Sardar Patel Good Governance CM Fellowship Programme 2027-28: Complete Guide, Eligibility & Application Process
The Government of Gujarat has officially announced the Sardar Patel Good Governance CM Fellowship Programme 2027-28. This prestigious initiative aims to engage talented, motivated, and dynamic individuals to contribute to policy formulation, administrative reforms, and public service delivery enhancement across Gujarat. Managed under the guidance of the General Administration Department (GAD) and coordinated by the Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA), Ahmedabad, this fellowship offers a unique platform for professionals to act as catalysts for innovation and accountability in governance.
Key Highlights at a Glance:
- Application Window: 01/11/2026 to 15/12/2026 (up to 11:59 PM)
- Total Positions: 47 Fellows
- Monthly Stipend: โน1,10,000 (โน1,00,000 stipend + โน10,000 LTA)
- Tenure: 1 Year (extendable based on annual performance review)
Programme Objectives and Scope
The core philosophy of the CM Fellowship Programme is to drive governance excellence through modern, evidence-based policy frameworks and robust implementation strategies. Fellows work closely with various state departments, district collectorates, municipal corporations, and specialized institutions like the Gujarat Institution for Transformation (GRIT). Their primary objective is to bridge gaps in public service delivery, promote sustainable practices, and leverage data analytics for effective decision-making.
Eligibility Criteria and Qualifications
To maintain high standards of merit and transparency, applicants must meet strict academic, professional, and age benchmarks established by the Government of Gujarat:
- Age Limit: Must not be more than 35 years of age as on 15/12/2026.
- Academic Qualifications: Minimum 60% marks each in SSC, HSC, and Graduation examinations. Additional weightage is given to candidates holding degrees from premier national institutes (IIT, IIM, IISc, AIIMS, National Law Universities, IARI Pusa) or top-20 global institutions according to Times Higher Education (THE) or QS World University Rankings.
- Work Experience: Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of relevant work experience.
- Exclusions: Individuals currently serving as government employees/officers in Central/State governments, PSUs, boards, or corporations, as well as those who have previously participated in any CM Fellowship Programme in Gujarat or other states, are ineligible.
Stenography & Financial Compensation
Selected fellows receive a comprehensive financial package designed to support their high-level advisory and project management roles:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Compensation | โน1,10,000 per month (includes โน1,00,000 basic stipend and โน10,000 LTA) |
| Application Fee | โน500 (Compulsory, non-refundable) |
| Travel Entitlements | Economy class air travel or AC 2-tier train travel, along with reimbursement for hotel, taxi, and food as per Gujarat Government Class-I officer rules during official out-of-headquarters travel. |
| Tenure Extension & Increment | Extendable for subsequent years based on satisfactory performance reviews, with a 10% stipend enhancement for service beyond one year. |
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
Applicants must carefully follow the multi-stage application and screening mechanism:
- Step 1: Online Submission: Submit the application via OJAS Gujarat or SPGGCMF Portal and pay the compulsory application fee of โน500 before 15/12/2026.
- Step 2: Document Upload: Upload prescribed, complete, and legible documents via the unique link received through official email.
- Step 3: Initial Scrutiny: The Scrutiny and Shortlisting Committee (SSC) evaluates applications against mandatory eligibility benchmarks. Shortlisted candidates undergo video presentation evaluations (maximum 500 MB file size) focusing on qualifications, experience, and suitability.
- Step 4: Personal Interview: Candidates shortlisted after screening of video presentations are called for a personal interview before the Selection Committee (SC) for final selection.
Important Guidelines & Personal Statement Rules
When drafting the mandatory 1,000 to 1,200 words personal statement outlining suitability as a fellow, applicants must refrain from using special characters (such as ! @ # $ % & * ( ) ? | > < " : ; etc.), as doing so will prevent successful submission. Candidates are also advised to regularly check their registered email addresses for updates and notifications from the SPIPA Official Website. For further queries, official correspondence can be directed to cmfellows2026@gmail.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the last date to apply for the Sardar Patel Good Governance CM Fellowship Programme 2027-28?
- The online application window closes on 15/12/2026 at 11:59 PM. Candidates must submit their applications through the OJAS portal or the official CM Fellowship website well before the deadline.
- Are government employees eligible to apply for this fellowship?
- No. Applicants currently serving as government employees or officers in the Central Government, State Governments, PSUs, boards, or corporations are strictly ineligible to apply.
- What is the financial remuneration provided under this programme?
- Selected fellows are entitled to a monthly financial package of โน1,10,000, which comprises a โน1,00,000 stipend and a โน10,000 Leave Travel Allowance (LTA).
- Is there an application fee, and how should it be paid?
- Yes, a compulsory, non-refundable application fee of โน500 is required. Applications submitted without successful fee payment verification will be considered invalid.
