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Applications are currently being accepted for the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) Major and Minor Research Projects Scheme 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
The ICSSR Major and Minor Research Projects Scheme supports systematic research that contributes to the development of knowledge in the social sciences and human sciences.
The programme is intended for experienced researchers with established academic and research credentials.
Projects may be designed to investigate important social, economic, cultural, institutional, policy, developmental, or interdisciplinary issues, provided they fall within the scope of ICSSR-supported research.
The scheme provides funding according to the type and duration of the research project.
Minor Research Project
Maximum duration: 12 months
Maximum funding: ₹15 lakh
Minor Projects are suitable for focused research studies that can be completed within one year.
Major Research Project
Maximum duration: 24 months
Maximum funding: ₹30 lakh
Eligibility is primarily based on the applicant’s academic qualifications, research experience, publication record, employment status, and institutional affiliation.
Project Director
The Project Director must generally:
Be permanently employed faculty or a retired faculty member of an eligible institution.
Hold a Ph.D. in Social and Human Sciences.
Have a substantial research record.
Demonstrate research publications, including books and articles.
Have evidence of scholarly contributions in relevant academic areas.
The Project Director is responsible for providing academic and administrative leadership to the proposed research project.
Eligibility of Co-Project Directors
Co-Project Directors may include appropriately qualified researchers from different professional backgrounds.
Potentially eligible categories include:
Faculty members from eligible institutions.
Independent researchers holding a Ph.D. with a strong publication record.
Contractual researchers working at eligible institutions.
Senior or retired government officers.
Senior or retired defence officers with at least five years of service and the required academic qualifications.
Government and defence officers must collaborate with a faculty member from an eligible institution where required under the scheme’s eligibility conditions.
