🔬 PIDE Young Researcher Development Fellowship 2026 — Six-month full-time research fellowship in Islamabad with PKR 50,000 monthly stipend | Apply by 15 July 2026.
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Application deadline: 15 July 2026
PIDE Young Researcher Development Fellowship 2026 Overview
The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics has opened applications for Batch IV of its Young Researcher Development Fellowship under the RASTA–PIDE and Planning Commission Competitive Research Grants initiative.
The fellowship is a six-month, full-time, on-site programme in Islamabad that places selected researchers at PIDE research centres or RASTA-supported projects. Fellows will receive a monthly stipend of PKR 50,000 and a certificate upon successful completion.
Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Young Researcher Development Fellowship — Batch IV |
| Organizer | Pakistan Institute of Development Economics |
| Initiative | RASTA–PIDE and Planning Commission Competitive Research Grants |
| Duration | Six months, non-extendable |
| Mode | Full-time and on-site |
| Location | Islamabad |
| Placement | PIDE research centres or RASTA projects |
| Monthly Stipend | PKR 50,000 |
| Selection | Merit-based with limited seats |
| Certificate | Certificate of RASTA–PIDE YRD Fellow |
| Closing Date | 15 July 2026 |
About the Fellowship
The Young Researcher Development Fellowship is designed to provide emerging researchers with structured experience in policy and development research. Fellows will contribute to active research projects while receiving mentorship from economists, policy experts and experienced researchers.
The programme combines research support, communication, academic engagement and knowledge creation. It is especially suitable for candidates aiming to build careers in public policy, economics, development studies, social sciences or applied research.
About PIDE and RASTA
The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics is a national think tank working on economic policy, development research and evidence-based public policy. Through its research centres and partnerships, PIDE supports policy analysis, academic engagement and national development planning.
RASTA is a competitive research grants initiative linked with PIDE and the Planning Commission. It supports research addressing Pakistan’s economic, social and policy challenges while encouraging collaboration among researchers, practitioners and institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
- Preferred fields: Applicants should have an academic background in Economics, Public Policy, Development Studies, Social Sciences or a related discipline.
- Academic status: MPhil students, PhD candidates and recent MPhil or PhD graduates may apply.
- Nationality: The fellowship is open to Pakistani nationals.
- Age limit: Applicants should not be older than 40 years on the relevant application date.
- Availability: Selected fellows must be available for full-time, on-site work in Islamabad for six months.
- Research interest: Applicants should demonstrate strong interest in policy research, academic writing and evidence-based development work.
Preferred Academic Fields
| Field | Relevant Focus |
|---|---|
| Economics | Macroeconomics, microeconomics, labour, trade, public finance and applied economic research |
| Public Policy | Policy analysis, governance, regulation, institutions and public-sector reform |
| Development Studies | Poverty, inequality, human development, sustainability and social transformation |
| Social Sciences | Sociology, political economy, demography, social policy and related disciplines |
| Related Disciplines | Other fields that support policy, economic and development research |
Fellowship Benefits
- Research experience: Work on real-world policy and development research projects with practical national relevance.
- Monthly stipend: Receive PKR 50,000 per month throughout the six-month fellowship period.
- Mentorship: Learn directly from economists, policy experts and experienced researchers.
- Professional networking: Build connections with academia, think tanks, government stakeholders and practitioners.
- Academic exposure: Participate in seminars, conferences, webinars and research events.
- Completion certificate: Receive recognition as a RASTA–PIDE Young Researcher Development Fellow.
Expected Deliverables
- Research support: Assist with literature reviews, data collection, data analysis and ongoing research assignments.
- Research communication: Contribute to policy briefs, knowledge briefs, articles and research papers.
- Academic engagement: Support planning and execution of research activities, meetings and academic events.
- Knowledge creation: Contribute to publications and evidence-based policy recommendations.
- Project collaboration: Work with research teams and mentors to complete assigned tasks within project timelines.
Skills That May Strengthen an Application
- Research methods: Knowledge of quantitative, qualitative or mixed-method research approaches.
- Data analysis: Familiarity with statistical software, spreadsheets or data-visualization tools may be valuable.
- Academic writing: Ability to write literature reviews, research summaries, policy briefs and structured reports.
- Critical thinking: Capacity to evaluate evidence, identify research gaps and develop clear arguments.
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication for presenting findings and collaborating with research teams.
- Time management: Ability to meet deadlines while handling several research tasks in a full-time environment.
Documents to Prepare
- Updated CV: Highlight academic qualifications, research experience, publications, software skills and relevant projects.
- Academic transcripts: Prepare degree transcripts and certificates supporting your current academic status.
- Research statement: Write a concise summary of your research interests and reasons for joining the fellowship.
- Writing sample: Keep a research paper, policy brief, thesis chapter or academic article ready if requested.
- CNIC: Prepare a clear copy of your valid national identity card.
- Recent photograph: Keep a professional passport-size photograph available for the application process.
How to Apply
- Visit the application page: Open the RASTA–PIDE jobs portal using the official link below.
- Review the fellowship notice: Read the eligibility, duration, placement and application requirements carefully.
- Prepare your documents: Update your CV and organize academic, research and identity records.
- Complete the online application: Enter accurate personal, academic and research information.
- Highlight relevant experience: Mention thesis work, publications, research assistance, data analysis or policy projects.
- Submit before the deadline: Complete the application no later than 15 July 2026.
- Keep application proof: Save the confirmation page, email or reference number after submission.
Selection Process
- Eligibility screening: Applications will be checked against nationality, age, academic status and field requirements.
- Merit assessment: Academic background, research potential and relevant experience may be considered.
- Shortlisting: Only high-potential applicants will be shortlisted because fellowship seats are limited.
- Interview or assessment: Shortlisted candidates may be asked about research interests, methodology and full-time availability.
- Placement: Selected fellows will be assigned to PIDE research centres or RASTA projects.
Practical Application Tips
- Tailor your CV: Prioritize research, data analysis, academic writing and policy-related experience.
- Explain your research interests: Show how your background connects with Pakistan’s economic and development challenges.
- Quantify experience: Mention datasets, projects, publications, software tools and research outputs where possible.
- Show full-time availability: Clearly state that you can work on-site in Islamabad for six months.
- Use concise writing: Keep application responses focused, professional and directly relevant to the fellowship.
- Apply early: Submit before the final day to avoid technical issues near the deadline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic CV: Update the document to emphasize research and policy experience.
- Ignoring on-site requirements: The programme is full-time and based in Islamabad.
- Leaving research interests unclear: Explain your preferred policy or development research areas.
- Missing age or academic criteria: Confirm eligibility before investing time in the application.
- Uploading incomplete documents: Check that all required files are readable and properly named.
- Late submission: Complete the application by 15 July 2026.
Applicant Safety Guidance
- Use the official portal: Apply only through the RASTA–PIDE jobs page linked in this post.
- Protect personal data: Do not share passwords, OTPs or financial credentials with unauthorized individuals.
- Keep submission evidence: Save the application confirmation and copies of all uploaded documents.
- Avoid unofficial agents: No private person can guarantee fellowship selection.
Contact Information
| Programme | RASTA–PIDE Young Researcher Development Fellowship |
|---|---|
| Telephone | 051-9248026, 051-9248144 |
| rasta@pide.org.pk | |
| Website | rasta.pide.org.pk |
| Application Page | rasta.pide.org.pk/jobs/ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PIDE Young Researcher Development Fellowship?
It is a six-month full-time research fellowship that places selected researchers at PIDE research centres or RASTA projects.
What is the monthly stipend?
Selected fellows will receive PKR 50,000 per month.
What is the fellowship duration?
The fellowship lasts six months and is non-extendable.
Is the fellowship online?
No. It is a full-time, on-site programme based in Islamabad.
Who can apply?
MPhil students, PhD candidates and recent MPhil or PhD graduates in relevant fields may apply.
What is the age limit?
The maximum age limit is 40 years.
Which fields are preferred?
Economics, Public Policy, Development Studies, Social Sciences and related disciplines are preferred.
Is the fellowship open to foreign nationals?
No. The programme is open to Pakistani nationals.
Will fellows receive a certificate?
Yes. Successful participants will receive a RASTA–PIDE YRD Fellow certificate.
What is the last date to apply?
The application deadline is 15 July 2026.
Final Guidance
The PIDE Young Researcher Development Fellowship may suit emerging researchers seeking structured experience in economics, public policy, development studies and related social-science fields.
Prepare a research-focused CV, demonstrate full-time availability in Islamabad and submit the online application by 15 July 2026.
🔬 PIDE Young Researcher Development Fellowship 2026 | PKR 50,000 Monthly Stipend | Apply by 15 July 2026.
📝 Apply Online 🌐 Visit RASTA Website