ICSSR Major and Minor Research Projects 2026–27
The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) has announced the Call for Research Project Proposals under the Major and Minor Research Projects Scheme for 2026–27. The scheme is intended to provide financial support for high-quality research in Social Sciences and Humanities and encourages research addressing contemporary national and societal challenges.
According to the provided announcement, eligible researchers and academicians can submit their research proposals through the online application portal. The last date to apply is August 31, 2026, up to 6:00 PM.
The scheme provides financial assistance of up to ₹30 lakh for Major Research Projects, while Minor Research Projects can receive funding of up to ₹15 lakh, subject to the applicable guidelines and approval.
ICSSR Research Project 2026–27: Highlights
| Particular | Details |
| Organization | Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) |
| Scheme | Major & Minor Research Projects 2026–27 |
| Research Areas | Social Sciences & Humanities |
| Maximum Funding | Up to ₹30 lakh |
| Minor Project Funding | Up to ₹15 lakh |
| Major Project Funding | Up to ₹30 lakh |
| Project Duration | 12–24 months |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date | August 31, 2026 |
| Closing Time | 06:00 PM |
| Application Portal | ICSSR Online Application Portal |
Researchers can access the ICSSR application system through the official ICSSR Application Portal. The portal is used for projects, fellowships and other ICSSR funding applications.
About the ICSSR Major and Minor Research Projects Scheme
The ICSSR Major and Minor Research Projects Scheme is designed to encourage research that contributes to the understanding of social, economic, political, cultural, educational and other important issues affecting Indian society.
The scheme can provide researchers with financial assistance to undertake systematic studies, generate evidence, undertake fieldwork and produce research outputs that can contribute to academic knowledge and policymaking.
The 2026–27 call highlighted in the supplied poster focuses on high-quality research in Social Sciences and Humanities and emphasizes research that can contribute to a better society and a stronger India.
Major Research Project – Funding up to ₹30 Lakh
Under the information provided, a Major Research Project may have a duration of up to 24 months and financial assistance of up to ₹30 lakh.
Major projects are generally appropriate for research requiring:
- Extensive fieldwork
- Larger datasets
- Multi-location studies
- Research assistants or project staff
- Surveys and interviews
- Data collection and analysis
- Workshops or dissemination activities
- Extensive documentation and reporting
Researchers should prepare the project budget carefully according to the applicable ICSSR guidelines rather than assuming that the maximum amount will automatically be sanctioned.
Minor Research Project – Funding up to ₹15 Lakh
The provided information states that Minor Research Projects can receive funding of up to ₹15 lakh with a project duration of approximately 12 months.
Minor projects may be suitable for focused studies addressing a clearly defined research question, geographical area, population group or specific social-science issue.
Applicants should ensure that the proposed objectives, methodology, duration and budget are appropriately matched.
Major and Minor Research Projects: Funding Comparison
| Project Type | Duration | Maximum Funding |
| Minor Research Project | 12 months | Up to ₹15 lakh |
| Major Research Project | 24 months | Up to ₹30 lakh |
Note: The actual amount sanctioned will depend on the applicable ICSSR guidelines, evaluation and approval process.
Research Areas Covered Under ICSSR 2026–27
The information supplied with the announcement lists a broad range of research areas. These include traditional social-science disciplines as well as emerging interdisciplinary themes.
Some of the highlighted areas include:
| S.N. | Broad Domains | Priority Areas |
| 1. | Economic Development and Public Finance | Agriculture and Rural Innovation Entrepreneurship and Start-Ups Transition Finance and Carbon Markets Blue Economy Natural Resources and Regional Development Sustainable Development and Green Transitions FinTech for Development Cooperatives and Rural Transformation Technology Adoption MSMEs and Cluster Development GST and Tax Reforms Labour, Work, and Industrial Relations Circular Economy and Sustainable Supply Chain Informal and Gig Economy Fiscal Policy and Public Finances Intergovernmental Transfers and Incentives Cooperative vs. Competitive Federalism State-Level Fiscal Reforms Bank Regulations Macro Economics and Financial System State Municipal Trade Policy Stock Market International Investment Securities and Exchange Board Intervention (SEBI) Enforcement of Contract Financial Viability of Credit Cooperatives Economic Inflation and Monetary Policy Legal Process for Trade and Economics Law and Economics Pensions and Income Security Ease of Living, Process Reform and Efficiency of Government, Institutional Reforms Foreign Portfolio Investors (Drivers and Macroeconomic Volatility) Sustainable Tourism |
| 2. | Finance, Accounting, and Commerce | International Trade and Commerce Dynamics Digital Financial Systems Digital Assets, Crypto Currency and Governance E-Commerce and Digital Market Place Insolvency and Bankruptcy The Evolving Regulatory Landscape for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) Process Reforms and Ease of Doing Business |
| 3. | Management and Organisational Studies | Financial Management Human Resource Management Organisational Behaviour CSR, ESG, and Business Ethics Operations and Management Sustainability Reporting Human Capital, Innovation, and Productivity Corporate Governance Technology and Management Inclusive Growth |
| 4. | Rural Studies | Rural Economy and Sustainable Livelihoods Social Change in Rural Societies Rural-Urban Migration and Remittance Cultural Landscapes and Identity in Rural India Digital Governance in Rural Bharat Environmental Resilience and Adaptation Strategies Health, Education, and Infrastructure |
| 5. | Political Science | E-Governance and State Capacity Human Rights and Legislation Electoral Systems and Democratic Practices Participatory Politics and Social Media Politics and Technology Indian Political Thought Rural-Urban Governance Climate Politics and Global Governance Women and Politics |
| 6. | Governance and Public Administration | Governance and Reforms Public Service Delivery Digital Governance and Data Platforms Decentralization and Local Administration Ethical Governance Crisis Management and Public Administration |
| 7. | Public Policy and Programme Evaluation | Design, Targeting, and Portability of Government Schemes Monitoring and Evaluation of Government Schemes Policy Experimentation and Evidence Use Social Protection Digital Public Services Public Policy and Welfare Grievance Management |
| 8. | International Relations and Geopolitics | Indo-Pacific and Southeast Asian Strategy and Maritime Affairs Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power Global South Diplomacy and South-South Cooperation Multilateralism and Global Institutions Energy Security Geopolitical Transitions |
| 9. | National Security and Strategic Studies | Internal Security Borders and Irregular Migration Information/Cyber Warfare and Hybrid Threats Maritime Security Defence and National Security Defence Manufacturing and Infrastructure Non-Traditional Security Threats and Terrorism |
| 10. | Legal Studies | Access to Justice and Para-Legal Systems Legal History of India Judicial Reforms and Court Management Law, Technology, And Digital Rights (Including AI) Legal Pluralism Elder Abuse and Protection Criminal Justice System and Reform Decolonising Legal Studies |
| 11. | Sociology, Social Work, and Community Practice | Vulnerabilities and empowerment Food, Nutrition, Culture, and Society Urbanisation and Informal Settlements Informal Work and Domestic Labour Ageing and Care Education and Technology Land Records Digitisation and Governance Tenancy Rights and Sharecropping Rental Housing Affordability Property Rights, Credit, and Welfare Migrant Integration and Housing Markets Technology and Media |
| 12. | Social Anthropology | Linguistic and Cultural Anthropology Ethnography and Field Methods Development Anthropology Religion, Ritual, and Social Cohesion Infrastructure, Urban Change, and Livelihoods Kinship and Changing Institutions Prehistoric Cultures Cultural Survival Bio-Cultural Studies of Health and Disease |
| 13. | Gender Studies | Gender, Work, and Informal Sectors Gender and Environment Women, STEM and Digital Transformation Gender and Education Gender and Health Intersectionality, Access, and Inclusion |
| 14. | Divyangjan Studies | Intersectional Disability Studies Policy and Legal Frameworks Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Financial Inclusion and Livelihoods Digital Accessibility Mobility and Transport Culture and Media Representation Inclusive Infrastructure Stigma and Discrimination |
| 15. | Janjatiya Studies | Indigenous knowledge Systems Culture and Society Language Preservation and Documentation Digital Inclusion and Youth Aspirations Comparative Development Tribal Education and National Education Policy Inclusion Welfare Program/schemes (PM-JANMAN, EMRS, FRA-2006, SCA to TSS/TSP, PMAAGY, ITDP, TRIFED, PESA-1996, MSP for MFP, PMJVM, AMSY and NSTFDC) Intra-tribal and Inter-community Dynamics |
| 16 | Diaspora Studies | Diaspora Contributions to Development Multiculturalism, Migration, and Integration Economic Engagement and Entrepreneurship Identity, Literature, and Memory |
| 17 | Social Psychology | Mental Health and Culturally Responsive Care Indian Psychology and Social Contexts Digital Life and Well-being Workplace Well-being Community Relations and Inter-group Dynamics Social Influence and Behaviour Change |
| 18 | Public Health and Health Systems | One Health AYUSH and Community Medicine Indigenous Healing Practices Preventive and Social Medicine Community Medicine Food Cultures and Nutrition Child Nutrition and Growth Sports, Fitness, and Prevention Digital Health and Telemedicine Rural/urban Primary Care and Quality AI in Public Health Ethnomedicines and Integrative Systems Ageing, Long-Term Care, and Social Insurance Long-Term Care Systems and Financing Mental Health and Suicidality Health Infrastructure Rural Ageing and Community-based Models Mental Health in Post-pandemic Societies |
| 19 | Education and Skilling | Digital Learning and EdTech Implementation and Governance of the National Education Programme Values and Ethics in Education AI in Education Skilling Youth HEI Reforms Skill Education in HEIs Internationalisation and Mobility Academic Governance and Leadership Early Learning Digital Skilling and Employment Teacher Education and Capacity Building Indian knowledge System Integration |
| 20 | Human Geography and Spatial Planning | Demographic Transitions Migration, Displacement, and Spatial Mobility Human Capital, Livelihoods, and Regional Development Rural-Urban Transformations Disaster Risk and Vulnerability Urban Resilience, Smart Cities, and Sustainable Futures Public Transit, BRT, and Metro Systems Road Safety Reforms and Enforcement Air Quality and Health Gendered Mobility and Labour Force Participation Logistics and Last-Mile Connectivity Work, Social Mobility, and Transport Community Adjustment and Social Resilience |
| 21 | Environmental Studies | Human-Environment Interactions Impacts, Mitigation, and Adaptation of Climate Change Renewable and Clean energy Social Influence on Biodiversity, Wildlife, Soil, and Water Environmental Policy and Governance Community-Based Climate Adaptation Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Indigenous Practices Water Service Quality, Continuity, and Equity Faecal-Sludge Management and Sanitation Peri-Urban Groundwater and Contamination Time Poverty, Gender, and WASH Access Urban Utilities Access and Regulation Social Awareness and Uptake |
| 22 | Modern Social History | History and Heritage Conservation and Heritage Management Memory, Identity, and Public History Archaeology, Architecture, and Monuments Maritime and Coastal Histories Decolonisation, Nationalism, and Historiography Digital History and Archival Innovation History of Education and Knowledge Systems Print Cultures Partition Studies |
| 23 | Cultural Studies | Digital Humanities Life, Literature, and Thought in India Literature and Globalisation Folk, Oral Forms, and Practices Medical Humanities Language, Literature, and Popular Culture Media and Language Shifts Intellectual Traditions and Social Thought Cultural Heritage and Traditions |
| 24 | Indian Languages, Linguistics, and Translation Studies | Knowledge Traditions in Indian Languages Vernacular Knowledge and Applications Technology-Language Interface Comparative Grammar and Linguistics Multilingual Pedagogy and Translation Tools |
| 25 | Sociolinguistics and Multilingualism | Language, Culture, and Society Social Concepts and Theories in Indian Languages Science Across Indian Languages Multilingualism in Education and Work Language, Media, and Technology |
| 26 | Sanskrit Studies | Grammatical Traditions and Poetics Manuscriptology and Textual Criticism Literary and Aesthetic Traditions Sanskrit and Indian Knowledge Systems Sanskrit in Contemporary Discourse Sastras and Commentarial Traditions Shruti, Shastric, Kavya and Agamic Foundational Grammars & Literary Criticism Computational Sanskrit and Digital Archiving Cross-Cultural Aesthetics and Linguistic Interface |
| 27 | Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) | Indian Epistemologies Indigenous Innovation, Technology, and Development Textual and Oral Traditions Pedagogies From Indian Intellectual Texts Indian Approaches to Ecology and Sustainability Mind and Consciousness Aesthetic and Performative Traditions IKS-Public Policy Interface IKS and Law Digital Humanities and IKS Art and Architecture Curriculum Integration |
| 28 | Socio-Philosophical Studies | Indian Philosophical Systems Comparative Ethics AI Ethics and Emerging Technologies Philosophy of Mind and Consciousness Shramanic philosophies Decolonising Philosophy in India Philosophy of Ecology and Sustainability Intercultural Ideas and Comparative Philosophy |
| 29 | Media and Communication Studies | Mass Media and Sociocultural Change in India On Demand Platforms and Services (OTT) in Popular Culture and Identity Regional Languages, Media, and Journalism Digital News, Platforms, and Misinformation |
| 30 | Library and Information Science | E-Resources and IT Applications Metadata Harvesting and Digital Repositories Scholarly Communication and Publishing Studies AI In Library and Information Services Knowledge Curation and Digital Preservation Open Access, Open Data, Open Science One Nation, One Subscription (ONOS): National Knowledge Access and Research Equity Initiative Research Designs and Methods in the Social Sciences and Humanities Data Quality, Linkages, and Disclosure Ethics, Consent, and Data Governance Reproducibility and Replication Methods, Interoperability, and Safeguards for India’s Digital Public Infrastructure |
| 31 | Inclusive Development and Social Empowerment | Constitutional Provisions, Legal Frameworks and Public Policies for Inclusive Development Social Justice and Intersectional Perspectives Inclusive Education, Skill Development, Employment and Livelihoods Digital Inclusion and Technology for Empowerment. Political Representation and Inclusion Community Participation, Local Governance and Grassroots Institutions Monitoring and Evaluation of Inclusive Development Programmes and Policy Outcomes Comparative Studies on Inclusive Development, Social Empowerment and Best Practices Government Schemes and Policies for the Upliftment of Marginalized Groups |
For more detail Guidelines
Who Can Apply for ICSSR Research Projects?
According to the information provided, the scheme is intended for eligible researchers associated with recognized Indian institutions.
The supplied text states that applicants should have a Ph.D. in Social and Human Sciences and a strong publication record in reputed journals or books.
However, eligibility conditions, institutional requirements, disciplinary qualifications, publication requirements and other conditions should be checked against the official 2026–27 ICSSR guidelines before applying, as these requirements can vary between calls.
Eligibility
Eligibility of Project Director (PD)
Researchers who are permanently employed or retired as faculty members from eligible institutions (as specified under Institutional Eligibility, 2.3) are eligible to apply as Project Directors (PD).
- Applicants must possess substantial research experience, demonstrable through publications such as books and research papers in high impact journals.
- Project Director must hold a Ph.D. degree in Social and Human Sciences.
Eligibility of Co-Project Director (Co-PD)
- Researchers who are permanently employed or retired as faculty members from eligible institutions (as specified under Institutional Eligibility, 2.3) are eligible to apply as Co-Project Directors. In exceptional cases, independent researchers holding a Ph.D. degree, who are not permanently affiliated with the eligible institutions, may be considered solely as Co-Project Directors, provided they have:
- At least two sole-author books published by reputed publishers and/or
- At least five articles in peer-reviewed journals and Book chapters. Such scholars must collaborate with a faculty member from an eligible institution (as specified under Institutional Eligibility, 2.3).
- Researchers holding a Ph.D. degree and working on a contractual basis in eligible academic or research institutions may also apply as Co-Project Directors, subject to the same publication criteria mentioned above.
- In case of expiry of the contract, they may continue as Co-Project Directors until the completion of the project.
- Senior and retired government or defence officers with not less than five years of regular service, holding a Ph.D. degree in any social science discipline, and having the required publication record (two sole-author books and/or five peer-reviewed articles or book chapters), may apply as Co-Project Directors, in collaboration with a faculty member from an eligible institution (as specified under Institutional Eligibility, 2.3).
Institutional Eligibility The eligible institutions include:
- Institutes of National Importance, as defined by the Ministry of Education (MoE), Central University and State University
- UGC-recognized Private Universities, Deemed-to-be Universities, Affiliated Government College/Institution under Section 2(f) and/or 12(B) of the UGC Act
- ICSSR Regional Centre, ICSSR Research Institutes, ICSSR-recognized Institutes and Government Research Institutes
- Top 100 NIRF institutions within the specific domain such as Management, Law, Innovation, Sustainable Development Goals, Agriculture and Allied Sectors based on the latest rankings.
How to Apply for ICSSR Major and Minor Research Projects 2026–27?
Eligible researchers can follow these general steps:
- Visit the official ICSSR application portal.
- Register or log in using the required credentials.
- Select the relevant Major/Minor Research Project application.
- Read the latest guidelines and eligibility requirements carefully.
- Select the appropriate research discipline/broad area.
- Prepare the research proposal according to the prescribed format.
- Enter the project objectives, research questions and methodology.
- Provide the proposed work plan and timeline.
- Prepare the project budget according to the permissible expenditure heads.
- Upload the required documents.
- Review all information carefully.
- Submit the application online before the deadline.
- Save or download the submitted application and acknowledgement for future reference.
The ICSSR application dashboard confirms that its online system is used for projects, fellowships and other funding applications.
ICSSR Research Project 2026–27: Selection Process
The proposal evaluation process is expected to involve multiple stages.
The supplied information identifies the following stages:
1. Initial Screening
Submitted applications are initially examined for compliance with the required eligibility and application conditions.
2. Expert/Peer Review
Eligible proposals may undergo evaluation by subject experts. The quality, relevance and feasibility of the research proposal are important considerations.
3. Presentation of Shortlisted Proposals
Shortlisted applicants may be required to participate in an online or offline presentation, depending on the applicable guidelines.
4. Final Selection
Final decisions are made based on expert evaluation and recommendations under the applicable ICSSR process.
Important Documents and Information to Keep Ready
Applicants should check the official guidelines for the exact document requirements. Depending on the application instructions, researchers may need information such as:
- Research proposal
- Research objectives
- Research methodology
- Literature review
- Research questions/hypotheses
- Work plan
- Proposed budget
- Institutional details
- Researcher profile
- Academic qualifications
- Publication details
- Previous research/project information
- Required institutional certificates or declarations
Applicants should ensure that all uploaded documents are accurate and comply with the prescribed format and size requirements.
Important Date for ICSSR Research Proposal 2026–27
The key deadline mentioned in the supplied poster is:
Last Date to Apply: August 31, 2026, up to 06:00 PM
Researchers should not wait until the last day to complete the submission. Technical problems, document-upload issues or heavy portal traffic can create difficulties close to the deadline.
Why Researchers Should Consider Applying
The ICSSR Major and Minor Research Projects scheme can provide an opportunity for researchers to undertake structured research on important social-science and humanities issues.
A well-designed project can potentially contribute to:
- Academic knowledge
- Evidence-based policymaking
- Social development
- Institutional research capacity
- Community-level interventions
- Sustainable development
- Inclusive growth
- Digital transformation
- Better understanding of Indian society
- National development priorities
Researchers working at the intersection of social sciences, technology, environment, education, public health, governance and Indian Knowledge Systems may find particularly interesting opportunities for interdisciplinary project development.
Tips for Preparing a Strong ICSSR Research Proposal
Before submitting the application, researchers should focus on the following areas:
Clearly Define the Research Problem
The proposal should identify a significant and clearly defined research problem rather than presenting a broad topic without a specific research question.
Establish Research Gaps
Explain what previous studies have established and clearly identify the gap that the proposed research intends to address.
Develop Measurable Objectives
Research objectives should be specific, achievable and directly connected to the research problem.
Use an Appropriate Methodology
Explain the research design, sampling strategy, data sources, data-collection methods and analytical techniques clearly.
Prepare a Realistic Budget
The proposed expenditure should be directly related to the research activities and comply with the applicable ICSSR financial guidelines.
Highlight Expected Outcomes
Clearly describe the expected academic, social, policy or practical contribution of the project.
Maintain Interdisciplinary Relevance Where Appropriate
Where the research problem genuinely requires multiple disciplines, an interdisciplinary approach can strengthen the proposal.
ICSSR 2026–27: Key Takeaways
- Organization: Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)
- Scheme: Major and Minor Research Projects 2026–27
- Focus: Social Sciences and Humanities
- Maximum funding: Up to ₹30 lakh
- Minor Project: Up to ₹15 lakh
- Major Project: Up to ₹30 lakh
- Duration: 12–24 months
- Application: Online
- Last date: August 31, 2026
- Closing time: 06:00 PM
- Portal: app.icssr.org
FAQs- ICSSR Research Project 2026–27
What is the ICSSR Major and Minor Research Projects Scheme?
It is a research funding scheme of the Indian Council of Social Science Research intended to support eligible researchers undertaking research in Social Sciences and Humanities.
What is the maximum funding available?
As stated in the supplied announcement, funding is up to ₹30 lakh for a Major Research Project and up to ₹15 lakh for a Minor Research Project.
What is the duration of the projects?
The provided information indicates 12 months for Minor Research Projects and up to 24 months for Major Research Projects.
What is the last date to apply?
The deadline mentioned in the supplied poster is August 31, 2026, at 06:00 PM.
How can I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the ICSSR application portal: ICSSR Application Portal.
Can interdisciplinary proposals be submitted?
The information supplied with the announcement states that interdisciplinary research proposals are encouraged.
Should applicants wait until the deadline?
No. Researchers should ideally complete their applications well before the deadline to allow sufficient time for document verification and any technical issues.
Official Application Portal: https://app.icssr.org/
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