The Indian Council of Social Science Research has launched the Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme (YSPS) 2026–27 for the students enrolled in Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes under NEP 2020.
Under this Scheme (YSPS), students of the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme under NEP 2020 can apply for research projects on the theme Youth and Decolonisation.
Selected student teams can receive financial assistance of up to ₹3 lakh for research projects.
The ICSSR Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme is a special undergraduate research initiative designed to encourage students to explore Indian knowledge systems, Bharatiya intellectual traditions, local experiences, and context-based research approaches.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | ICSSR Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme (YSPS) 2026–27 |
| Organising Body | Indian Council of Social Science Research |
| Scheme Theme | Youth and Decolonisation |
| Target Applicants | Students enrolled in Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes under NEP 2020 |
| Eligible Semesters | 6th and 7th Semester UG Students |
| Team Size | 2 or 3 students |
| Project Duration | 8 Months |
| Maximum Grant | Up to ₹3,00,000 |
| Monthly Stipend | ₹5,000 per student (up to 6 months) |
| Research Mode | Collaborative Research |
| Faculty Requirement | Mandatory faculty mentor/supervisor |
| Eligible Institutions | UGC-recognized Universities, Colleges, ICSSR Institutes, Institutes of National Importance, Top NIRF Institutions |
| Proposal Language | English or Hindi |
| Maximum AI Content Allowed | Less than 20% |
| Maximum Plagiarism Allowed | 10% |
| Application Start Date | 06 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 06 July 2026 |
| Official Theme Areas | 8 Research Themes |
| Selection Process | Screening, Blind Review, Presentation/Interaction |
Financial Support Under the Scheme
Selected research projects will receive grants of up to ₹3,00,000.
Funding Structure
| Component | Maximum Allocation |
|---|---|
| Student Stipend | Up to 30% |
| Field Work | Up to 30% |
| Research Equipment & Study Materials | Up to 30% |
| Contingency | Up to 10% |
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to students from recognized Institutions.
Student Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a Four-Year Undergraduate Programme under NEP 2020
- Study in the 6th or 7th semester
- Apply as part of a team of 2 or 3 students
- Have satisfactory attendance as per institutional rules
The Lead Researcher must belong to the Social Sciences or Humanities disciplines. Co-researchers may belong to any discipline.
Research Themes Under ICSSR YSPS 2026
ICSSR has announced eight major research themes for the 2026–27 cycle.
1. Decolonising Narratives: Indo-Aryan Theories
Focus areas include:
- Re-examining historiography from Bharatiya perspectives
- Archaeological and linguistic evidence
- Challenging Eurocentric migration theories
2. Decolonising Education and Research Methodology
Topics include:
- Indian pedagogical traditions
- Indigenous research methodologies
- Oral traditions and regional folklore
- Alternative assessment systems
3. History, Culture and Language
Researchers can work on:
- Indian literary traditions
- Digitisation of Bhasha archives
- Linguistic de-Anglicisation
4. Health, Mind and Well-being
Themes include:
- Indian psychology traditions
- AYUSH systems
- One Health approaches integrating ecology and society
5. Economic and Financial Sovereignty
Possible areas include:
- Indigenous credit systems
- Informal sector support
- Community-centric economic models
- Fiscal sovereignty and Atmanirbhar Bharat
6. Decolonising Finance, Trade and Commerce
Research can focus on:
- Financial literacy through joint-family systems
- Digital India and financial sovereignty
- Indian Ocean and Silk Route trade linkages
7. Decolonising Governance, Law and Political Thought
Suggested topics include:
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Lok Adalats and customary laws
- Indian political thinkers like Kautilya and Gandhi
- Indian women thinkers and decolonial thought
8. Rural Development, Environment and Indian Knowledge Systems
Areas include:
- Self-sufficient village economies
- Traditional ecological knowledge
- Sustainable Indian urbanisation
- Pollution control using traditional approaches
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 06 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 06 July 2026 |
Official Notification: https://icssr.org/sites/default/files/2026-05/Yuva-Shodh-Pratibha-Scheme1.pdf