📌About the Event

The CAG–ICSSR Research Article Competition 2026 is a national-level research article writing competition organised through a collaboration between the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) and the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). The competition aims to encourage students to conduct original, evidence-based research using CAG audit reports and explore themes related to public finance, governance, social sector development, employment, MSMEs, and local bodies. It provides young researchers an opportunity to contribute policy-oriented insights while developing academic research skills.

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ℹ️ Event Details

• Competition Type: National-level research article writing competition.
• Mode of Conduct: Online submission-based competition.
• Participation Mode: Individual participation only; co-authored entries are not permitted.
• Submission Format: Research articles must be submitted in PDF format following the prescribed guidelines.
• Research Reference Material: Participants can use relevant CAG audit reports as reference sources for preparing their research articles.
• Competition Themes:
• Fiscal Federalism and Governance
• Social Sector Spending
• Skilling, Employment and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
• Empowering Urban and Rural Local Bodies

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📅 Important Dates

• Registration Opens: 1 June 2026 onwards.
• State/UT Level Submission Period: 1 July 2026 to 31 August 2026.
• National Level Submission Period: 1 August 2026 to 30 September 2026.
• Last Date for National Level Submission: 30 September 2026.
• National Award Ceremony: Awards will be presented on Audit Diwas, 16 November 2026, at CAG Headquarters, New Delhi

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🎯 Eligibility & Rules

• Eligibilty:
• Open to full-time students enrolled in recognised:
• Undergraduate (UG) programmes
• Postgraduate (PG) programmes
• Doctoral programmes
• Participants must submit proof of enrolment/bonafide certificate as required.
• Entries are accepted from eligible students across recognised institutions.
• Rules & Submission Guidelines:
• Only original and unpublished research articles are accepted.
• Plagiarism or unauthorised use of AI-generated content may lead to disqualification.
• Articles must follow:
• MLA 9th Edition citation style
• Times New Roman font (12-point)
• Standard margins
• Double spacing
• Participant identity should not be disclosed inside the submitted research article.
• One participant can submit only one entry.

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🏆 Benefits for the Participants

• National Level Awards:
• First Prize: ₹1,25,000
• Second Prize: ₹1,00,000
• Third Prize: ₹75,000
• State/UT Level Awards:
• First Prize: ₹75,000
• Second Prize: ₹50,000
• Third Prize: ₹25,000
• Total prize pool for the competition is approximately ₹1 crore.
• Opportunity to gain recognition from leading national institutions like CAG and ICSSR.
• Selected research articles may become part of knowledge-sharing initiatives and publications.