The Government of Pakistan’s Planning Commission, under the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, has announced the Young Development Fellows (YDFs) program for 2026. This one-year flagship fellowship, launched under the URAAN Pakistan Programme, aims to engage Pakistan’s most talented young professionals at the core of national policy-making and economic reform initiatives.
The YDF program is a highly competitive opportunity designed to nurture the next generation of impact-driven leaders who will contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s sustainable growth, innovation, and economic transformation. Fellows will work directly with senior policymakers, gaining hands-on experience in development planning, policy formulation, innovation, and governance.
Young Development Fellows (YDF) Program 2026 under URAAN Pakistan:
The Young Development Fellows (YDF) Program 2026 by the Planning Commission aims to nurture Pakistan’s emerging leaders through direct involvement in national development and policy initiatives. This one-year fellowship offers a rare opportunity to work with senior policymakers, shaping strategies in key sectors driving Pakistan’s economic growth. Fellows will gain hands-on experience in public policy, digital innovation, project management, and national-level planning under the URAAN Pakistan framework. With a monthly stipend of PKR 90,000, the YDF 2026 fellowship empowers young professionals to innovate, learn, and lead Pakistan’s transformation journey.
Purpose of the YDF Program 2026:
The YDF Program 2026 under the URAAN Pakistan Initiative seeks to empower young Pakistani professionals who aspire to become agents of change. By working on national-level projects, fellows will gain unparalleled exposure to the country’s development landscape, policy reforms, and innovation ecosystem.
The program’s ultimate goal is to produce a cadre of young leaders equipped with practical policy-making experience and a vision to drive Pakistan toward sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must meet the following requirements to qualify for the YDF Program 2026:
- Age: Between 21–30 years as on the closing date of applications.
- Qualification: Must hold a Master’s degree or a 16-year professional qualification from a reputed local or foreign university.
- CGPA / Marks: Must have a minimum GPA of 3.2.
- Subjects / Disciplines: Degree must be in a relevant field listed below.
List of Eligible Disciplines
The Planning Commission invites applications from candidates in the following disciplines:
- Development & Economics
- Finance & Accounting
- Water Resources
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- 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
Duration and Benefits:
The Young Development Fellowship is spans over one year. Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend of PKR 90,000/- throughout the fellowship period.
This stipend aims to support young professionals as they work on national-level projects, contributing innovative ideas and fresh perspectives to Pakistan’s development agenda.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply through the following process:
-
Download the Application Form
Visit the official Planning Commission website at https://pc.gov.pk/web/career to download the prescribed proforma. - Submit Application by Courier:
Send the hard copy of the filled proforma along with the following documents:- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Attested copies of degrees and testimonials
- Application Deadline
Applications must reach the Planning Commission office within 15 days of the publication of this advertisement. (Deadline: 13 January 2026) - Important Notes:
- Incomplete applications will not be entertained.
- Only short-listed candidates will be called for interviews.
- No TA/DA will be admissible for interviews or tests.
Young Development Fellows (YDF) Program 2026 Advertisement:
