This report outlines the design and operational features of 51 flagship, non-contributory social protection programmes in South Asia as part of our series of papers on social protection programmes in the region. It provides an in-depth, comparative analysis of the set-up of some of the most prominent interventions led by national governments in each of the eight countries of the region (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka), offering policymakers valuable insights into some of the best practices in designing social protection programmes. This mutual learning opportunity is vital to ensure that social protection can become more effective and inclusive to reach those who are most in need of help. The focus on large-scale, nationwide programmes is also valuable as countries are searching for means to quickly reach large parts of the population to offer them relief during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.