UP CM Fellowship Programme 2026 – Rs.50,000/Month, 150 Vacancies, Apply Now
The UP CM Fellowship Programme 2026 — formally called the One Trillion Dollar Mukhyamantri Fellowship Programme (OTD CM Fellow) — is the Uttar Pradesh government’s flagship initiative to deploy 150 young postgraduate professionals across all 75 districts. Selected fellows receive a monthly honorarium of Rs.50,000, a laptop worth up to Rs.40,000, travel allowance, and government accommodation or a housing allowance of Rs.10,000 per month — totalling up to Rs.4.8 lakh per year in direct financial support. This guide is for PG and PhD graduates aged below 40 who want to contribute to UP’s One Trillion Dollar Economy mission while building a powerful career in governance, economic planning, or data analytics.
The UP CM Fellowship Programme 2026 (OTD CM Fellow) offers Rs.50,000 per month to 150 postgraduate professionals — 2 fellows per district — to support district-level economic planning and data governance under UP’s One Trillion Dollar Economy mission. Eligibility requires a PG degree with minimum 60% marks and age below 40 years.
- Full Name: One Trillion Dollar Mukhyamantri Fellowship Programme (OTD CM Fellow)
- Launched By: Government of Uttar Pradesh (CM Yogi Adityanath)
- Total Vacancies: 150 Fellows (2 per district across all 75 districts)
- Fellow Types: Economic Development Fellow & Data Analyst Fellow
- Monthly Honorarium: Rs.50,000 per month
- Annual Value: Up to Rs.4.8 lakh/year (honorarium + laptop + housing allowance)
- Laptop Support: Up to Rs.40,000 for official work
- Housing: Government accommodation OR Rs.10,000/month housing allowance
- Minimum Qualification: PG degree with 60% marks (full-time, recognised university)
- Age Limit: Below 40 years as on the last date of application
- Selection Body: Uttar Pradesh State Transformation Commission
- Official Portal: transform.up.gov.in
- Duration: 1 year, renewable annually based on performance
- What Is the UP CM Fellowship Programme 2026?
- Who Should Apply for UP CM Fellowship 2026?
- Stipend, Salary & Financial Benefits
- Eligibility Criteria for OTD CM Fellow 2026
- Selection Process — Written Test, Interview & Marks Breakdown
- How to Apply for UP CM Fellowship 2026 — Step by Step
- UP CM Fellowship vs OTD CM Fellowship — Key Differences
- Pros and Cons of UP CM Fellowship Programme
- Important Terms & Concepts Related to OTD CM Fellowship
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the UP CM Fellowship Programme 2026?
The UP CM Fellowship Programme 2026, officially named the One Trillion Dollar Mukhyamantri Fellowship Programme (OTD CM Fellow), is a state government initiative launched by the Uttar Pradesh government under CM Yogi Adityanath to accelerate the state’s goal of becoming a USD 1 Trillion Economy. Under this programme, 150 trained young professionals are deployed across all 75 districts of UP — 2 fellows per district — within dedicated District OTD Cells that function directly under the District Magistrate’s leadership.
The programme deploys two distinct profiles: an Economic Development Fellow responsible for analysing sectors such as agriculture, industry, tourism, exports, infrastructure, startups, and employment generation; and a Data Analyst Fellow tasked with collecting, validating, and processing district-level data, preparing analytical reports, and maintaining AI-enabled digital dashboards. Together, these fellows strengthen the evidence-based governance and real-time monitoring systems that the UP government relies upon for tracking the state’s economic progress against its USD 1 trillion target.
The programme was approved by the state cabinet in 2026 and is administered by the Uttar Pradesh State Transformation Commission (UPSTC). Nearly 500 CM Fellows are already working across sectors including planning, industrial development, urban development, tourism, and MSMEs under the existing CM Fellowship Programme, and the OTD CM Fellowship adds 150 new fellows focused specifically on economic data and district-level growth planning.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | One Trillion Dollar Mukhyamantri Fellowship Programme |
| Short Name | OTD CM Fellow |
| Launched By | Government of Uttar Pradesh |
| Year Launched | 2026 |
| Administered By | UP State Transformation Commission |
| Total Fellowships | 150 (plus 50 on waiting list) |
| Districts Covered | All 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh |
| Fellows per District | 2 (1 Economic + 1 Data Analyst) |
| Official Website | transform.up.gov.in |
Who Should Apply for UP CM Fellowship 2026?
The UP CM Fellowship Programme 2026 is designed for young, qualified professionals who want to work at the intersection of governance, economics, and data analytics. Here is who this fellowship is ideal for:
- 🎓 PG graduates in Economics, Public Policy, or Public Administration — wanting hands-on exposure to district-level governance and development planning
- 📊 M.Tech / MCA / M.Sc Statistics or Data Science graduates — seeking to apply technical skills in AI-enabled government dashboards and real-time monitoring
- 🏛️ UPSC / State PCS aspirants — looking for a credible government fellowship as a productive bridge while preparing for competitive exams
- 🔬 PhD scholars or research professionals — with relevant publications who want to convert research experience into policy-level work and earn additional marks in selection
- 💼 Professionals with 6 months–2 years of work experience — in economics, development sector, or data analytics who want a government-backed career boost
- 🌾 Rural Development or Commerce PG graduates — interested in grassroots-level economic planning across UP’s 75 districts
- 🖥️ Graduates with Python, R, or MS Excel expertise — as the written exam specifically tests these technical skills under the Data Analyst Fellow stream
- 📌 UP residents aged 25–40 — who want a structured, paid, one-year government fellowship with renewal prospects and age relaxation benefits in UP government services
Stipend, Salary & Financial Benefits of UP CM Fellowship 2026
The UP CM Fellowship 2026 offers one of the most competitive stipend packages among state government fellowship programmes in India. At Rs.50,000 per month, the OTD CM Fellowship is significantly higher than the standard CM Fellowship Programme (which pays Rs.30,000/month), making it the better-paying of the two UP fellowship programmes available in 2026.
| Benefit Component | Amount / Value |
|---|---|
| Monthly Honorarium | Rs.50,000 per month |
| Annual Honorarium (12 months) | Rs.6,00,000 per year |
| Laptop Support | Up to Rs.40,000 (one-time) |
| Housing Allowance (if no govt. accommodation) | Rs.10,000 per month |
| Annual Housing Allowance | Rs.1,20,000 per year |
| Travel Allowance | As per applicable government rules |
| Government Accommodation | Provided wherever available |
| Laptop Ownership (after 3 years) | Transferred to fellow (subject to approval) |
| Induction Training | 2-week induction + refresher every 6 months |
| Total Package (Honorarium + Housing) | Up to Rs.7,20,000 per year |
Note on the Rs.4.8 lakh/year figure: This represents the minimum guaranteed annual benefit (Rs.50,000 × 12 months = Rs.6 lakh honorarium, minus tax and subject to deductions, or when calculated as the honorarium value net of applicable deductions). When housing allowance, laptop value, and travel allowance are included, the total annual package exceeds Rs.7 lakh. Always verify current figures at the official portal before applying.
Candidates with 3 or more research publications are awarded 8 bonus marks in the preferential eligibility stage (maximum 30 marks). If you have even 1 published paper, mention it prominently in your application — it earns 2 marks and improves your final merit list ranking significantly. PhD scholars and research professionals have a natural advantage in this selection process.
Eligibility Criteria for OTD CM Fellow 2026
To apply for the UP CM Fellowship Programme 2026 (OTD CM Fellow), candidates must satisfy ALL of the following eligibility conditions:
- ✅ Must be an Indian citizen
- ✅ Age must be below 40 years as on the last date of application submission
- ✅ Must hold a full-time postgraduate (PG) degree from a recognised university with minimum 60% marks
- ✅ Must have working knowledge of Hindi language
- ✅ Candidates with relevant work experience or research publications will be given preference (not mandatory but strongly beneficial)
Discipline-wise eligibility:
| Fellow Type | Eligible PG Disciplines |
|---|---|
| Economic Development Fellow | Economics, Public Policy, Public Administration, Management, Finance, Commerce, Rural Development, or related subjects |
| Data Analyst Fellow | Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Computer Science, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, MCA, M.Tech, or related subjects |
Required Documents:
- Recent passport-size photograph and signature
- Aadhaar Card or any valid government-issued photo ID
- PG degree certificate and mark sheets
- Class 10 certificate (for date of birth proof)
- Experience certificate (if applicable)
- Research publications or supporting documents (if applicable)
- Updated Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Any other document specified by the Planning Department at application time
Selection Process — Written Test, Interview & Marks Breakdown
The selection process for the UP CM Fellowship Programme 2026 is conducted in two stages by the Uttar Pradesh State Transformation Commission (UPSTC). It is merit-based and transparent, with a total score of 100 marks derived from three components: a written examination (50 marks), preferential eligibility marks (30 marks), and a personal interview (20 marks).
Stage 1 — Written Examination (50 Marks):
| Subject | Weightage | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 10% | 5 |
| General Aptitude (Verbal, Logical & Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension) | 10% | 5 |
| Economics | 30% | 15 |
| Statistics | 30% | 15 |
| Technical Skills (Python, R & MS Excel) | 20% | 10 |
| Total | 100% | 50 |
Preferential Eligibility Marks (Maximum 30 Marks):
| Criteria | Marks Allocation |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification — 75% or above | 15 marks |
| Educational Qualification — 65% to below 75% | 10 marks |
| Educational Qualification — 60% to below 65% | 7 marks |
| Research Publications — 3 or more | 8 marks |
| Research Publications — 2 papers | 5 marks |
| Research Publications — 1 paper | 2 marks |
| Relevant Work Experience — More than 2 years | 7 marks |
| Relevant Work Experience — 6 months to 2 years | 3 marks |
Stage 2 — Personal Interview (20 Marks):
| Assessment Area | Marks |
|---|---|
| Personality, Communication Skills, Time Management, Work Motivation, Overall Suitability | 15 |
| Problem Solving, Decision Making, Analytical Thinking, Logical Assessment | 5 |
| Total Interview Marks | 20 |
Based on the final merit list (total 100 marks), 150 candidates are selected and a waiting list of 50 candidates is also prepared. Selected candidates receive appointment orders and undergo a 2-week induction training before joining their allotted district.
How to Apply for UP CM Fellowship 2026 — Step by Step
- Visit the official portal — Go to the Uttar Pradesh State Transformation Commission Portal at transform.up.gov.in when a fresh notification is announced.
- Select your fellowship position — Choose either Economic Development Fellow or Data Analyst Fellow based on your PG qualification and strengths.
- Register / Log in — Create a new account using your name, mobile number, and email ID, or log in if you already have an existing account on the portal.
- Fill the online application form — Enter your personal information, educational qualifications, professional experience, research publications, achievements, and other required details accurately.
- Upload documents — Upload your photograph, signature, PG degree certificates, mark sheets, experience certificate (if any), research publications (if any), and updated CV/Resume in the specified format and file size.
- Review carefully before submitting — Cross-check all entries including your marks percentage, date of birth, and discipline selected before final submission. Errors cannot always be corrected after submission.
- Submit and download acknowledgement — After final submission, download and print the acknowledgement receipt for future reference and for the interview stage.
- Await shortlisting communication — The UPSTC will scrutinize applications and communicate the Stage 1 written examination date and admit card details through your registered email or mobile number.
- Appear for written examination — Prepare on Economics, Statistics, General Knowledge, Aptitude, and Technical Skills (Python / R / MS Excel) for the 50-mark written test.
- Personal interview — Candidates shortlisted after Stage 1 are called for the 20-mark personal interview at the designated centre. Carry all original documents for verification.
UP CM Fellowship vs OTD CM Fellowship — Key Differences
The Uttar Pradesh government currently runs two fellowship programmes that appear similar but serve distinct purposes. Understanding the differences helps you decide which one suits your profile better and avoid confusion when applying.
| Parameter | CM Fellowship Programme | OTD CM Fellowship Programme |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Objective | Monitor government schemes in aspirational development blocks | District-level economic planning for UP’s USD 1 Trillion Economy target |
| Deployment Area | 100 Aspirational Development Blocks in 34 districts | All 75 districts of UP under District OTD Cells |
| Total Fellows | 100 fellows | 150 fellows (2 per district) |
| Fellow Types | General development fellows | Economic Development Fellow + Data Analyst Fellow |
| Minimum Qualification | Graduation with 60% marks | Postgraduate degree with 60% marks in prescribed disciplines |
| Monthly Honorarium | Rs.30,000 per month | Rs.50,000 per month |
| Tablet / Laptop | Rs.15,000 tablet support | Laptop up to Rs.40,000 |
| Housing Support | Not specified | Rs.10,000/month housing allowance OR govt. accommodation |
| Focus Area | Field monitoring, scheme surveys | Economic analytics, KPI dashboards, DDP assessments |
| Technical Skills Required | General | Python, R, MS Excel (tested in written exam) |
If you are a PG graduate in Economics, Statistics, Data Science, or Management — the OTD CM Fellowship is clearly the better choice: higher pay (Rs.50,000 vs Rs.30,000), laptop support (Rs.40,000 vs Rs.15,000 tablet), housing allowance, and district-level government experience that is directly relevant to UPSC / State PCS interviews. The standard CM Fellowship is better suited for UG graduates who want grassroots development experience in rural blocks.
Pros and Cons of UP CM Fellowship Programme 2026
Like any government fellowship, the OTD CM Fellowship has genuine strengths and some limitations worth knowing before you apply.
✅ Advantages:
- High stipend — Rs.50,000/month is among the highest for a state government fellowship in India as of 2026
- Hardware support — Laptop worth up to Rs.40,000 provided for official use, with ownership transfer after 3 years
- Career accelerator — Direct exposure to District Magistrate-level administration and UP government policymaking is invaluable for UPSC / IAS interview preparation
- Research experience valued — Publications earn bonus marks; PhD scholars have a built-in advantage over other applicants
- Age relaxation benefit — Eligible for age relaxation and weightage in specified UP Government services as per notified rules after fellowship completion
- Renewable fellowship — Performance-based annual renewal means it is not just a one-year dead end
- Pan-UP deployment — All 75 districts covered, so there are opportunities across the entire state
❌ Limitations:
- Contractual, not permanent — The fellowship does not create any right to regular government employment or permanent absorption after completion
- No district choice — Fellows have no right to choose their deployment district; placement decisions rest entirely with the competent authority
- Hindi language mandatory — Candidates who are not fluent in Hindi may find field-level work challenging, even if they have strong academic qualifications
- Political activity banned — Fellows cannot participate in any political activities during the fellowship period
Important Terms & Concepts Related to OTD CM Fellowship
Understanding these key terms will help you score better in the written examination and interview for the UP CM Fellowship Programme 2026:
- One Trillion Dollar Economy (OTD): UP’s ambitious target to make Uttar Pradesh India’s first state to achieve a GDP of USD 1 trillion (~Rs.83 lakh crore). The OTD CM Fellowship is a direct instrument of this mission.
- District Domestic Product (DDP): The economic output of a single district, analogous to GDP at the national level. Economic Development Fellows help prepare DDP assessments for their assigned districts.
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Measurable values used to track a district’s progress across development sectors. Data Analyst Fellows are responsible for monitoring KPIs via digital dashboards.
- District OTD Cell: The district-level office established under the District Magistrate’s leadership where OTD CM Fellows are posted and carry out their work.
- UP State Transformation Commission (UPSTC): The body conducting the selection process and overseeing the OTD CM Fellowship Programme. Official portal: transform.up.gov.in
- Preferential Eligibility Marks: Bonus marks (up to 30) awarded before the interview stage for strong academics, research publications, and relevant work experience. These can make or break your final rank.
- Induction Training: A 2-week structured training provided to selected fellows before they join their districts, followed by refresher training every 6 months.
- Evidence-Based Governance: Policy-making driven by data and analytics rather than intuition or political priorities — the core philosophy of the OTD CM Fellowship approach to district development.
- AI-Enabled Dashboard: The digital monitoring system that Data Analyst Fellows help maintain for tracking government scheme implementation and economic progress at the district level.
- UPSC Bridge Fellowship: Though not an official term, the UP CM Fellowship is widely used by UPSC aspirants as a productive, paid bridge year that builds direct governance experience useful for interviews and essay papers.
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Application Portal | transform.up.gov.in |
| UP Planning Department | planning.up.nic.in |
| UP CM Fellowship (Aspirational Blocks) | cmfellowship.upsdc.gov.in |
| National Portal of India (UP Schemes) | india.gov.in |
| Vikaspedia — OTD CM Fellow Scheme | vikaspedia.in — OTD CM Fellow |
| Agrijob.in — UP Govt Jobs & Fellowships | agrijob.in |
Conclusion
The UP CM Fellowship Programme 2026 (OTD CM Fellow) is one of the most rewarding state government fellowships available to PG graduates in India this year — offering Rs.50,000 per month, hardware support, housing allowance, and direct governance experience alongside the District Magistrate. Whether you are a UPSC aspirant building your interview profile, a data professional looking for government-sector exposure, or a researcher wanting to translate academic work into public policy impact, the OTD CM Fellowship is a genuine opportunity worth pursuing. Monitor the official portal at transform.up.gov.in and apply as soon as the next notification cycle opens — a fresh recruitment round is expected whenever the Planning Department announces it.
- UP CM Fellowship Programme 2026 (OTD CM Fellow) offers Rs.50,000/month to 150 PG graduates across all 75 UP districts
- Total annual financial value reaches up to Rs.7.2 lakh when honorarium, housing allowance, and laptop support are combined
- Two fellowship types: Economic Development Fellow (economics/policy/management PG) and Data Analyst Fellow (statistics/IT/data science PG)
- Research publications earn up to 8 bonus marks in selection — PhD scholars and researchers have a strong built-in advantage
- The fellowship is contractual (1 year, renewable) and does not guarantee permanent government employment
- Apply at transform.up.gov.in when the next notification cycle opens; bookmark this page for updates
Frequently Asked Questions About UP CM Fellowship Programme 2026
What is the UP CM Fellowship Programme 2026?
The UP CM Fellowship Programme 2026, formally called the One Trillion Dollar Mukhyamantri Fellowship Programme (OTD CM Fellow), is a Uttar Pradesh government initiative that deploys 150 young postgraduate professionals as Economic Development Fellows and Data Analyst Fellows across all 75 UP districts to support the state’s USD 1 Trillion Economy mission. Fellows receive Rs.50,000 per month and work under the District Magistrate’s leadership in District OTD Cells.
What is the monthly stipend under UP CM Fellowship 2026?
Selected OTD CM Fellows receive a monthly honorarium of Rs.50,000. In addition, fellows receive a laptop worth up to Rs.40,000, travel allowance as per government rules, and either government accommodation or a housing allowance of Rs.10,000 per month. The total annual financial package can reach up to Rs.7.2 lakh when all components are included.
Who is eligible to apply for the UP OTD CM Fellowship 2026?
Applicants must be Indian citizens aged below 40 years who hold a full-time postgraduate degree with minimum 60% marks from a recognised university in a prescribed discipline (Economics, Public Policy, Management, Finance, Commerce, Rural Development for Economic Development Fellow; or Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, IT, AI, MCA, M.Tech for Data Analyst Fellow). Working knowledge of Hindi is also mandatory.
How many vacancies are there in UP CM Fellowship 2026?
The UP OTD CM Fellowship 2026 has a total of 150 vacancies — 2 fellows (1 Economic Development Fellow and 1 Data Analyst Fellow) in each of UP’s 75 districts. Additionally, a waiting list of 50 candidates is prepared alongside the final merit list.
What is the selection process for UP CM Fellowship 2026?
The selection is merit-based in two stages. Stage 1 consists of a written examination worth 50 marks (covering GK, Aptitude, Economics, Statistics, and Technical Skills in Python/R/MS Excel) plus preferential eligibility marks up to 30 marks awarded for academic percentage, research publications, and work experience. Stage 2 is a personal interview worth 20 marks. The final merit list is based on the combined total out of 100.
Is the UP CM Fellowship a permanent government job?
No. The OTD CM Fellowship is a contractual fellowship for an initial period of one year, which may be renewed annually based on the fellow’s performance and departmental approval. Completing the fellowship does not create any right to permanent government employment or regularisation in any government service.
Do research publications help in the UP CM Fellowship 2026 selection?
Yes, significantly. Research publications earn bonus marks during the preferential eligibility stage: 1 publication earns 2 marks, 2 publications earn 5 marks, and 3 or more publications earn 8 marks (the maximum). These marks are added to your written exam score before the interview stage, making research experience a strong competitive advantage for PhD scholars and academic professionals.
What is the difference between UP CM Fellowship and OTD CM Fellowship?
The standard CM Fellowship Programme covers 100 aspirational development blocks in 34 districts, requires only a graduation degree with 60% marks, and pays Rs.30,000 per month with a tablet allowance. The OTD CM Fellowship covers all 75 districts, requires a PG degree with 60% marks in specific disciplines, and pays Rs.50,000 per month with a laptop worth Rs.40,000 and housing allowance. The OTD version is focused specifically on economic planning and data analytics for UP’s One Trillion Dollar Economy goal.
How do I apply for the UP CM Fellowship Programme 2026?
Applications are submitted online through the UP State Transformation Commission portal at transform.up.gov.in. When the next notification is published, candidates select their fellowship type (Economic Development or Data Analyst), fill the online form with personal and academic details, upload required documents, and submit. The authority will then communicate exam dates and admit card details via registered email and mobile number.
What happens after the UP CM Fellowship tenure ends?
After completing one year, the fellowship may be renewed annually based on performance and departmental approval. Fellows who successfully complete three years of service may be eligible for ownership transfer of the provided laptop, subject to departmental approval. Additionally, fellows are eligible for age relaxation and preferential weightage in specified UP Government services as per notified rules — providing a clear pathway toward regular government employment for those who pursue it.
Last Updated: September 2026 | This guide is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest UP CM Fellowship notifications, application dates, and result updates.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All figures including stipend amounts, vacancy counts, and eligibility criteria are sourced from official government portals and verified secondary sources as of September 2026. Always refer to the official notification at transform.up.gov.in or planning.up.nic.in for the most current and authoritative information before applying.
