About the Fellowship
The ICSSR Senior Fellowship is a prestigious opportunity for experienced Indian researchers in the social sciences to engage in full-time, advanced research. It is designed for scholars with a proven record of high-impact publications and significant contributions to their field. The fellowship enables researchers to undertake projects with national relevance, generate evidence-based insights, and contribute to policy development and academic discourse. Fellows have access to structured funding, institutional resources, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. The programme encourages the publication of research in peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes, enhancing both academic and societal impact.
Fellowship / Details
- Position Title: Senior Fellowship
- Host Institution: Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)
- Administering Body / Funding Agency: ICSSR, Ministry of Education, Government of India
- Location: New Delhi, India
- Research Field(s): Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Social Research
- Fellowship Type: Full-time Senior Research Fellowship
- Level: Senior-level
- Fellowship Duration: 2 years
- Expected Start Date: [Month, Year]
- Working Hours: Full-time, as per institutional norms
- Funding/Compensation: Rs. 45,000 per month stipend; Rs. 40,000 per annum contingency grant; salary protection may apply
Supported Research Fields / Areas
Main Subjects:
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Economics
- Public Policy
- Anthropology
- Education
- Social Work
Interdisciplinary Fields:
- Urban Studies
- Governance
- Development Studies
- Migration
- Social Justice
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Ph.D. degree in social sciences or allied disciplines
- Indian citizenship
- Age 45–70 years as of the last date of application
- Outstanding research publications, including books and papers in high-impact journals
- Affiliation with UGC-recognized universities, Institutes of National Importance, or ICSSR Research Institutes
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals
- Experience with interdisciplinary research and national-level projects
Not Eligible:
- Previous defaulters of ICSSR projects or fellowships
- Applicants who have already received the Senior Fellowship
Fellowship / Job Benefits
- Monthly stipend: Rs. 45,000 for 24 months
- Contingency grant: Rs. 40,000 per annum
- Salary protection for regular faculty in public-funded institutions
- Institutional support: office space, research resources, mentoring, and collaboration opportunities
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct full-time research in social sciences
- Publish at least two research papers in peer-reviewed journals or edited volumes
- Submit Six-Monthly Progress Reports and a final report to ICSSR
- Acknowledge ICSSR support in all publications arising from the fellowship
Application Process
How to Apply:
- Candidates shall submit an online application on the ICSSR website from 03.10.2025 onwards
- Last date for submission: 31.10.2025
- Attach CV, research proposal, recommendation letters, and other supporting documents
Required Documents:
- Application form
- CV / Resume
- Research proposal or project summary
- Recommendation letters
- Publications or other endorsements
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 03.10.2025
- Deadline: 31.10.2025
- Fellowship Start Date: [Month/Year]
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: Indian Council of Social Science Research – ICSSR
- Official Fellowship Notification: ICSSR Senior Fellowship 2025–26
- Apply Now: click here
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