ICSSR 2026: Empowering the students of Four-Year Undergraduate Programme under NEP 2020

The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)is pleased to announce India’s largest-ever opportunity for undergraduate researchers across the nation. On the occasion of its 58th Foundation Day, Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme (YSPS) 2026–27 was launched by the Union Minister of Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan.

This revolutionary step towards achieving the Panch Pran (Five resolves) of achieving a Viksit Bharat @2047 promises to disrupt archaic Eurocentric models by giving monetary grants directly to undergraduates and students to produce original research rooted in India.

If you’re studying in your 3rd or 4th year as per NEP 20 regulations check out this article. Below you’ll find everything you need to know to apply and get your hands on ICSSR’s ₹18 Crore fund.

Vedio Credit : www. icssr.org

ICSSR Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme (YSPS) 20 Highlights & Offline Budget

Are You Eligible for this Fellowship? (Read Guidelines)

The YSPS isn’t a conventional fellowship exclusively for PHD scholars. This opportunity is designed specially for college undergraduates to conduct independent research as a team. Here are the eligibility guidelines laid down by the ICSSR

Study Programme: You must be studying under the Four Year Undergraduate Programme( aligned with NEP 20), popularly known as FYUP

Semester: Currently enrolled in your college’s 6thor 7th semester

Proof: Applicants must show proof of their enrolment under NEP 20’s FYUP programme

Team-based Application Process & Faculty Mentorship

This isn’t an individual application process. In line with the ICSSR’s goal to promote team effort among India’s youth, applicants must follow the format below:

Project Team: Projects shall consist of either 2 or 3 students who belong to the same college/university.

Position: Decide who will apply as Lead Researcher and who will be Researcher-1 and Researcher-2

Guide: Each project shall be undertaken with the help and mentorship of a regular college professor who shall guide and mentor the students with respect to the project.

Domains You Can Submit A Research Proposal In (8 Subjects)

Projects shall be a detailed study and analysis based around the theme “ Youth and Decolonisation”. Teams can pitch their research proposal under one of the 8 domains mentioned below.

Research Themes and Sub-Themes

Application Process Ends in 1 Month: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ( ONLINE PORTAL WILL OPEN ON 6TH JUNE)

Beginning Date For Online Applications: June 06, 20

Read Guidelines for more details [+]

To download Click the link  https://icssr.org/sites/default/files/2026-05/Yuva-Shodh-Pratibha-Scheme1.pdf

SRU, Raipur Campus Admission open

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – ICSSR YSPS 2026

Q1: Can 1st or 2nd-year undergraduate students apply for this scheme?

No. The Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme is strictly designed for students currently in their 3rd or 4th year (specifically the 6th and 7th semesters) of a registered Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) under the NEP 2020 framework.

Q2: Is there a monthly stipend for the students under the ₹3 Lakh grant?

Yes! Apart from covering fieldwork, equipment, and study materials, the scheme provides a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 each to the Lead Researcher, Researcher-1, and Researcher-2 for a maximum period of six months.

Q3: Can a team consist of students from different colleges?

No. All team members (2 or 3 students) must belong to the same affiliating institution. Cross-college or cross-university teams are not permitted under the current guidelines.

Q4: Can we apply without a faculty mentor?

No. Having a regular faculty member as a mentor/supervisor is mandatory. The mentor must hold a PhD in Social Sciences or Humanities and possess strong research experience. Furthermore, the mentor and the institution are legally responsible for overseeing the proper utilization of the grant money.

Q5: What is the allowed language for submitting the research proposal?

Teams can draft and submit their comprehensive study plans in either English or Hindi through the online portal.

Q6: Are there strict penalties for AI-generated text or plagiarism?

Yes, exceptionally strict. ICSSR uses advanced screening software. To qualify for the blind review phase, your proposal must have less than 20% AI-generated content and less than 10% plagiarism. Originality and critical thinking are heavily prioritized.

Q7: Does my project have to cover all 8 research domains?

No. Your team must select only one specific sub-theme or domain out of the eight listed options (such as “Beyond Macaulay” or “Health, Mind and Well-being”) and create an in-depth, localized study plan around it.

Q8: What is the final deadline to apply for the ICSSR YSPS 2026?

The online submission portal opens on June 6, 2026, and the absolute final deadline to submit the online application is July 6, 2026.