ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship
Prestigious national fellowship scheme by the Indian Council of Social Science Research for meritorious doctoral researchers pursuing advanced studies in social sciences disciplines across Indian universities.
About this scheme
The ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship is a premier research funding scheme administered by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The fellowship is designed to support talented doctoral scholars pursuing full-time doctoral (PhD) research in social sciences disciplines at recognized Indian universities. The scheme aims to strengthen research capacity in social sciences by attracting and nurturing the best minds to contribute to knowledge creation, policy research, and scholarly advancement in fields such as economics, political science, sociology, social anthropology, history, geography, psychology, public administration, management studies, and other allied social sciences. The ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship provides comprehensive financial support including monthly research stipends, conference travel grants, research contingency allowances, and access to research resources and networks. The fellowship recognizes the importance of rigorous doctoral research in addressing contemporary social issues and contributing to evidence-based policy formulation. Fellows become part of a vibrant community of researchers and gain access to ICSSR's extensive library, research infrastructure, and national/international scholarly networks.
Eligibility
- Academic Qualification: Minimum Master's degree with 55% marks or equivalent CGPA (or 50% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) in any social sciences discipline from a recognized university
- Enrollment Status: Must be enrolled as a full-time doctoral (PhD) student in a recognized Indian university and have completed formal admission requirements; not more than 2 years into doctoral research at the time of application
- Research Focus: Research topic must be in social sciences disciplines — economics, political science, sociology, anthropology, history, geography, psychology, public administration, management, development studies, gender studies, or related fields
- Age Limit: Maximum 35 years of age as on the date of application (relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates)
- Citizenship: Indian citizen; fellowship is available only for Indian nationals
- Academic Performance: Consistent academic performance in Bachelor's and Master's degrees; should demonstrate research aptitude through marks, publications, or seminar presentations
- University Recommendation: Must have formal recommendation from the doctoral supervisor and the university department where doctoral research is being pursued
Benefits
- Monthly Research Stipend: ₹25,000 per month for doctoral research (among the highest central fellowships)
- Contingency Grant: ₹1,00,000 per annum for research-related expenses (field surveys, data collection, literature procurement, software licenses)
- Conference and Seminar Grant: ₹50,000 per annum for presenting research at national/international conferences and seminars
- Library and Resource Access: Free lifetime access to ICSSR's digital and physical library resources, working paper series, and research databases
- National Research Network Access: Connection to ICSSR's network of research centers, institutes, and senior scholars across India
- Research Supervision and Mentorship: Regular interaction with ICSSR faculty and senior researchers for guidance
- Publication Support: Preference in publication of research papers in ICSSR journals and publications
- International Engagement: Opportunities for participation in international research collaborations and workshops
- Certificate and Recognition: ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship certificate on completion with national recognition
- Health Insurance Coverage: Basic health insurance coverage during fellowship tenure (where applicable)
- No service bond or employment commitment
- Flexibility in research design and methodology within social sciences domain
Required documents
- Completed application form (prescribed ICSSR format)
- Master's degree certificate and marksheet
- PhD enrollment certificate from the university
- Research proposal/synopsis (5-7 pages)Approved by doctoral supervisor, outlining research objectives, methodology, and contribution
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (2-3 pages maximum)Including educational qualifications, academic achievements, research interests, publications, awards
- Letter from Doctoral SupervisorRecommending the candidate for ICSSR fellowship and certifying research progress
- Letter from University Department/HeadConfirming PhD enrollment, research focus, and institutional support
- Statement of Purpose (500-750 words)Explaining research motivation, relevance to social sciences, and contribution to the field
- Master's thesis/dissertation abstract (if completed)(optional)Or summary of Master's research
- List of publications (if any)(optional)With copies of peer-reviewed papers, working papers, or conference presentations
- Aadhaar Card or National ID
- Bank Account Details and IFSC CodeFor monthly stipend disbursement via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Passport-sized photographs (2-3 copies)
- SC/ST/OBC Certificate (if applicable)(optional)For availing age and marks relaxation
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