Chief Minister Fellowship Program 2026: Work with the Government of Maharashtra and Shape Public Policy. Apply Now
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The Chief Minister Fellowship Program 2026 is a prestigious initiative by the Government of Maharashtra that gives young graduates the opportunity to work directly with senior government officials and contribute to the state’s development. Designed for ambitious youth with leadership potential, this 12-month fellowship combines hands-on fieldwork with structured academic training from IIT Bombay, Mumbai.
Launched in 2015 by former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the program has become one of India’s most sought-after public policy fellowships.
About the Fellowship
The fellowship allows selected candidates to become part of the government system and support policy implementation, project management, and administrative innovation. Fellows work in offices of District Collectors and Chief Executive Officers across Maharashtra.
This unique experience exposes young professionals to governance, development planning, and policy execution at the grassroots level.
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Fellowship Duration
The Chief Minister Fellowship Program runs for 12 months, and all selected fellows join on the same day.
During this period, fellows will:
- Work on government projects and policy initiatives
- Submit monthly progress reports
- Receive mentorship from senior officials
- Complete a mandatory training course designed by IIT Bombay
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Chief Minister Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Age between 21 and 26 years as of 8 May 2026
- Born between 8 May 2000 and 8 May 2005
- Graduate in any discipline with at least 60% marks
- Able to read, write, and speak Marathi
- Working knowledge of Hindi and English
- Basic computer and internet skills
Graduates from all academic backgrounds are welcome to apply.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of two stages.
Stage 1: Online Examination
Applicants take:
- Objective test
- Essay writing test
Stage 2: Personal Interview
- Top 210 candidates are shortlisted
- Essays are evaluated
- Final interviews are conducted
A total of 60 fellows are selected on merit.
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Training and Learning Experience
All fellows must complete a special public policy training program designed by IIT Bombay. The program includes both online and on-campus modules and covers practical tools and methodologies for governance and administration.
Additional learning opportunities include:
- Interactions with eminent personalities
- Visits to government and development institutions
- Exposure to innovative policy projects
Nature of Work
Assignments vary depending on placement and may include:
- Supporting implementation of government schemes
- Monitoring district projects
- Policy research and analysis
- Planning and execution of initiatives
- Preparing reports and presentations
Fellows may work on a single long-term project or multiple assignments during the fellowship.
Career Opportunities After the Fellowship
The fellowship provides exceptional experience and opens doors to careers in:
- Civil Services
- Public Policy
- Consulting
- Development Sector
- Research
- Management
Many alumni go on to pursue higher education and leadership roles in India and abroad.
5 Benefits of the Chief Minister Fellowship Program 2026
- Work directly with senior government officials.
- Receive advanced public policy training from IIT Bombay.
- Gain practical experience in governance and administration.
- Build leadership, analytical, and communication skills.
- Unlock career opportunities in policy, development, and consulting.
How to Apply
Applications for the Chief Minister Fellowship 2026 opened on 8 May 2026. Interested candidates should complete the online application form through the official fellowship portal.
Contact Information
- Email: cmfellowship-mah@gov.in
- Helpline: +91 70669 51951
- Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Final Thoughts
The Chief Minister Fellowship Program 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for talented young graduates who want to contribute to public service and understand how government works from the inside. If you are passionate about governance, policy, and creating real impact, this fellowship can be a transformative step in your career. Apply now and take your first step toward shaping the future of Maharashtra.
