kanthari offers a 12-month full-time course, and participants are expected to remain fully committed throughout the entire period, including the final three months when they are back in their home country.
The course is divided into three main phases.
1. It begins with a 6-week online preparation phase starting in early April, which lays the foundation for the programme.
2. 7-month on-campus training in Kerala, typically from late May to mid-December. (Act 1 to Act 4)
3. After completing the on-campus phase, participants return home to start or continue working on their social or environmental venture. During these final 3 months (Act 5), they are supported by a local mentor, usually a kanthari alumnus. This phase is an integral part of the programme and requires the same full-time commitment as the earlier stages.
Upon successfully completing all phases of the programme, including the final three months (Act 5) of full-time work on their venture, participants officially graduate as kantharis. Graduation is based not only on attendance but on demonstrated commitment, active participation, and the practical implementation of their initiative.