ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship 2026: ₹20,000 Monthly Grant, Eligibility & How to Apply
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Quick answer
The ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship provides financial assistance to full-time social science PhD scholars in India. Selected scholars receive a monthly grant of ₹20,000 and an annual contingency grant of ₹20,000 for up to two years. Eligible candidates must submit their application online through the official ICSSR portal.
At a glance
| Main benefit | ₹20,000 monthly grant plus contingency |
| Ministry / department | Ministry of Education |
| Level | Central Government |
| Age | Up to 40 years |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
Administered by the Indian Council of Social Science Research under the Ministry of Education, this programme encourages socially relevant, original, and policy-oriented research in the social sciences. The fellowship is granted initially for one year and is renewable for a second year based on satisfactory progress. The scheme also provides short-term fellowships of six months for scholars nearing thesis submission and standalone contingency support to meet specific research expenses.
Benefits
- Monthly fellowship of ₹20,000 per month.
- Annual contingency grant of ₹20,000 per annum for research expenses.
- Six-month short-term fellowship option for scholars nearing PhD submission with a minimum of three years of completed research.
- Standalone contingency grant of ₹62,500 available for specific research requirements.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- Applicant must be a full-time regular PhD scholar in a social science discipline at a UGC-recognised university, deemed university, institute of national importance, ICSSR research institute, or an approved college.
- The PhD research topic must be confirmed by the DRC or authorized statutory body on or before the application deadline.
- Candidate must be below 40 years of age on the closing date of application.
- Age relaxation of up to 5 years is granted to SC, ST, OBC (NCL), and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD).
- Must have secured a minimum of 55% marks in post-graduation (with a 5% relaxation for SC, ST, OBC (NCL), and PwD categories).
Who cannot apply
- Scholars who do not satisfy the specified eligibility criteria.
- Scholars engaged in any other full-time job or project during the fellowship period.
Documents required
- List of required documents is specified in the official application form when the call for applications is issued.
How to apply
- 1Visit the official ICSSR website at www.icssr.org and navigate to the Fellowships section.
- 2Select the Doctoral Fellowship Scheme from the available list.
- 3Register or log in to the ICSSR online application portal.
- 4Fill in the online application form with personal, academic, and research details.
- 5Upload the required supporting documents and submit the form.
Frequently asked questions
What is the monthly fellowship amount under the ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship?+
The fellowship provides ₹20,000 per month.
What is the annual contingency grant amount?+
Fellows receive a contingency grant of ₹20,000 per year.
What is the maximum age limit to apply?+
Applicants must be below 40 years of age, with a relaxation of up to 5 years for SC, ST, OBC (NCL), and PwD candidates.
Can I work in a job while receiving this fellowship?+
No, full-time research is compulsory and fellows cannot take up any other employment or project.
Is prior confirmation of the PhD topic necessary?+
Yes, the research topic must be officially confirmed by the DRC or statutory authority on or before the last date of application.
What are the minimum qualifying marks in post-graduation?+
Candidates must have at least 55% marks in post-graduation, with a 5% relaxation for SC, ST, OBC (NCL), and PwD applicants.
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