The Paid Youth Fellowship 2026 , Development, and Special Initiatives has officially announced the Young Development Fellows (YDF) Programme 2026. This one-year flagship program is designed to bring the most talented young minds of Pakistan into the heart of national policy-making.
Under the Uraan Pakistan vision, selected fellows get a chance to work directly with senior government officials, ministers, and top-tier experts to solve Pakistan’s economic and social challenges.
This is not a typical internship; it is a professional fellowship that offers high financial rewards and serious responsibilities.
| Category | Details |
| Organization | Planning Commission of Pakistan |
| Program Name | Young Development Fellows (YDF) – 3rd Batch |
| Monthly Stipend | Rs. 90,000/- |
| Duration | 12 Months (1 Year) |
| Location | Islamabad (Federal Government Offices) |
| Application Deadline | February 17, 2026 |
Top Benefits of the YDF Programme
Selected candidates enjoy several professional and financial perks:
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High Stipend: You receive a monthly salary of Rs. 90,000, which is one of the highest for any public sector youth program.
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Policy Exposure: You will help draft national policies on energy, trade, IT, and education.
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Networking: Opportunity to work closely with the Federal Minister and senior bureaucrats.
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Career Launchpad: Completion of this fellowship makes your CV highly attractive for international NGOs, UN agencies, and top private firms.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
The selection process is very competitive. To be eligible, you must meet these requirements:
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Age Limit: Between 21 and 30 years old.
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Education: Minimum 16 years of education (Master’s or 4-year Bachelor’s degree).
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Academic Record: A minimum GPA of 3.2 (out of 4.0) or equivalent.
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Nationality: Must be a Pakistani citizen (all provinces, including AJK and GB).
Eligible Fields and Disciplines
The Planning Commission is looking for experts in various fields, including:
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Economics, Finance, and Public Policy.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and IT.
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Energy, Urban Planning, and Climate Change.
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Health, Education, and Social Sciences.
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Trade, Exports, and Industrial Development.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for 2026 is primarily Online, but some departments may require a physical copy via courier as well.
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Visit Official Portal: Go to the National Job Portal (NJP) at www.njp.gov.pk or the Planning Commission website pc.gov.pk/web/career.
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Search for YDF: Look for “Young Development Fellows – 3rd Batch.”
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Create Profile: Fill in your personal, educational, and experience details.
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Upload Documents: You will need to upload:
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Attested copies of your degrees.
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Updated CV/Resume.
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CNIC and Recent Photographs.
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Submit: Double-check your GPA and contact details before clicking “Submit.”
The Selection Process
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Shortlisting: Applications are first filtered based on GPA and educational background.
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Written Test/Assessment: Some candidates may be asked to take a logical or policy-based test.
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Final Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to Islamabad for a final interview with a selection board.
Important Notes for Applicants
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Deadline: The last date to apply is February 17, 2026. Do not wait for the last day as the website may slow down.
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Incomplete Data: Applications with a GPA lower than 3.2 or missing documents will be rejected automatically.
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Full-Time Commitment: This is a full-time role in Islamabad. You cannot pursue another degree or job during the fellowship.