ICSSR Post-Doctoral Fellowship

About this scheme

This scheme is open to Indian citizens under the age of 45 who hold a PhD and have demonstrated research ability through earlier publications. All candidates must be affiliated with a Ministry of Education or UGC-recognized public-funded Indian university, and a senior faculty member (not less than an Associate Professor) from the same institution must supervise their study. The fellowship offers a ₹31,000 monthly grant and ₹20,000 annual contingency grant for a period of two years. The scheme covers a wide range of disciplines under social sciences, with 26 major areas including priority research topics. Fellows are expected to conduct full-time research, provide regular progress updates, and publish at least two research publications in reputable journals.

Eligibility

• Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen
• Age limit: Must be under 45 years of age (5-year relaxation for SC/ST/PwD)
• Qualification: Must possess a PhD in a social science discipline
• Research competence: Must have demonstrable research competence via publications
• Institutional affiliation: Must be affiliated with a public-funded Indian institution approved for PhD (Ministry of Education or UGC recognized)
• Supervisor: Must have a supervisor who is a serving faculty member at Associate Professor level or above
• Clear record: Must not be a defaulter of any ICSSR grant/project/fellowship

Benefits

• Monthly fellowship amount of ₹31,000
• Contingency grant of ₹20,000 per annum
• Duration of two years
• Covers 26 major disciplines under social sciences including priority research topics
• Opportunity for evidence-based research relevant to policymakers

Required documents

• PhD certificate
• Research proposal
• Publications list
• CV / Resume
• Supervisor's consent letter
• Institutional affiliation certificate
• Age proof
• Category certificate (if applicable)(optional)

Frequently asked