ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship 2026–27
Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)
📌About the Event
The ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship 2026–27 is a research funding opportunity offered by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The fellowship aims to support Indian PhD scholars pursuing innovative research in social sciences and humanities. It encourages research addressing important societal challenges, public policy, economic development, governance, education and other emerging areas. The programme offers financial assistance through three schemes: Full-Term Doctoral Fellowship, Short-Term Doctoral Fellowship and Contingency Grant. Candidates are selected through an expert evaluation process based on their eligibility and research proposals.
ℹ️ Event Details
- Category: Research Fellowship / PhD Scholarship
- Mode of Application: Online
- Mode of Conduct: Research-based fellowship conducted through eligible universities and research institutions in India.
- Eligibility: Indian PhD research scholars meeting ICSSR eligibility criteria.
- Fellowship Duration: Up to 2 years, depending on the scheme.
📅 Important Dates
- Provisional Results Announcement: 6 October 2026
- Revised Deadline for ISMP Document Upload: 30 October 2026
- Revised Deadline for Receipt of Hard-Copy Documents: 4 November 2026
🎯 Eligibility & Rules
- Eligibilty:
- Stage 1: Eligibility Verification
- Applications are screened for academic qualifications, age limits, PhD registration and required documentation.
- Stage 2: Expert Evaluation
- Research proposals are evaluated by ICSSR-appointed subject experts.
- Preference is given to outstanding proposals addressing ICSSR priority research areas.
Stage 3: Presentation (If Required) - Shortlisted applicants may be invited to present their research before an expert committee.
- Stage 4: Final Selection
- Merit lists are prepared based on expert evaluation.
- Government of India reservation policies are followed.
- Selected candidates receive provisional award letters, subject to document verification and completion of joining formalities
🏆 Benefits for the Participants
- Full-Term Doctoral Fellowship
- Monthly Fellowship: ₹20,000
- Annual Contingency Grant: ₹20,000
- Duration: 2 years
- Maximum Total Financial Support: ₹5,20,000, including contingency grants, subject to successful continuation and applicable terms.
- Short-Term Doctoral Fellowship
- Monthly Fellowship: ₹20,000
- Duration: Up to 6 months
- Maximum Total Financial Support: ₹1,30,000, including the proportionate contingency grant.
- Fellowship ends earlier if the scholar submits their PhD thesis before completing six months.
- Contingency Grant Scheme
- One-time Financial Assistance: ₹62,500
- Supports eligible research expenses such as field visits, stationery and computer consumables.
Additional Benefits - Financial assistance for conducting doctoral research.
- Support for research-related expenses.
- Opportunity to undertake research in socially relevant and nationally significant areas