Scheme of Grant-in-Aid for Professional Associations/Organisations of Social Scientists (India)

Organisation Name:

Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)

Application Deadline:

13 August 2025

About Organisation

The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, is dedicated to promoting advanced research in social sciences across the country. Established to foster academic excellence, ICSSR supports scholarly research, data collection, publications, and collaborations among scholars and institutions in the field of social sciences. It facilitates the development of research infrastructure and provides funding to universities, colleges, professional associations, and research institutes to conduct quality social science research. One of its important roles is the dissemination of knowledge through academic journals, seminars, and workshops. Through its grant schemes, ICSSR aims to build a strong base of Indian social science research that is nationally relevant and internationally recognized. The Council also provides fellowships, research projects, data services, and institutional support. By strengthening professional associations and encouraging publication standards, ICSSR contributes significantly to academic discourse and policy development in India. It plays a vital role in shaping social science knowledge systems and nurturing young researchers, while also promoting interdisciplinary dialogue and the integration of research with teaching.

About the Grant

The Scheme of Grant-in-Aid for Professional Associations/Organisations of Social Scientists is an initiative by the ICSSR aimed at supporting the publication and maintenance of high-quality academic research journals in the field of social sciences. This grant intends to enhance the academic value, consistency, and timely publication of journals produced by professional associations, colleges, universities, and research institutions. The funding supports journals that adhere to academic practices such as peer review, proper citation, referencing, and a focus on original research-based content. The primary objective is to promote scholarly work and elevate the standards of social science publishing in India. Grants of up to ₹5,00,000 per annum are provided on an ad-hoc basis, and the scheme encourages journals that serve a national readership and contribute to intellectual development. Eligible journals may focus on a single discipline or adopt an interdisciplinary approach. The financial assistance helps organisations ensure continuity and quality in their academic publications, thereby fostering a culture of rigorous research and knowledge sharing. This initiative plays a crucial role in strengthening India’s social science ecosystem and providing researchers a credible platform for disseminating their work.

Who can Apply?

Applications are invited from professional associations, universities, colleges, and research institutes actively engaged in the publication of research journals in the social sciences. Eligible organisations must demonstrate a consistent academic presence and a commitment to promoting original, peer-reviewed research. If the applicant is a professional association or a privately funded organisation, it must preferably function at the national level and be legally registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The applying organisation should have been operational for a minimum of five years to qualify for support.

In addition to the institutional requirements, the journal seeking funding must exhibit scholarly merit. It should maintain academic publishing standards such as regular peer reviews, adequate referencing and citations, and maintain a subscriber base of at least 50. The journal can either specialize in a single area of social science or adopt an interdisciplinary approach. Applicants are required to submit annual reports and audited financial statements for the last three years, demonstrating financial and functional transparency. The funding is designed to encourage organisations that have demonstrated stability and dedication to advancing social science research through quality publishing practices.

How to Apply?

Interested institutions should prepare and submit a detailed proposal to the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), including supporting documents such as audited financial reports, annual reports for the past three years, journal samples, and subscriber information. The proposal must outline how the grant will support regular publication and enhance the academic quality of the journal. Applications should strictly follow ICSSR’s specified guidelines and formats.

Application Deadline

Applications for the Grant-in-Aid Scheme must be submitted to ICSSR by 13th August 2025. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered under any circumstances.

Last Date To Apply
The final date for submitting applications for the ICSSR Grant-in-Aid for professional associations and research organisations is 13-August-2025. Ensure all required documents are enclosed.

Grant Amount
The grant offers financial assistance of up to ₹5,00,000 per year on an ad-hoc basis to eligible institutions for the publication of high-quality, peer-reviewed academic journals in social sciences.