How an Indian Scholar Won the Chevening Scholarship to Study a Fully Funded Master’s in Energy and Climate Policy at the University of Sussex

My name is Baijnath Kumar Paswan, and I am from the Aurangabad district of Bihar, India. In search of employment, my family migrated to Bermo (Bokaro), one of the most coal-mining-intensive regions of Jharkhand. It was there, amid the dust and dynamism of the coal belt, that I was raised and received my schooling.

As a first-generation learner and environmental migrant, I grew up witnessing a stark paradox: abundant coal reserves powering urban India, while our own communities lived in energy poverty. Electricity was unreliable, drinking water was unsafe, and basic healthcare remained out of reach. This contradiction ignited a lifelong pursuit: to work at the intersection of energy, equity, and environmental justice.

Over the past 12+ years, I have been deeply engaged in the development sector, collaborating with state governments, international development partners, and private sector stakeholders to design and implement impactful public policies and sustainability strategies.

My professional journey began with Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (BRLPS – JEEViKA), where I worked as a Young Professional. Here, I witnessed firsthand how women-led institutions can be transformative agents of social and economic change in rural India. Empowering women through self-help groups was not just a development strategy; it was a movement that reshaped livelihoods and local governance from the ground up.

Later, I joined the Bihar Vikas Mission, working under the Cabinet Secretariat Department of the Government of Bihar as a Programme and Policy Analyst. This role was a turning point in my career. It gave me the opportunity to work closely with the Chief Minister’s Office, contributing to strategic planning, budgeting, and the policy formulation process for major cabinet-level schemes. My work spanned across sectors, from rural development and nutrition to climate adaptation and inclusive governance.

These experiences not only strengthened my policy acumen but also deepened my commitment to ensuring that development reaches the most vulnerable, especially those displaced or marginalised by the very systems that drive national growth.

Today, as a Chevening Scholar pursuing an MSc in Energy and Climate Policy at the University of Sussex, I carry with me the stories of my community, the lessons of grassroots governance, and the aspiration to design equitable, resilient energy transitions for the Global South.

This journey, from the coalfields of Jharkhand to one of the UK’s leading policy schools, is more than personal. It is a statement that the voices from the margins matter, and with the right education and global collaboration, we can shape policies that are not only technically sound but also socially just.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I am honoured to be a recipient of the prestigious Chevening Award, granted by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). This fully funded scholarship supports my Master’s studies in the UK by covering tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses throughout the programme.

The road to Chevening, however, was far from easy. I applied for three consecutive years, a journey marked by persistence and personal growth. In my first attempt, I was rejected at the application stage; the second time, I reached the interview stage but was placed on the reserve list. But I didn’t let that deter me. I reflected, refined my approach, and stayed committed to my purpose. On my third attempt, I finally received that long-awaited selection, a moment that reaffirmed the power of perseverance and belief in one’s vision.

Educational Background

My academic journey reflects a multidisciplinary foundation shaped by a strong commitment to sustainable development, rural transformation, and environmental governance. I began by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (B.Tech) in Food Technology from Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan, in 2009. This laid the technical groundwork for understanding food systems, supply chains, and nutrition security.

Driven by a deeper interest in grassroots development and inclusive growth, I pursued an MBA in Rural Development from the prestigious Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi, graduating in 2012. This programme broadened my perspective on rural livelihoods, social policy, and institutional development, and equipped me to work effectively at the intersection of policy and practice.

To further enhance my understanding of global trade and development frameworks, I completed a Post Graduate Diploma in International Business and Finance from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi, a premier institution in global trade studies.

Recognising the increasing importance of environmental jurisprudence in shaping climate and sustainability policies, I later pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Law and Policy from National Law University (NLU), Delhi in 2020. This programme provided me with critical insights into environmental regulation, climate litigation, and the legal architecture of sustainability governance.

Together, these academic pursuits have not only strengthened my domain expertise but also positioned me to contribute meaningfully to policy formulation, climate action, and just energy transitions across diverse sectors.

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

I began my university search by identifying institutions and programmes that closely aligned with my career goals and subject specialisation. I was particularly clear that I did not want to pursue a broad, generalised degree; instead, I was seeking a niche and specialised course that would equip me with cutting-edge knowledge in a rapidly evolving field. This led me to the MSc in Energy and Climate Policy at the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU), University of Sussex.

What drew me to SPRU was its reputation for interdisciplinary research and its well-structured curriculum that blends policy analysis, innovation studies, and global climate governance. The programme offered contemporary, practice-oriented modules that addressed real-world challenges at the intersection of energy transitions and sustainable development.

I also explored a few courses at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), another renowned institution based at Sussex. However, after comparing the course structures and based on feedback from a friend who had previously studied there, I found SPRU’s offering to be more aligned with my academic interests and professional aspirations. This informed and intentional choice has proven invaluable in shaping my current learning experience.

Since it had been a long time since I last sat for any academic examination, preparing for the IELTS was both a challenge and a significant milestone for me. For admission into the University of Sussex, a valid IELTS score was mandatory for my course in Energy and Climate Policy.

I began by researching the specific score requirements for my programme on the university’s official website. I also referred to forums, student testimonials, and YouTube channels that provided insights into test structure, preparation strategies, and common pitfalls.

Given my demanding work schedule and the academic gap, I knew self-discipline would be key. I enrolled in an online IELTS preparation course and supplemented it with practice tests, reading materials, and listening exercises. I dedicated focused time each day to improve my writing fluency, listening concentration, and speaking confidence, especially under timed conditions.

It wasn’t easy; I had to rebuild the habit of academic writing and sharpen my comprehension skills. But with consistent effort and support from a few peers who had taken the test recently, I was able to achieve a strong IELTS score, which not only fulfilled the university's requirement but also gave me confidence as I re-entered the academic world after a long professional career.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

My preparation for the Chevening Scholarship was a gradual and reflective process that evolved over multiple application cycles. In my first attempt, I was not fully aware of how to communicate my experiences effectively in the format Chevening expects. But with each try, I grew, not just in my writing, but in understanding how to connect my leadership journey to Chevening’s core values.

I began by studying the Chevening website thoroughly, taking time to understand what they look for in candidates, especially the emphasis on leadership, networking, career goals, and impact. I also watched several YouTube interviews and testimonials of successful scholars, which helped me identify the tone and structure required in the essays.

One of the most valuable steps I took was reaching out to Chevening alumni on the friend network. One of my common friend generously reviewed my essays and shared feedback from their own experiences. I also participated in informal discussions and online forums, which helped me refine my answers and avoid common mistakes.

I didn’t rely solely on templates; instead, I spent a lot of time introspecting and writing authentically, using specific examples from my work in public policy, climate change, and social equity. I followed the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame my leadership experiences clearly and concisely.

By the time I applied for the third time, I had not only strengthened my essays but also gained more clarity, confidence, and purpose in my application. The journey itself taught me resilience and self-belief, qualities that Chevening, I believe, truly values.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was the strong alignment between my professional experience, the course I chose, and the pressing developmental needs of my country. I was very intentional in selecting the MSc in Energy and Climate Policy at the University of Sussex, not only because it reflected my own journey in the fields of climate action and public policy, but also because it directly addresses the contemporary challenges India is facing in achieving a just and inclusive energy transition.

My essays clearly demonstrated how my 12+ years of work in rural development, energy governance, and climate policy had prepared me for this specialised programme. I didn't just write about personal achievements; I focused on how the knowledge and skills I would gain through this course would enable me to contribute meaningfully to India’s climate goals, particularly in areas such as decarbonisation, just transition, and sustainable livelihoods.

By connecting my past leadership roles with my future vision for impact, and showing how this course would serve as a bridge between the two, I believe I presented a compelling and purpose-driven application that resonated with the Chevening selectors.

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

If I were to go through the Chevening application process again, I would be more strategic in articulating my tacit knowledge, the unspoken insights and lessons I’ve gathered over the years of working on the ground in policy, governance, and climate action. In my earlier applications, I focused heavily on what I had done, but I now realise the importance of explaining why those experiences matter and how they connect deeply with the academic course I chose.

In hindsight, I would place greater emphasis on how the Energy and Climate Policy programme at the University of Sussex is not just an academic interest but a critical learning space where my practical knowledge can be refined, challenged, and expanded. I would more clearly communicate how this course is a natural extension of the work I’ve been doing and how it will strengthen my ability to create systemic change in India’s clean energy transition and climate resilience strategies.

Understanding how to bridge real-world experience with academic inquiry is something I learned during the process, and if given another chance, I would lean into that connection more intentionally from the very beginning.

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

My advice to aspiring scholarship applicants, especially for prestigious awards like Chevening, is to focus deeply on understanding your personal strengths and unique experiences, and how these can be used to create meaningful change in your community, country, or the world at large.

Rather than trying to fit into a mould, work on developing your personal clarity, leadership qualities, and purpose-driven mindset. Reflect on your journey and ask yourself: What drives me? What impact have I made? How can I amplify this impact with the right education and global exposure?

Chevening looks for individuals who don’t just have qualifications, but who demonstrate a clear vision for the future and the confidence to act on it. So, focus on your actions, not just aspirations. Show how your work, whether big or small, has made a difference and how the scholarship will empower you to scale that impact.

In short, believe in your story, own your voice, and lead with authenticity. The world needs changemakers, not perfection, so bring your real self to the application and let your commitment to change speak through every word.