Young Development Fellows Program 2026 Pakistan: Apply Now for Rs 90,000 Stipend

Young Development Fellows Program 2026 Pakistan: Apply Now for Rs 90,000 Stipend
Introduction/Overview
The Young Development Fellows (YDF) Program 2026, launched by the Planning Commission under the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Government of Pakistan, is a prestigious one-year fellowship. It targets top young talent to gain hands-on experience in national policy-making and development planning. Part of the broader URAAN Pakistan initiative for sustainable growth, this highly competitive program offers professional grooming, exposure to senior policymakers, and leadership development. Fellows contribute to impactful projects while building careers in public policy, with an attractive monthly stipend of PKR 90,000.
Educational Qualifications
Candidates must meet stringent academic standards:
- Master’s degree (16-year education) or higher (PhD preferred) from a reputed local or foreign university recognized by HEC.
- Minimum GPA of 3.2 or equivalent.
- Degree in a relevant field (see list below).
- Recent graduates or those with professional experience in development-related areas are preferred.
Age Limit Details
- Age: Between 21-30 years (as of the application deadline or advertisement date).
- No upper age relaxation mentioned beyond standard government rules.
- Calculated strictly; overage candidates are ineligible.
Gender and Domicile
- Gender: Open to all – males, females, and transgender individuals. The program encourages diversity and equal participation.
- Domicile/Residency Requirements: Pakistani nationals from any province/region. No specific domicile restriction; open nationwide to attract top talent.

Salary Package
Selected fellows receive a competitive package:
- Monthly Stipend: PKR 90,000 (all-inclusive) for the entire one-year duration.
- No additional allowances mentioned.
- Opportunity for professional networking and future government roles.
- Total annual: Approximately PKR 10.8 lakh, tax-free as per fellowship rules.
Place of Posting
- Primarily in Islamabad at the Planning Commission headquarters (Block-P, Pak Secretariat).
- Fellows work alongside senior officials on national projects.
- Possible field visits or assignments across Pakistan for research/policy work.
- Full-time commitment required.
Eligibility: Who Can Apply (Males and Females)?
The program is inclusive and merit-based:
- Open to all genders and Pakistani citizens.
- Must meet age, education, and GPA criteria.
- Relevant fields preferred; passion for national development essential.
- Previous YDF participants ineligible.
- Both fresh graduates and professionals with development experience can apply.
Relevant Fields (not exhaustive):
- Development & Economics
- Finance & Accounting
- Water Resources
- Artificial Intelligence
- Education & Health
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Creative Industries
- Mining & Minerals
- Infrastructure & Construction
- Information Technology (IT)
- Performance Management & Evaluation
- Project Management & Appraisal
- Public Policy & Governance
- Energy
- Development & Digital Communication
- Productivity & Quality
- Blue Economy
- Manufacturing & Industrial Development
- Exports & Trade
- Urban Planning
- Data Analytics
- GIS & Remote Sensing
Complete Information Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Young Development Fellows (YDF) 2026 |
| Ministry | Planning, Development & Special Initiatives |
| Duration | One Year |
| Stipend | PKR 90,000 per month |
| Qualification | Master’s (16 years) or higher, GPA 3.2+ |
| Age Limit | 21-30 years |
| Gender | Male, Female, Transgender |
| Domicile | Pakistani Nationals (Nationwide) |
| Application Mode | Hard copy via courier (prescribed proforma) |
| Selection | Shortlisting + Interview |
| Last Date | Within 15 days of advertisement publication (approx. mid-January 2026) |
| Official Website | www.pc.gov.pk |
Maximum Age and Domicile/Residency Requirements
- Maximum Age: 30 years; strict cutoff.
- Residency: Pakistani citizenship required; proof via CNIC.
- No provincial quotas; merit-based selection from across Pakistan.
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
- Download the prescribed proforma from www.pc.gov.pk/web/career.
- Fill the application form completely.
- Attach attested copies of degrees, testimonials, and CV.
- Send hard copy via courier to: Project Director, Capacity Building & Institutional Strengthening, Room No. 446, Block-P, Pak Secretariat, Islamabad.
- Applications must reach within 15 days of advertisement publication.
- No online submission; only courier accepted.
Detailed Selection Process
- Shortlisting: Based on academic credentials, GPA, relevance of field, and experience.
- Interview: Only short-listed candidates called for in-person interview in Islamabad.
- Merit-based final selection.
- No TA/DA for interview.
Full Job Description and Eligibility Criteria
YDFs work on real-time policy formulation, research, and implementation under senior mentors. Responsibilities include data analysis, project appraisal, policy recommendations, and contributing to URAAN Pakistan goals like export-led growth and digital transformation. Eligibility: As above, with emphasis on commitment to national development.
Key Points and Important Notes
- Incomplete applications rejected.
- Only short-listed candidates contacted for interview.
- No TA/DA admissible.
- Follow official channels for updates.
- Highly competitive; strong academic record crucial.
Terms and Conditions
- One-year commitment required.
- Fellows must adhere to government service rules during tenure.
- Stipend subject to satisfactory performance.
- Program reserves right to cancel or modify.
- No employment guarantee post-fellowship, but preference in future recruitments.

Last Date for Application Submission
Within 15 days from the date of advertisement publication (recently announced; apply immediately to meet approx. January 2026 cutoff).
Short Summary Section
The YDF Program 2026 is a transformative one-year fellowship offering PKR 90,000 monthly stipend, policy exposure, and career boost for talented Pakistani youth aged 21-30 with Master’s degrees. Apply via courier before the 15-day deadline for a chance to shape Pakistan’s development under URAAN initiative.
Official Website Link for Online Application
Visit: www.pc.gov.pk/web/career for proforma and details.
Notice for Complaints and Queries
Contact: Project Director, Room No. 446, Block-P, Pak Secretariat, Islamabad. Phone: As per advertisement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Is the stipend taxable? A: Generally tax-free for fellowships; confirm with authorities.
- Q: Can final-year students apply? A: No; must possess completed degree.
- Q: Is there any bond? A: One-year full-time commitment.
- Q: How many fellows selected? A: Competitive; varies per batch.
- Q: Can foreigners apply? A: No; Pakistani nationals only.
Strong Conclusion
The Young Development Fellows Program 2026 is a gateway for ambitious youth to contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s progress through URAAN. With hands-on policy experience and generous stipend, it’s an unparalleled opportunity—apply now and soar towards leadership in national development!
Closing Date
Applications must reach within 15 days of advertisement (urgent action required).
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