Application Deadline:
15 December 2025
About Organisation
The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), established in 1969 under the Ministry of Education, is India’s apex body dedicated to promoting research in the social and human sciences. It supports the creation of evidence-based knowledge through major initiatives such as research projects, fellowships, capacity-building programmes, publications, conferences, and national and international collaborations. ICSSR works to strengthen the country’s research ecosystem by supporting scholars, institutions, and early-career researchers. Its documentation centre, NASSDOC, provides advanced library and information services to facilitate high-quality research. ICSSR’s mission is to guide national research priorities and contribute to informed policymaking and societal development.
About the Grant
ICSSR invites proposals for its Major and Minor Research Projects (2025–26) from scholars and academicians across India. The scheme aims to support high-impact research in social and human sciences, aligned with national priorities and the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. Projects may be submitted under diverse domains, including economics, governance, international relations, sociology, gender, public health, education, environmental studies, anthropology, psychology, culture, and Indian knowledge systems. The grant supports rigorous, original research that contributes to policy development and deepens understanding of key social issues. Selected projects will receive funding to undertake substantive research between 2025 and 2026.
Who can Apply?
Eligible applicants include permanently employed or retired faculty from UGC-recognised universities, deemed universities, affiliated colleges, ICSSR research institutes, ICSSR-recognised institutes, and institutions of national importance. Applicants must demonstrate strong research experience through published books, papers, or reports and must hold a Ph.D. degree. Independent researchers with a Ph.D. and significant publications may apply as Co-Project Directors in collaboration with eligible faculty. Contractual faculty with Ph.D. and notable publications may also participate, even beyond their contract period. Senior and retired government or defence officers with Ph.D. and relevant publications may apply as Co-Project Directors in collaboration with eligible institutions.
How to Apply?
Applicants must submit their proposals online through the designated ICSSR application portal. All required documents, including research proposals, CVs, publication details, institutional affiliation letters, and certification of eligibility, must be uploaded in the prescribed format. Applicants should carefully follow the ICSSR guidelines before submission. Only complete applications submitted before the deadline will be considered. The portal automatically closes at the indicated time, and no late submissions are accepted.
Application Deadline
The final date for submitting online applications for the ICSSR Major and Minor Research Projects (2025–26) is 15 December 2025, after which the application portal will no longer accept entries.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
