The Government of Tamil Nadu launched the prestigious Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Fellowship Programme (TNCMFP) in 2022-23, a two-year initiative designed to engage the dynamism and expertise of young professionals in enhancing governance and public service delivery across the state. This program aims to leverage data-driven decision-making and global best practices to optimize the effectiveness of government programs and policies.
Fellows’ Role:
Selected Fellows will play a crucial role in monitoring and evaluating government programs within their assigned areas. Their responsibilities include:
- Identifying challenges and gaps in service delivery.
- Aiding in data-driven decision-making processes.
- Proposing solutions to enhance program effectiveness and align with global best practices.
The Special Programme Implementation Department serves as the Nodal Department for TNCMFP, collaborating with the Bharathidasan Institute of Management (BIM) Tiruchirapalli as the academic partner for program implementation.
Thematic Areas:
Thirty Fellows will be chosen, with two Fellows dedicated to each of the twelve thematic areas and six Fellows assigned to the Special Programme Implementation Department Monitoring Cell. The thematic areas are:
- Augmentation of Water Resources
- Agricultural Production, Productivity, and Creation of Marketing Linkages
- Housing for All
- Improving Educational Standards
- Improving Health Indicators
- Social Inclusion
- Infrastructure & Industrial Development
- Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Development
- Institutional Credit
- Heritage and Culture
- Ecological Balance
- Data Governance
Fellowship Duration & Benefits:
This is a two-year fellowship program. Fellows will receive a monthly stipend of ₹65,000 along with an additional ₹10,000 per month to cover incidental expenses related to their work (e.g., travel, communication). No further financial assistance will be provided.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for the TNCMFP, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Hold a first-class Bachelor’s degree in professional fields (Engineering, Medicine, Law, Agriculture, Veterinary Science) or a first-class Master’s degree in Arts/Science from a recognized University or equivalent institution.
- Language Proficiency: Possess working knowledge of Tamil.
- Age Limit (as of 25.05.2022):
- General Category: 22-30 years
- BC/MBC Category: Up to 33 years
- SC/ST Category: Up to 35 years
Preference will be given to candidates with a Ph.D. degree and those with prior work or research experience.
Application Process:
The application process is entirely online.
- Online Portal: Applications can be submitted through the official web portals: www.tn.gov.in/tncmfp or www.bim.edu/tncmfp.
- Application Steps:
- Visit the official website.
- Complete the online application form.
- Application Deadline: Check www.tn.gov.in/tncmfp
- Application Fee: There is no application fee.
- Mode of Application: Only online applications will be accepted.
Selection Process:
The selection process is rigorous and consists of three stages:
- Stage 1: Preliminary Assessment (Computer-Based Test – CBT):
- Objective-type, multiple-choice questions.
- Maximum 150 points.
- Sections:
- General Awareness (including current affairs)
- Quantitative Aptitude (Tenth grade level)
- Verbal Comprehension and Logical Reasoning
- Screening test only, scores not counted for final selection.
- Negative marking: -0.33 points for each incorrect answer.
- Test Centers: Major cities in Tamil Nadu and select cities outside the state (subject to change).
- Stage 2: Comprehensive Examination (Written Examination):
- Conventional essay-type questions.
- Topics: Governance, Social Justice, Technology, Economic and Social Development, Sustainable Development, Poverty, Demographics, Environment, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Agriculture, Disaster Management, Tamil Nadu Government Schemes and Policies, and Tamil Heritage and Culture.
- Test Center: Chennai.
- Shortlisting for Personal Interview based on performance.
- Stage 3: Personal Interview:
- Assesses intellectual and emotional quotient, current affairs knowledge, systemic thinking, and Tamil language proficiency.
- Conducted in Chennai.
Final Merit List: Based on combined scores from the Comprehensive Examination and Personal Interview.
Documents Required for Application:
- Identity Proof
- Passport size photograph
- Proof of age
- Educational qualification certificates
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of residence
- Any other required documents
This rewritten essay provides a more structured and easily digestible overview of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Fellowship Programme, highlighting key information for prospective applicants.