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The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) offers a Senior Fellowship Scheme to support accomplished Indian Read More... researchers in undertaking in-depth social science research projects. Read less

Details

Are you an experienced social science researcher looking to delve deeper into your field? The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) has a dedicated fellowship for you.

What Is This Scheme?

The ICSSR Senior Fellowship is a prestigious program designed to provide financial and academic support to senior scholars who have already made significant contributions to social science research in India. This fellowship allows seasoned academics to dedicate their time to intensive research, producing high-quality academic work that addresses national priorities and meets international standards.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This fellowship is specifically for Indian citizens who are experienced researchers. You should be between 45 and 70 years old, hold a PhD in a social science discipline, and have a proven track record of publications like books or articles in reputable journals. You also need to be associated with a recognized university or research institute.

Why This Scheme Is Important

In today's world, well-researched insights are crucial for policy-making and societal progress. The ICSSR Senior Fellowship aims to strengthen India's social science research ecosystem by encouraging excellent, evidence-based scholarship. It supports experienced minds to generate new knowledge that is relevant to current challenges and contributes to informed decision-making.

Objective

The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) offers a Senior Fellowship Scheme to support accomplished Indian researchers in undertaking in-depth social science research projects.

Benefits

Financial assistance up to 75% of the cost or ₹11,250/- per hectare, whichever is lower.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

Must be an Indian citizen.
Must hold a PhD in any Social Science discipline.
Age must be between 45 and 70 years as of the application deadline.
Must have a strong publication record, including books or articles in reputed journals.
Must be affiliated with a UGC-recognized university, deemed university, institute of national importance, or ICSSR-recognized research institute.
Should not be receiving any other fellowship or research grant at the same time.
Must not have any pending dues or be a defaulter of ICSSR funds.

How To Apply

Applications for the ICSSR Senior Fellowship are invited periodically. Keep an eye on the official ICSSR website and their social media channels for announcements.

The application process is typically online. You will need to fill out the prescribed application form and submit it along with all required documents. Ensure you check the specific instructions released with each call for applications.

For the most current information and to apply, please refer to the official ICSSR website.

Official Website: https://icssr.org/

Documents Required

The exact list of documents needed will be detailed in the official application form released by ICSSR. Typically, you can expect to provide:

Ph.D. Certificate
Age Proof
A detailed list of your publications.
A well-formatted research proposal.
A plagiarism report for your proposed research.
A letter of affiliation from your institution.
Other essential documents as specified in the call for applications.

FAQ’s

What financial support does the Senior Fellowship offer?

The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of ₹45,000 and an annual contingency grant of ₹40,000 to help with research-related costs like books, stationery, fieldwork, and computer expenses.

Can I apply if I'm already receiving another fellowship?

No, you cannot be receiving any other fellowship or research project grant concurrently from any other institution. You must not be availing any other fellowship.

What is the age limit for applicants?

Applicants must be between 45 and 70 years old as of the last date for submitting the application.

What kind of research is supported by this fellowship?

The fellowship supports research in social sciences, covering 26 major areas, with a focus on priority research topics that are relevant to policymakers and contribute to academic excellence.

How is the fellowship amount disbursed?

The fellowship amount is disbursed in instalments to the scholar through their affiliated institution, usually after the submission of progress reports and necessary bills.

What are the minimum academic qualifications needed?

You must have a Ph.D. in any Social Science discipline or allied fields to be eligible.

Is it necessary to be affiliated with an institution to apply?

Yes, it is mandatory to be affiliated with a UGC-recognized university, deemed university, institute of national importance, or an ICSSR-recognized research institute.

What happens after the fellowship period ends?

At the end of the two-year fellowship, you are required to submit a book-length final report and at least two published research papers.

How do I know when applications are open?

ICSSR announces the opening of applications through advertisements on its official website and social media platforms. You should regularly check these channels.

What is the purpose of the contingency grant?

The contingency grant is provided to cover various research-related expenses such as research assistance, purchase of books and stationery, fieldwork costs, and computer-related expenses.

Can I submit my application in Hindi?

Yes, research proposals can be submitted in either English or Hindi, using the Unicode UTF-8 font.

What evidence of academic achievement is required?

Applicants must demonstrate an established publication record, meaning they have published their work in reputable journals or authored books in their field.