The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) has invited online applications for its Doctoral Fellowship Schemes for the Financial Year 2026-27. The fellowships aim to support PhD scholars conducting high-quality research in the social sciences and humanities.
Eligible candidates can apply online through the ICSSR portal from 15 June 2026 to 14 July 2026.
ICSSR is accepting applications under the following schemes:
- Full-Term Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (Centrally Administered)
- Short-Term Doctoral Fellowship Scheme
- Contingency Grant Scheme
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of Online Application | 15 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 July 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have a confirmed PhD registration in recognized Institutions.
Candidate age should be less than 40 years. However, relaxation is available for reserved categories.
Candidates already receiving major doctoral fellowships such as JRF, CSIR, ICAR, ICMR, ICHR, ICSSR, MANF, or RGNF are not eligible.
Fellowship Benefits
Full-Term Doctoral Fellowship
- Fellowship: ₹20,000 per month
- Contingency Grant: ₹20,000 per year
- Duration: 2 years
Short-Term Doctoral Fellowship
- Duration: Up to 6 months
- Intended for scholars who have already completed at least three years of PhD research work.
Contingency Grant Scheme
- One-time grant of ₹62,500
- Supports fieldwork, stationery, computer consumables, and related research expenses.
Research Areas
Applications are invited across a wide range of disciplines, including:
- Economics and Public Finance
- Management and Commerce
- Political Science
- Public Policy
- International Relations
- Sociology
- Gender Studies
- Education
- Public Health
- Environmental Studies
- Media and Communication
- Library and Information Science
- Indian Knowledge Systems
- AI in Education and Public Health
- Digital Governance
- Social Inclusion Studies
How to Apply?
Candidates must submit their applications online only through the ICSSR portal. Applicants should:
- Carefully read the fellowship guidelines.
- Upload all required documents.
- Obtain forwarding letters from their supervisor and affiliating institution.
- Ensure their application is complete before submission.
Download Official Notification