Chevening Scholar, Ajita from India, Completed Her MPhil in Development Studies at the University of Cambridge

I’m Ajita, and I am from Rajasthan, India. I am a social impact professional working at the intersection of gender, philanthropy, and digital inclusion, with experience in the gender digital divide, women’s financial inclusion, and public health. My decision to pursue the MPhil in Development Studies at the University of Cambridge stemmed from a long-standing interest in understanding how institutions shape social change. The programme deepened my interdisciplinary grounding, combining philosophy, policy, and practice, and strengthened my ability to work on gender equality and inclusive development within philanthropic ecosystems.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I received the Chevening Scholarship, year 2022-23 (Full name: Chevening Pearson & Cambridge Commonwealth Trust university partner scholar), and was studying at Jesus College, University of Cambridge

Educational Background

I completed a BA (Honours) Philosophy from Miranda House, University of Delhi, and a PG Diploma in Liberal Arts from Ashoka University. My academic training in Philosophy and Liberal Arts gave me a strong foundation in multidisciplinary research and critical thinking that I extended to my postgraduate studies.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Cambridge?

I spent a considerable amount of time exploring official university and scholarship websites to understand eligibility, course structure, and expectations. I also spoke to alumni from my college who had studied in the UK, and reached out to past scholarship recipients at the universities or departments I wanted to study at. Those conversations gave me invaluable, first-hand insights!

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Chevening Scholarship?

I started by reading everything available on the Chevening website to understand the process thoroughly. I also reached out to several Chevening Scholars who generously shared their journeys and advice. Their insights helped me approach the application more strategically— aligning my story, goals, and impact with what the scholarship truly values.

How is (was) Your Experience at the University of Cambridge?

Studying at Cambridge was a dream I had since I was chosen for a school exchange programme to the UK in 2011. A dream that I wouldn't have been able to pursue without the Chevening Scholarship. Returning to academia after working in the development sector for over five years gave me a unique opportunity to reflect on my work on gender equality at the grassroots and with philanthropic organisations. All my chosen core courses and electives have helped me further consolidate my understanding of the development sector. Through my research, I explored how philanthropy can make a more meaningful impact, how policymaking can be made more participatory, and how social movements can become effective drivers of development. The year was intellectually stimulating and personally transformative, shaped not just by the rigour of the MPhil in Development Studies, but also by the incredible people I met at Cambridge and within the Chevening community. The exchange of ideas with scholars, professors, and peers from across the world made the experience deeply enriching, both academically and emotionally.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

If I had to pinpoint one thing, it would be the coherence of my narrative. All four essays reflected the same person in tone, values, and intent – tied together by a single thread: my commitment to gender equity. I was careful not to repeat myself but to let that theme show up differently across my essays, connecting my experiences, motivations, and aspirations into one consistent story.

 What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

In hindsight, I would’ve started drafting earlier and left more time for reflection between essay versions. When you step away and revisit your writing after a few days, you notice gaps in clarity and tone that you might otherwise miss. I would have also scheduled a few mock interviews before the actual one to get more comfortable articulating my story out loud.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Of all the scholarships I’ve applied to, Chevening stands out for how clearly it outlines what it’s looking for in a scholar and how to approach each section. Everything – truly everything –  is on their website. So start there. Read the guidance for that year carefully and answer the specific essay questions as they are framed. Beyond that, whether during the application or interview stage, be authentic, tell your story truthfully, and use the STAR approach (Situation, Task, Action, Result) – it helps you illustrate your achievements with specificity and structure.