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The ICSSR Post-Doctoral Fellowship is a great opportunity for young and mid-career Indian scholars to conduct advanced Read More... research in social sciences after completing their PhD. Read less

Details

Are you a young or mid-career researcher passionate about social sciences? The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) offers a Post-Doctoral Fellowship to support original and quality research in various social science disciplines.

What Is This Scheme?

This fellowship aims to nurture research excellence and scholarship that is relevant to policymakers. It is designed for individuals who have recently completed their Ph.D. and wish to pursue advanced research in social sciences. The fellowship provides financial assistance and encourages researchers to contribute significantly to their field.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The scheme is specifically for Indian citizens who have obtained a Ph.D. in any social science discipline and possess a proven track record of research through publications. You need to be affiliated with a public-funded Indian university and have a senior faculty member as your supervisor.

Why This Scheme Is Important

In India's dynamic social science landscape, this fellowship plays a crucial role in promoting in-depth research. It encourages evidence-based studies and aims to produce scholarship that can inform policy decisions, thereby contributing to societal development.

Objective

The ICSSR Post-Doctoral Fellowship is a great opportunity for young and mid-career Indian scholars to conduct advanced research in social sciences after completing their PhD.

Benefits

Financial Assistance:50% of the machinery cost or ₹10,00,000/-, whichever is less.

Sources and references

Guidelines (Scheme No. 188)

Eligibility Criteria

You must be a citizen of India.
Your age should be below 45 years. However, candidates belonging to SC/ST/PwD categories get a relaxation of up to 5 years.
You need to have a Ph.D. degree in any social science subject.
You must have shown your research capabilities through published works.
You must be attached to a public-funded university or institution in India recognized for Ph.D. studies.
Your research must be supervised by a permanent faculty member who is at least an Associate Professor or holds an equivalent position.
You should not have any outstanding dues or be a defaulter from any previous ICSSR grant, project, or fellowship.

How To Apply

The ICSSR announces calls for applications periodically. Keep an eye on the official ICSSR website and their social media channels for announcements. Typically, the application process involves the following steps:

Visit the official ICSSR website (www.icssr.org) when the application window is open.
Download and fill out the application form accurately.
Submit the completed form along with all required documents as per the instructions provided in the application form.
Applications are usually invited through advertisements on the ICSSR website and social media.

Documents Required

The exact list of documents needed will be provided in the official Application Form when the ICSSR announces the fellowship call. It's crucial to check the form carefully for precise requirements.

Official Sources

For the most up-to-date information and official announcements, please refer to the ICSSR website:

ICSSR Website

FAQ’s

What is the monthly fellowship amount I will receive?

You will receive a monthly fellowship of ₹31,000 to support your research activities.

Can I apply if I am more than 45 years old?

The age limit is under 45 years. However, if you belong to the SC/ST/PwD categories, you are eligible for an age relaxation of up to 5 years.

Is it necessary to have a Ph.D. to apply for this fellowship?

Yes, a Ph.D. degree in a social science discipline is a mandatory requirement for all applicants.

What is the purpose of the contingency grant?

The annual contingency grant of ₹20,000 is provided to cover research-related expenses such as books, fieldwork costs, stationery, and other miscellaneous items.

Do I need to have published research papers before applying?

Yes, you must have demonstrable research competence, which is usually evidenced through prior publications. The fellowship also requires you to publish at least two peer-reviewed papers during its tenure.

Can I pursue this fellowship if I am associated with a private university?

No, this fellowship is exclusively for researchers affiliated with public-funded Indian institutions that are recognized for Ph.D. studies.

Where can I find information about applying for the fellowship?

You can find application details and announcements on the official ICSSR website (www.icssr.org) and their social media platforms. Applications are invited through advertised calls.

Will I receive my fellowship amount directly?

The fellowship amount is disbursed in instalments. This usually happens through your affiliating institution after you submit the required progress reports, financial statements, and bills.

Can my research topic be similar to my Ph.D. thesis?

No, the fellowship is for advanced research. Your proposed study must be an original and distinct piece of work, not a mere continuation of your Ph.D. thesis.

Can I hold another job or project while receiving this fellowship?

No, this is a full-time fellowship. You are expected to dedicate yourself entirely to research and cannot hold any other paid employment or project during the fellowship period.

What is the requirement for publications during the fellowship?

As a fellow, you are expected to publish at least two research publications in reputable, peer-reviewed journals during the fellowship period.

In which languages can I submit my proposal?

You can submit your research proposal in either English or Hindi, using Unicode 8/UTF-8 encoding.

What happens if I have received funding from ICSSR before?

You cannot apply for this fellowship if you are currently a defaulter of any ICSSR grant, project, or fellowship. You must have cleared all dues and responsibilities from previous engagements.

What documents do I need to submit after I am selected?

After selection, you will be asked to submit all documents specified in the application call or as communicated to you by ICSSR via phone or email. It's essential to keep track of all correspondence.