Applications Invited for Project Proposals Under the Scheme Major and Minor Research Projects (2025-26)

Follow us@ngobox

About the Organization

The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) is the apex body of the Government of India for research in the social and human sciences. Founded in 1969, ICSSR operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. ICSSR plays a pivotal role in advancing knowledge and understanding of various social issues and challenges, and providing research-based solutions to policymakers and stakeholders in the development of the nation through initiatives and schemes such as research projects; doctoral, postdoctoral, senior fellowships, and national fellowships; research internships; training and capacity building of early career researchers; publication grants; national and international seminars, conferences and workshops; publication of cutting-edge research; national and international collaboration; promotion of social science and humanities research through research institutes, recognised institutes and regional centres. Documentation centre of ICSSR - National Social Science Documentation Centre (NASSDOC) - provides library and information support services to researchers in social sciences.

ICSSR's mission is to shape the agenda of social science research across the nation and contribute to informed policymaking and societal development by promoting research excellence.

About the Grant

The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) invites applications from Indian scholars, researchers, and academicians under its schemes, Major and Minor Research Projects for the Financial Year 2025–2026.

The Major and Minor Research Projects for the Financial Year 2025–26 shall be awarded in the following areas, with a focus on advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 in the domain of Social and Human Sciences.

Broad Domains:

• Economic Development and Public Finance
• Finance, Accounting, and Commerce
• Management and Organisational Studies
• Rural Studies
• Political Science
• Governance and Public Administration
• Public Policy and Programme Evaluation
• International Relations and Geopolitics
• National Security and Strategic Studies
• Legal Studies
• Sociology, Social Work, and Community Practice
• Social Anthropology
• Gender Studies
• Divyangjan Studies
• Diaspora Studies
• Social Psychology
• Public Health and Health Systems
• Education and Skilling
• Human Geography and Spatial Planning
• Environmental Studies
• Modern Social History
• Cultural Studies
• Indian Languages, Linguistics, and Translation Studies
• Sociolinguistics and Multilingualism
• Sanskrit Studies
• Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)
• Socio-Philosophical Studies
• Media and Communication Studies
• Library and Information Science
• Social Inclusion Studies

Eligibility

• Researchers who are permanently employed or retired as faculty from UGC Recognized Indian Universities/Deemed to be Universities/ Affiliated Colleges/Institutions under (2)F or 12(B), ICSSR Research Institutes, ICSSR Recognised Institutes and Institutes of National Importance as defined by the Ministry of Education (MoE) are eligible to apply. Applicants from these institutions should have substantial research experience demonstrable through publications of books / research papers / reports. The Project Director and Co-Project Director must also hold a Ph.D. Degree.
• In exceptional cases, independent researchers with Ph.D. degree who are not affiliated permanently with any institution mentioned in Clause 2.1 but have produced at least two sole-author books published by reputed publishers and/or 05 articles in peerreviewed journals can also be considered as Co-Project Directors. Such scholars will be required to collaborate with a faculty from institutions given above.
• Further, those researchers with PhD degrees who are in contractual appointment in academic/research institutions mentioned in Clause 2.1 and have produced at least two sole-author books published by reputed publishers and/or 05 articles in peer-reviewed journals may also apply as Co-Project Directors. In the event of their contract expiry, they may continue as Co-Project Directors until the completion of the project.
• Senior and retired government and defence officers (having not less than 05 years of regular service) possessing a Ph. D. degree in any social science discipline and having produced at least two sole-author books published by reputed publishers and/or 05 articles in peer-reviewed journals can also apply as Co-Project Directors, in collaboration with a faculty from institutions given above.

How to Apply

Close of online submission of applications: 15.12.2025

Download Guidelines

For more information please check the Link

Stay in the loop with the newest RFPs and Grants through NGOBOX's WhatsApp Channel. Join now by clicking here!

Tags Governance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Research Public Policy/ Policy Others