About the Fellowship
The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) invites applications from Indian scholars for its prestigious Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme for the Financial Year 2025–2026. This fellowship aims to support promising young researchers in the field of social sciences who wish to pursue advanced research contributing to theoretical and empirical knowledge in their discipline. Fellows will have the opportunity to work at recognised academic or research institutions in India, enhancing their scholarly expertise and professional growth. The ICSSR fellowship promotes academic excellence, encourages innovative research, and strengthens the overall research ecosystem in social science disciplines across India.
Fellowship / Details
- Position Title: ICSSR Postdoctoral Fellow
- Host Institution: Any recognised university or research institution in India affiliated with ICSSR
- Administering Body / Funding Agency: Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)
- Location: India
- Research Field(s): Social Sciences and allied disciplines
- Fellowship Type: Postdoctoral Fellowship, Full-time
- Level: Early-career / Postdoctoral researcher
- Fellowship Duration: As per ICSSR guidelines (typically 2 years)
- Expected Start Date: 2025–2026 academic session
- Working Hours: As per institutional norms (full-time commitment)
- Funding/Compensation: Fellowship amount as per ICSSR norms; includes contingency and institutional overheads
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD in Social Sciences or related discipline
Supported Research Fields / Areas
Main subjects:
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Economics
- History
- Psychology
- Education
- Anthropology
- Public Administration
- International Relations
- Social Work
- Geography
- Gender Studies
- Law and Governance
Interdisciplinary fields or specialisations:
- Development Studies
- Policy Research
- Environmental Studies
- Rural and Urban Studies
- Media and Communication Studies
- Education Policy and Reform
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Applicant must be an Indian citizen
- Must have a PhD degree in any social science discipline
- Research proposal must align with ICSSR’s social science focus areas
- Application to be forwarded by an affiliating institution that confirms eligibility
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated research potential and publication record
- Affiliation with recognised Indian research or academic institutions
Not Eligible:
- Candidates without a PhD
- Applications not forwarded through the affiliating institution
Fellowship / Job Benefits
- Monthly fellowship grant as per ICSSR norms
- Contingency allowance for research expenses
- Institutional overheads for the affiliating institution
- Access to research facilities and mentorship
- Support for fieldwork and data collection
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake original, high-quality research in the chosen area of social sciences
- Collaborate with mentors and faculty at the host institution
- Present findings at academic seminars and conferences
- Submit progress and final research reports to ICSSR
Application Process
How to Apply:
- Submit your application online via the ICSSR website
- Complete the form in English or Hindi (use Arial/Mangal Unicode font for Hindi)
- Upload all required documents and ensure the research proposal follows the official format
- Applications must be forwarded by the affiliating institution confirming eligibility
- Apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues
Required Documents:
- Completed online application form
- Research proposal (only in prescribed ICSSR format)
- Forwarding letter from supervisor
- Forwarding letter from affiliating institution/university
- Letter of college affiliation
- Supporting documents and academic credentials
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 3 October 2025
- Deadline: 31 October 2025
- Fellowship Start Date: 2025–2026 academic year
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)
- Official Fellowship Notification: ICSSR Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025–2026
- Apply Online Here: https://icssr.org/
Technical Assistance: cc@icssr.org
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