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Apply Now: Major and Minor Research Projects (India)

Deadline: 15-Dec-2025

The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) invites Indian scholars and researchers to apply for Major and Minor Research Projects for 2025–2026. Covering diverse areas such as economics, governance, social sciences, environment, technology, and humanities, ICSSR funding supports innovative, interdisciplinary research. Grants provide up to ₹30,00,000 for major projects and ₹15,00,000 for minor projects, with a rigorous selection and monitoring process.

Overview of ICSSR Research Projects

The ICSSR promotes high-quality research across multiple disciplines in social sciences and humanities. Its schemes for Major and Minor Research Projects encourage scholars to undertake studies that address economic, social, environmental, technological, and cultural challenges at both national and global levels.

Key Research Themes

  • Economics & Development: Public finance, taxation, agriculture, entrepreneurship, fintech, MSMEs, labour, sustainability, climate transitions, and public policy.

  • Governance & Law: Federalism, legal reforms, digital governance, human rights, security, geopolitics, and international relations.

  • Social Sciences: Education, health, gender studies, rural and tribal development, social protection, inclusion, mobility, culture, anthropology, and community development.

  • Environment & Urban Studies: Climate adaptation, disaster resilience, urban planning, transport, and heritage conservation.

  • Humanities & Cultural Studies: Literature, linguistics, digital humanities, history, and Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS).

Who is Eligible?

  • Permanent or retired faculty from recognised Indian institutions.

  • Independent researchers with strong publication records may be considered in exceptional cases.

  • Applicants must have institutional approval prior to submission.

Why It Matters

  • Supports interdisciplinary and policy-relevant research.

  • Provides financial resources for high-impact academic projects.

  • Encourages innovation and knowledge generation in Indian and global social science contexts.

  • Strengthens research capacities and networks among scholars across India.

How to Apply

  1. Online Submission: Complete the ICSSR online application form for either Minor or Major Research Projects.

  2. Institutional Approval: Ensure endorsement from your affiliated institution before submission.

  3. Proposal Preparation: Include project objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, team composition, and a detailed budget.

  4. Submission Deadline: Follow the ICSSR timeline for the 2025–2026 financial year.

  5. Supporting Documents: Attach CVs, publication records, and any necessary institutional letters.

Evaluation Process

  • Stage 1: Blind review by domain experts to assess merit and relevance.

  • Stage 2: Shortlisted applicants present proposals before an expert committee.

  • Stage 3: Selected applicants receive provisional award letters with funding details and compliance requirements.

  • Periodic monitoring ensures accountability through progress reports and adherence to financial and administrative guidelines.

Funding & Compliance

  • Minor Projects: Up to ₹15,00,000

  • Major Projects: Up to ₹30,00,000

  • Strict financial, administrative, and reporting standards must be followed.

  • Plagiarism checks and expert review of final reports ensure research integrity.

  • All publications arising from the project must acknowledge ICSSR support.

Common Tips for Applicants

  • Clearly align your project with ICSSR’s thematic priorities.

  • Ensure institutional approval and supporting documents are complete.

  • Develop a feasible timeline and detailed methodology.

  • Maintain compliance with reporting and administrative guidelines throughout the project.

FAQ

1. Who can apply for ICSSR research grants? Permanent or retired faculty and, in exceptional cases, independent researchers with strong publication records.
2. What is the maximum funding available? ₹30,00,000 for Major Projects; ₹15,00,000 for Minor Projects.
3. Which disciplines are covered? Economics, governance, social sciences, environment, technology, humanities, and Indian Knowledge Systems.
4. How are projects evaluated? Through blind peer review and presentations before expert committees.
5. Are there reporting requirements? Yes, periodic progress reports and a final report are mandatory.
6. Can independent researchers apply? Yes, but only in exceptional cases with strong publication credentials.
7. What happens if compliance guidelines are not followed? Funding may be terminated and grants must be refunded.

Conclusion

ICSSR’s Major and Minor Research Projects for 2025–2026 provide Indian scholars with a structured, well-funded platform to advance interdisciplinary research in social sciences, humanities, and related fields. By supporting innovation, policy relevance, and rigorous academic standards, ICSSR strengthens the research ecosystem and contributes to knowledge generation at national and international levels.

For more information, visit ICSSR.