Deadline: 15-Oct-2025
The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) invites Research Project Proposals from Indian Researchers in the fields of Social and Human Sciences on the theme “Family and Family Systems in India”.
This research call aims to bring together interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary researchers to examine the transitions, resilience, plurality and vulnerabilities of Indian families.
The study explores the Indian family system through philosophical, cultural, historical, and contemporary lenses. It examines the family as kutumba—a socio-spiritual institution shaped by dharma, ashrama, and cultural continuity, with roles in resistance, nation-building, and global cultural diplomacy. Historical and theoretical foundations draw from Shruti-s, Smriti-s, genealogy, inheritance, and family law. Structural perspectives cover joint, nuclear, extended, and transnational families, tracing transformations, challenges, and the impact of individualism. Roles and practices highlight ethical values, intergenerational bonds, parenting, gender dynamics, and rituals. The family’s ties with wider society are studied through its interaction with religion, work-life balance, technology, mental health, elder care, and community initiatives. Finally, policy discussions address family welfare frameworks, identity, and citizenship in modern India.
The call seeks both empirical and primary data-based studies across diverse methodological approaches, including ethnography, anthropology, cultural studies, historical studies, polity, law, psychology, sociology, demography and social technology, among others. Theoretical studies that develop original concepts and frameworks rooted in Indian literatures and social experiences are also encouraged. Comparative research integrating cross-national perspectives is welcomed, particularly those that reflect varied cultural and social contexts.
The project falls under the major category with a duration of 24 months and a budget of up to ₹30.00 lakh. Provisions are made for research staff with clearly defined roles and emoluments. A Research Associate will receive a monthly remuneration of ₹47,000/- and must hold a postgraduate degree in a social science discipline with at least 55% marks, along with NET, M.Phil., or Ph.D., and two years of research experience as a Research Assistant in any project. A Research Assistant will receive a monthly remuneration of ₹37,000/- and must hold a postgraduate degree in a social science discipline with at least 55% marks, with NET, M.Phil., or Ph.D. A Field Investigator will receive a monthly remuneration of ₹20,000/- and must hold a postgraduate degree in a social science discipline with a minimum of 55% marks.
Eligibility extends to researchers permanently employed or retired as faculty from UGC recognized Indian universities, deemed universities, affiliated colleges, ICSSR research institutes, ICSSR recognized institutes, and institutes of national importance as defined by the Ministry of Education. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree and have demonstrable research experience through publications. In special cases, independent researchers, those in contractual appointments, or retired government and defence officers with significant academic contributions may also apply under specified conditions.
Selection of research staff must follow institutional procedures, with oversight from a selection committee comprising the project director, external subject expert, dean or principal, and head of department. Fieldwork expenses will follow institutional rules, and all books or equipment purchased will remain the property of the affiliating institution.
Applications must be submitted online in the prescribed format along with mandatory documents, including the research proposal, forwarding letter, UGC recognition certificate, employment and Ph.D. certificates, CVs, bio-data of collaborators, and plagiarism and AI detection reports. Proposals may be written in English or Hindi using the required fonts. Strict adherence to research integrity and originality is required, and any plagiarised or AI-generated content will result in rejection. The deadline for applications is 15 October 2025.
For more information, visit ICSSR.