The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) invites research proposals from Indian scholars, researchers, and academicians for its Major and Minor Research Projects schemes for the Financial Year 2025–2026.
The online application process will open on 15 November 2025 and will close on 15 December 2025.
The ICSSR promotes, supports, and coordinates research in the various domains of Social and Human sciences.
Eligibility
Indian Researchers who are permanently employed. The Project Director and Co-Project Director must also hold a Ph.D. Degree.
PhD holders who are in contractual appointment in academic/research institutions 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.
Duration and Budget
| Project | Duration | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Project | 12 months | Up to ₹15.00 lakh |
| Major Project | 24 months | Up to ₹30.00 lakh |
Broad Areas
The Major and Minor Research Projects for the Financial Year 2025–26 shall be awarded in the following areas:
- 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
- Janjatiya 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
How to Apply?
The applicants are required to submit an online application along with the research proposal, annexures, and other required documents in the prescribed format, duly forwarded by the competent authorities of the affiliating institution.
Important Links
| Official ICSSR website | https://icssr.org/ |
| Official Notification | https://icssr.org/announcements/call-project-proposals-under-scheme-major-and-minor-research-projects-2025-26 |