How to Apply for UP CM Fellowship Programme 2026: Eligibility, ₹40k Stipend & Selection

Overview of UP Chief Minister (CM) Fellowship Programme

The Government of Uttar Pradesh runs the UP Chief Minister (CM) Fellowship Programme through the State Planning Department to engage young professionals in public policy execution and governance.

This flagship initiative recruits qualified postgraduates and PhD scholars to work directly on rural development, data monitoring, scheme evaluation, and infrastructure projects across 100+ Aspirational Development Blocks and selected Aspirational Urban Bodies in Uttar Pradesh.

You can review the full scheme rules on the UP CM Fellowship Programme page.

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Fellowship Remuneration & Financial Package

The fellowship offers a structured monthly financial package to support fellows during their deployment:

1. Monthly Stipend: ₹30,000 per month paid directly for living and operational expenses.
2. Field Travel Allowance: ₹10,000 per month to cover travel expenses for visiting block offices, Gram Panchayats, and project sites.
3. One-Time Digital Tablet Grant: ₹15,000 provided upon joining for purchasing a laptop or tablet device for official reporting.

The total monthly remuneration package equals ₹40,000 per month. Fellows report directly to the District Magistrate (DM) and Chief Development Officer (CDO) of their assigned district in Uttar Pradesh.

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Key Eligibility Criteria & Educational Requirements

To qualify for appointment under the UP Chief Minister Fellowship, candidates must fulfill the following mandatory qualifications:

* Educational Background: Must hold a Master's degree or PhD in Public Policy, Economics, Data Science, Software Engineering, Management, Urban Planning, Nutrition, or Agriculture. * Academic Marks Threshold: Must have secured a minimum of 60% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA) in their postgraduate degree. * Age Ceiling: Candidates must not exceed 40 years of age as of the official application closing date. * Language & Technical Skills: Must possess proficient written and spoken communication skills in Hindi and English, along with practical data management capability in Microsoft Excel and basic analytics tools.

For postgraduates interested in scientific research grants, explore the UP CST Junior Research Assistantship.

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Step-by-Step Online Application Guide

Applications for the UP CM Fellowship are invited online through the official portal during active recruitment cycles:

1. Visit the official Uttar Pradesh Planning Department website (planning.up.nic.in).
2. Navigate to the CM Fellowship Programme portal link and click on New Candidate Registration.
3. Fill in your personal information, Aadhaar number, permanent address, and contact details.
4. Enter your postgraduate degree details, university name, year of passing, and overall percentage score.
5. Upload an original Statement of Purpose (SOP) of up to 500 words outlining your interest in public administration and field development in Uttar Pradesh.
6. Upload self-attested copies of your degree mark sheets, ID proof, age proof, and passport-size photograph.
7. Verify all entered data and click Submit. Save a PDF copy of your submitted application form for future reference.

For complete state schemes, visit our Uttar Pradesh Scholarships Hub.

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Selection Process & Performance Evaluation

The selection process is conducted through a objective evaluation system by the Planning Department:

1. Initial Screening: Applications are screened based on academic performance (60% weightage given to PG/PhD marks and reputed university background).
2. Statement of Purpose Scoring: SOP submissions are evaluated by an expert committee for clarity of thought, analytical orientation, and field commitment.
3. Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited for a personal interview at the Planning Department Secretariat in Lucknow.
4. Final Appointment: Selected candidates undergo orientation training before receiving district block allocations.

Tenure is initially for 1 year, extendable by up to 1 additional year based on annual performance ratings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly remuneration for UP CM Fellowship?

Fellows receive ₹30,000 monthly stipend plus ₹10,000 monthly field visit allowance, totaling ₹40,000 per month, along with a one-time ₹15,000 tablet grant.

What is the maximum age limit to apply?

The upper age limit is 40 years at the time of application submission.

Are non-residents of Uttar Pradesh eligible to apply?

Yes, Indian citizens from any state may apply, provided they are willing to reside full-time in the assigned district or block in Uttar Pradesh during the fellowship period.