About the Fellowship
The ICSSR Doctoral Fellowships 2025-26 are designed to support emerging scholars in advancing research in the social sciences across India. These fellowships provide financial and academic support to PhD candidates pursuing innovative research in disciplines such as sociology, political science, economics, history, public policy, and related areas. The programme promotes rigorous scholarship, encourages interdisciplinary approaches, and facilitates the development of high-quality research that contributes to both national and global academic knowledge. By providing full-term, short-term, and contingency funding, the fellowship empowers students to focus on their research without financial constraints, enhancing career development, academic mobility, and long-term contributions to social science scholarship.
Fellowship Details
- Scholarship Name: ICSSR Doctoral Fellowships 2025-26
- Institution/Provider: Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)
- Administering Organization: ICSSR Research Institutes and Affiliated Institutions
- Location: India
- Level of Study: PhD / Doctoral
- Field of Study: Social Sciences (Economics, Political Science, Sociology, History, Public Policy, Interdisciplinary Social Research)
- Mode of Study: Full-time
- Duration: Full-term / Short-term / Contingency support as per scheme
- Start Date (Expected): 2025
- Application Mode: Online
- Scholarship Type: Fully-funded Government Fellowship
Supported Fields of Study
- Economics
- Political Science
- Sociology
- History
- Anthropology
- Public Policy
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Interdisciplinary Social Science Research
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements
- Academic Qualifications: Master’s degree or equivalent in social sciences or related fields
- Nationality/Residency: Indian citizens
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English or Hindi
- Age Limit: Not specified
- Enrollment Status: Registered PhD students or applicants seeking admission under PhD programmes
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong academic record, prior research experience, publications or conference participation, and demonstrated commitment to social science research
Not Eligible
- Candidates applying for more than one fellowship scheme in the same financial year
- Incomplete applications or those without proper forwarding letters from institutions or supervisors
Financial Coverage / Funding Benefits
- Tuition Fees: Fully covered under applicable schemes
- Monthly Stipend/Allowance: Provided as per ICSSR norms
- Travel Grant: Contingency funding available for approved research activities
- Accommodation Support: As per institutional guidelines
- Health Insurance: Not explicitly covered; to be managed by host institution
- Books & Materials: May receive allowances through contingency grants
- Additional Perks: Academic mentoring, research networking, and conference support
Fellowships Benefits
- Tuition Coverage
- Living/Monthly Stipend
- Research Development Support
- Conference and Networking Opportunities
- Contingency Funding for Fieldwork and Travel
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct original research aligned with social science disciplines
- Submit progress reports as required by ICSSR
- Maintain academic and ethical standards throughout the fellowship period
Application Process
How to Apply
- Application Mode: Online via ICSSR portal
- Official Link: https://app.icssr.org/
Required Documents
- Completed Online Application Form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic Transcripts and Certificates
- Personal Statement / Motivation Letter
- Letters of Recommendation
- Research Proposal
- Forwarding Letter from Supervising Institution or ICSSR Research Institute
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 22 September 2025
- Application Deadline: 21 October 2025
- Interview/Review Period: As per ICSSR schedule
- Result Announcement: After evaluation by ICSSR committees
- Program Start Date: Upon approval by ICSSR
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: Indian Council of Social Science Research – ICSSR
- Official Notification: click-here
- Apply Here: https://app.icssr.org/
📧 Contact for Queries
- Email: info@icssr.org
- Phone: +91-11-2674 2091
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