• Aadhaar card (original and 2 photocopies)

• 4 Passport size photographs (colored)

• If you are an OCI card holder, you must also bring:

• Passport (original and 2 photocopies)

• OCI card (original and 2 photocopies)

2. Document to bring along ONLY if you were unable to submit it online in the onboarding form

2.1) Applicable for all 

• Address Proof (Example: Utility bills, passport copy, Voter ID card, ration card)

• PF Forms: Form 2 and Form 11, along with self-attested KYC (duly filled)

• Mark Sheet of highest degree held (University Certificates and Transcripts)

• Curriculum Vitae

2.2.) If you are a working professional, you must also bring:

• Relieving Letter (If you have not yet received your official relieving letter, please get a letter from your company HR or Manager on company letterhead stating the date of joining and confirming your official resignation)

3. Please ensure that you come in having completed the linkage of your PAN and Aadhaar. This is mandatory, and not doing so before Institute will lead to delays in both signing your contract and your salary processing. Here is a guide to help you link these documents in 5 minutes.

Part II : LIST OF MANDATORY ITEMS

• Basic doctor-prescribed medicine kit

• (In case your meds need to be refilled, please ensure you carry your doctor’s prescription along. You can refill your doctor-prescribed medicines when you visit the city for school visits, or on the weekends)

• Lock and key for your rooms

• Lock and key for your bags

• Working laptop devices 

• Laptop/Mobile Chargers

• Power bank

• Water Bottle

• Notebook and Pens

• Backpack

• Umbrella/Raincoat

• Sunglasses/ Hats

• Bedsheets, bedcover and pillow covers. 

• (It's always better to carry your personal bedsheets and pillow cover for hygiene. FLAME does not provide bedsheets, pillow covers and bed covers)

• Blanket/ Pullover

• Personal hygiene & daily essentials (towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, hair oil, moisturizer etc.)

• Comfortable footwear, especially sports shoes

• (The campus is vast, and you will need to walk around a lot during the day to reach from hostel to the session spaces. Also, as a Fellow, you will be standing and moving around constantly while teaching at school. In June, it will be raining, and as the campus is integrated with nature, it may get muddy and slippery, so carry appropriate footwear)

• Glucon D/ Electral powder/ Soup packets (Given it's summer/ rainy time, this will come in handy)

Part III : DRESS CODE

At the Institute, you will be exposed to a variety of spaces, people, and experiences - and one way we lead with love is by dressing in a manner that is comfortable to us and others. As Institute is our workplace and our place of rest, we request you to wear comfortable clothes, which are aligned to general professional standards. At all times, we expect all our people to follow this dress code, including all Fellows, Staff, and Students. We recommend packing a mix of clothes - Indian wear, professional attires and smart casuals. 

More specifically, please find the dress code for the different spaces we anticipate you to be a part of:

• At FLAME Campus:

  • For the day, during sessions, and during work time with other Fellows: Smart Casuals and/or any type of Indian wear

  • During meal times at mess, or in the evenings: Casual and comfortable clothes of your choice, ensuring comfort of the larger community you are building connections with

  • In and around your hostel room and building: Clothes of your choice, while ensuring comfort of your roommate/floormates

• At Summer Schools & Community Visits : Indian wear only

We respect our school and community spaces, and understand that we are guests in their space when we visit. We will adhere to their dress code requirements. Do not allow sleeveless Indian wear or shorts in schools and community visits. Please carry a dupatta/ stole at all times for community visits & summer school, as that is the expected dresscode by many of our schools.

• Outside campus (during weekends after training) : Clothes of your choice

• Carry a pullover / shawls/ jackets as there will be AC session spaces on campus (optional)

Attire/ Clothes that are unacceptable during Institute session spaces , Mess (during session days), Summer School & Community Visits :

• Short Clothes/ Attire

• Tank tops (backless, strapless)

• Vest

• Ripped Jeans

• Crop Tops

Part IV : LlST OF OPTIONAL ITEMS

• Bathroom Mug and Bathroom Bucket

(FLAME washrooms have showers, so if you want/ need a bathroom mug or bucket, you can carry it with you if you have the space. Alternatively, you can buy this from the shop on campus or from the city, after a school visit or on the weekends)

• Face Masks and Sanitizers - if you prefer for your own safety 

• An iron machine for clothes

• Coffee/Tea Mugs

• Extra rainwear

• Mosquito repellent/cream

• Sunscreen

• Cupboard Hangers

• Bluetooth speakers 

• Gym/Workout attire 

• Swim attire (professional swimming attire with cap) - there is a pool on campus that you can use, which will be at an additional cost that will be borne by you

• A cap to protect you from summer sun

• Shawls

• Personal grooming appliances

• Kettle

• Books to read/Kindle/doodle books for self 

• Snacks 

• Protein bars/ powders

• Guitar/small musical instrument - FLAME has beautiful locations for people to sit and unwind and play music at certain locations (of course, after taking permission :))

Part V : IMPORTANT NOTES and FLAME Guidelines

• FLAME University has opened their campus to us, and in turn, have certain expectations of how Teach For India representatives will use their campus and services. We expect all our Staff, Fellows, and Children to abide by these guidelines. Any breakdown of these guidelines can negatively impact Teach For India’s partnership with FLAME, which we want to avoid. 

  • You have to respect and care for the property like your own, and keep the campus clean

  • You cannot feed the campus animals, or bring them into session/ hostel rooms. They are separately cared for. 

  • You cannot bring or consume any tobacco or alcohol substances on campus. This includes without limitation smoking, drinking alcohol, chewing tobacco, or any illegal substances.

  • You cannot bring non-veg food on campus, or take any food outside the mess halls or in your hostel rooms. Food ordered from outside cannot be carried inside the campus. 

  • You cannot play loud music or instruments anytime after 7 PM on campus.

  • You cannot sit facing inwards at any of the water bodies, or walk along their borders - for your own safety

• FLAME Amenities:

  • All rooms will be allocated on a double sharing basis.

  • There is a convenience store at FLAME, where you can buy essentials and basic utility items.
    (Eg: biscuits, stationery, toiletries etc.) This will be a personal expense.

  • An ATM is available on FLAME campus 

  • Laundry services are available. The cost is borne by the individual.

  • Couple of cafes will be available at the FLAME campus. The cost is borne by the individual.

  • Daily Vegetarian Meals will be provided at the campus mess. There can be jain meals on request.

  • There is a cafe just outside the FLAME campus which serves a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. The cost is borne by the individual.

• FLAME Campus will have a doctor-on-call throughout the Institute, and the cost for the FLAME clinic services will be borne by the individual. Medical insurance will cover any medical emergency or needs in hospitals or clinics outside the FLAME campus.

• Uber services are available to and fro the campus in case required for any travel. The cost is borne by the individual.

• For safety purposes, please avoid carrying any real ornaments (gold, silver, etc). We request you to be mindful and maintain personal responsibility for the safety of your valuable items.

For any questions, please reach out to your Point of Contact or email us at fellowship2025@teachforindia.org 

1. When will I receive my school placement so that I can look for a house in my placement city?
   Your school placement takes place during the third week of institute training. For now, you can take a look at the areas we are present in each placement city here. In the onboarding form, you can indicate which area/cluster you would like your school placement to be. Based on your preferences plus the needs and availability in the city, a school is allocated to you.
   
   

2. What if I am not able to reach my placement city on time post completion of the Institute?
   If you have any concerns about arriving and settling down in your placement city, you can email your Program Manager, City Director, and HR representative with your concerns outlined. This can be done during the first two weeks of the institute.

1. How do I know whether I am eligible for City Compensatory Allowance (CCA)?

Fellows who have relocated from the cities where they are currently residing, to the cities where they are required to teach would be entitled to claim City Compensatory Allowance. Conditions are elaborated below. 

2. If I am eligible for CCA, what will my allowance be?

Teach For India has set maximum limits that it would pay as an allowance depending on the cost of living in a city. The limits are as follows:

• Ahmedabad I Actual or ₹7,300, whichever is less

• Bangalore I Actual or ₹9,400, whichever is less

• Chennai I Actual or ₹7,500, whichever is less

• Delhi I Actual or ₹8,900, whichever is less

• Hyderabad I Actual or ₹7,500, whichever is less

• Kolkata I Actual or ₹6,000, whichever is less

• Mumbai I Actual or ₹12,600, whichever is less

• Pune I Actual or ₹7,800, whichever is less

3. What is the procedure to claim the CCA?  

You will receive further details as the Official Onboarding window begins. 

4. Will I receive any support when looking for accommodation?

Teach For India staff and Fellows in each placement city will guide you to find accommodation. You will be provided with a list of brokers for each city, who you can contact to find accommodation. Our City HR and Government, School and Community Relations team will also guide you through this process.

5. What if I stay in a hotel or guest house till I find accommodation? Will it be reimbursable by Teach For India?

Yes, reimbursement will be processed based on the City limit and pro-rata basis (number of days).

For instance - If you are a Mumbai Fellow & staying in a hotel, you will be eligible up to ₹12,600 per month and reimbursement will be processed based on the number of days (Pro-rata basis).

6. My home is in the placement city, but if the school is far away from my residence, if we take a rented house near the school will I be eligible for CCA?

Such cases are considered on a case-to-case basis. We have made exceptions for people in the past after understanding their reasons for this, so you might be eligible.

7. What kind of receipt do we need for the CCA?

Rental agreement, with your name mentioned on it, or payment receipt that you give to your landlord.

8. I don't need to move cities for placement, but I pay rent for my current house. Am I eligible for CCA?

We have made exceptions for people in the past after understanding their reasons for this. We will ask questions such as why you didn’t need to move, whether you live with parents, how long you have stayed at the current address and more.

9. What if the rent agreement is not in your name as you are sharing a flat with someone who is already living in the placement city? What can we give as proof?

We cannot give you CCA if the rent agreement does not include your name. Your name has to be on the rent agreement. 

10. After institute will we be getting the stipend for the month of June-July since summer break is going on during that time?

Yes, you will be receiving the stipend for June-July.

11. Will I get CCA while I’m at Institute?

CCA is not provided while you're at Institute since accommodation for all fellows in provided for by Teach For India.

12. What if my rent is less than the CCA on the rent agreement, would I be paid the full CCA amount?

CCA is provided as per actuals. Whichever amount, CCA or rent is lesser, will be provided.

1. What is my salary breakup? 

Once your registration details are checked and processed, you will receive your salary breakup with your employment letter. It will include a CTC of 3.8 to 4.5 LPA, a monthly stipend of 25,344 INR (CTC), a City Compensatory Allowance (6,000-12,600 INR) in case of relocation, and reimbursements for all classroom-related expenses. You can find the detailed document with the stipend breakdown and other benefits we provide here.

2. Does my salary change between year 1 and year 2?
   Each year, Teach For India undergoes an audit of our compensation structures to understand whether there needs to be a shift in any component of the structure. We look at other Fellowships, the cost of living within the city, inflation and more. Depending on that audit as well as other factors, there might be a shift in your salary between year 1 and year 2, though this is not guaranteed.
   
   

3. What reimbursements am I eligible for as a Fellow?
   For any other monthly reimbursement, Fellows must follow the reimbursement policies shared with them during Institute training.
   
   

4. Do I get medical insurance? If yes, how do I claim it?
   Teach For India provides all Fellows with medical insurance for up to Rs. 2,00,000 annually. An Insurance card, valid for a year, is provided to all Fellows. The Insurance E-Card will be available on the Loop App, which can be downloaded on Android and iOS compatible devices. 

5. I am currently serving my notice period. How will the salary structure differ for me?

• You are expected to complete your notice period before the official start of your allocated Institute to start your payroll with Teach For India. As per labour laws, dual employment is not allowed or entertained. 

• Your employment with us will officially begin after your notice period ends at your previous organization. 

• Please mention your last working day on the registration form, and your City HR will be in touch with you for more details.

6. Provident Fund - The WHAT and WHY?

6.1) What is a Provident Fund? What per cent of my salary will go to the Provident Fund?

• Provident Fund provides a compulsory saving for an employee throughout their tenure with an organization. PF is mandatory for employees drawing a basic salary of less than 15,000 per month and for those employees who were registered under PF in any earlier organization.

• As per the PF act, both employer and employee have to contribute 12% of the basic salary. The employee contribution of 12% will be deducted from your monthly stipend. The employer contribution of 12% has been added to your CTC and will be paid directly by us to the PF department. This will not be deducted directly from your stipend; however, it will be contributed by the trust on your behalf. Thus, the total PF contribution per month will be 24% of your basic salary.

To read more about Provident Fund, visit here.

1. I believe there is an error in the pre-filled information in my Onboarding Form (Some information in the onboarding form is pre-filled based on the information that was submitted by you during your Accept Survey.), and I am unable to edit the same, what do I do?

Please write to fellowship2025@teachforindia.org if you think this information is incorrect.

2. Who should my Emergency Contact be, ideally?

We collect ‘Emergency Contacts’ for all our Fellows to reach out to them in case of medical or other emergencies that may occur while on the field (field has been used to define any place where work-related/TFI-related activity is being conducted). Please choose an Emergency Contact who:

• Is an adult (21+)

• Will be able to and fit to respond quickly to an emergency (travel to the place of emergency) and therefore is ideally in the same placement city

• Is responsive, in contact with your larger ecosystem of support (friends and family) should we depend on them to notify others in your circle

3. Who should my Reference Contacts be, ideally?

Based on your professional background, we would recommend one of the following:

For Working professionals : Someone who can verify your work experience [company/organization, role held and tenure]; ideally your Direct Manager, HR Representative, Skip Level Managers

For Recent/soon-to-be graduate : Someone who can verify your enrolment and completion of your degree [college, degree, completion]; ideally your Professors, College Administration 

4. What if I don't have two people who I can give for referrals. Do I have to give the second referral? Can I leave it blank?

If you don’t have a second referral, you can leave it blank. A minimum of 1 referral is required, without which you will not be able to join Teach For India as a Fellow.

5. What if I don’t have a PAN and/or Aadhar Card?

Your personal PAN and Aadhar Cards are required, without which you will not be able to join Teach For India as a Fellow; we cannot process your salary without both these documents. If you don’t have these documents, please apply for them immediately so that you have them in hand when you travel to the Institute. They take around a month to receive.

• PAN Card - You can apply online at https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pan/. 

• Aadhar Card - You can apply online at https://uidai.gov.in/

6. What if I don’t have the final Marksheet of my Highest Degree?

If you don’t have the final marksheet of your highest degree because your final exam has not been completed / the marksheets have not been shared with you yet, please upload a copy of the latest semester’s marksheet. When you come to Institute, please bring a copy of the same as well as the final semester marksheet (should that have been issued by the time you arrive at Institute). You will be required to submit your certificate/final marksheet as soon as it is available.

7. What is a relieving letter?

A relieving letter is any official document (on the letterhead of your company and stamped/signed off by your Manager/HR Representative) that states the following details:

• Your full name

• Your latest role within the organisation

• Your organisation’s name

• Your start date with the organisation (DD-MM-YY)

• Your exit date from the organisation (DD-MM-YY)

• An acknowledgment in any way that you will cease to work with them from the exit date onwards

It helps us verify your work experience with a company. Please review the format here.

8. What if I don’t have a relieving letter from my previous organization?

If you do not have a relieving letter since you are still serving your notice period, please ask your manager or your HR to give you a letter (on company letterhead and signed by either/both of them) that includes the following information: 

• How long you have been at the company (including your joining date)

• Confirming that you have sent in your resignation and are serving a notice period

Please use the format here.

9. I am joining on sabbatical and will not have a relieving letter. What do I upload? 

If your company has partnered with Teach For India for the Fellowship program, you will be employed with the company during the Fellowship. Please upload a letter from your company HR or Manager (on company letterhead and signed by either/both of them) stating the same. Please use the format here.

10. I am currently the CEO/Founder of my own business or I currently work for a family business. What should the relieving letter look like?

Please ask your partner or your HR (any member of the organisation who has authority and can act as a witness) to give you a letter (on company letterhead and signed by either/both of them) stating that you will stop working with the company for a period of 2 years, you will not receive payment from them and listing the name/contact details of your replacement.

Please use the format here.

11. What happens if I don’t have these documents in place?

If you have neither submitted any of the above documents during the Onboarding process nor have brought the originals to Registration so that we can upload the same on the backend, you will not be able to join the Fellowship. All of the documents above are extremely important.

1. What is a PIO/OCI card? Why do I require it? 

• Teach For India is eligible to accept employees (Fellows/staff/interns) who are Indian citizens or of Indian origin (holders of PIO/OCI card). This restriction is due to the recent changes in the visa regulations for employment of foreigners in India. As per the visa law and regulations Foreigners on Employment visa/volunteer visa will not be eligible to be Fellows of Teach For India at this time. 

• For details on eligibility and process of OCI card please read details provided on this link- http://www.immihelp.com/nri/overseascitizenshipindia/

• For details on eligibility and process of PIO card please read details provided on this link- http://www.immihelp.com/nri/piocard/. 

If you require any documents from Teach For India to facilitate your application please reach out to us at fellowship2023@teachforindia.org. 

2. What is the difference between a PIO and OCI card?

• The PIO and OCI card both serve similar purposes. It is easier to acquire a PIO card but we strongly recommend an OCI card as this is permanent and hassle free. PIO will require you to provide documents to the FRRO office in India during your period of employment here; you will be required to visit the FRRO office on the timelines mentioned as per the PIO and FRRO process.  It is your responsibility to take ownership on visiting the FRRO office in India. 

• OCI is a one-time application only and it is hassle free. Visit the link provided here to compare both PIO and OCI cards. - http://www.immihelp.com/nri/pio-vs-oci.html 

Please note: Teach For India can provide you with the support documents required for OCI/PIO. However we will not reimburse the fees at this time.

3. I do not have an OCI/PIO Card. Can I apply for an employment visa? 

Employment visas require an employee to earn at least $25,000 p.a. The Fellowship salary does not add up to the required amount hence getting an employment visa would result in your visa getting rejected. We suggest that you apply for your OCI card, which permits individuals to be employed in India without the above conditions. 

4. I do not have an OCI/PIO Card. Can I apply for a volunteer visa? 

Volunteer visas have an upper limit stipend of Rs.10,000/-. This would mean Teach For India can give you a stipend of Rs.10,000/- without any benefits. Volunteer visas also require you to renew your visa on an ongoing basis. We suggest that you apply for your OCI card, which permits individuals to be employed in India without the above conditions.