Scheme of Grant-in-aid for Professional Associations and Organisations of Social Scientists including Universities, Colleges and Research Institutes for Publication and Running of their Research Journal(s)

Scheme of Grant-in-Aid for Professional Associations/ Organisations of Social Scientists including Universities, Colleges and Research Institutes for Publication/ Running of their Research Journal(s) is a central government scheme that helps academic bodies and research entities cover their publication costs. Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), which works under Ministry of Education, offers this grant to universities, colleges, research institutes and professional associations so they can keep bringing out good quality social science research journals throughout the year.

Scheme of Grant-in-aid for Professional Associations and Organisations of Social Scientists including Universities, Colleges and Research Institutes for Publication and Running of their Research Journal(s) - Introduction

This grant is given every year to help social science bodies maintain the regularity and quality of their journal. The aim of this scheme is to support journals that follow proper research practices like peer review, citation and referencing. Organizations can apply whether they run a university journal, a college periodical or a research institute publication, and the scheme also covers regional language journals and translated works.

Key Information

Benefits

The grant amount depends on how many journals an organization runs. Here is the maximum annual support an eligible body can get:

Support for a 'special issue' that brings back old issues of the journal can also be asked for separately. The grant is released in two parts. The first 90% comes as the opening installment, and the last 10% is paid at the end of the year after audited accounts and the Utilisation Certificate are submitted. This backing is given on a year to year basis for a maximum of five years, and more time can be looked at by the Research Committee if needed.

Eligibility

The grant is open to any body that brings out a research journal with a clear track record. Please check the points below before applying:

• Universities, university departments, colleges, research institutes and professional associations or organizations of social scientists can all apply. For an association, it is better if it works at the national level.
• If the body is privately funded, it should be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and should submit its annual report and audited accounts for the last three years.
• The journal should have at least 50 subscribers and follow proper professional practices like peer review, citation and referencing. Its editorial board should be in place.
• Research journals run by independent researchers or individuals are also allowed to apply, provided they are registered with ISSN and have a valid TAN/PAN.
• For journals focused on SC/ST research, the content must deal with SC/ST related issues. Regional language journals and translated works can also apply.

Exclusions

Journals that do not keep a regular publication schedule or do not follow basic research and peer review practices are not eligible for this grant.

Application Process

Applications for this grant are invited twice a year, mainly in May-June and December-January. You can now fill the form online through the official ICSSR application portal. Here is how the whole process works:

STEP 1 - Go to the official ICSSR application portal at app.icssr.org, log in and fill up the prescribed form for Grant-in-Aid for Publication and Running of Research Journal(s). Keep all the annexures ready before you start.

STEP 2 - Attach the required documents such as information about the organization, brief CV of the editor or head of the institute, five copies of the latest issue of the journal, and audited accounts for the last two years. If the journal is brought out by a commercial publisher, also add a self-attested copy of the agreement or MoU with the publisher.

STEP 3 - Submit the online application and also send a hard copy of the same, duly forwarded by the affiliating institution, to the Publications and Research Survey Division (PRS), Indian Council of Social Science Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU Institutional Area, New Delhi 110067.

STEP 4 - The Advisory Committee of the PRS Division checks the application for eligibility and looks at the journal's academic value and its contribution to social science. Its recommendation then goes to the Council for approval.

STEP 5 - Once approved, the award letter is issued and the first installment of 90% is paid after the Grant-in-Aid Bill and bank details are submitted. The remaining 10% is released at the end of the year after audited accounts and the Utilisation Certificate are submitted.

References

View Official ICSSR Journal Grants Details

Log in to the ICSSR Application Portal

FAQ's

What is the maximum annual grant for a single journal?

You can get up to ₹5,00,000 every year for a single journal.

Can my organization apply if we publish multiple journals?

Yes, such organizations can get up to ₹8,00,000 in total.

Are commercial publications eligible for this support?

Yes, but the grant is capped at ₹1,00,000 per journal for editorial and processing costs, with a maximum of ₹2,00,000 if you manage multiple journals.

Is there funding available for back issues or special editions?

Yes, a separate grant can be considered for a special issue that brings back old issues of the journal.

Can a new journal apply?

No, the journal must show a track record and should have at least 50 subscribers before it can be considered.

What if my journal does not have a peer review process?

Peer review is a must. Journals that do not follow research and publishing practices are not eligible.

Can an independent researcher apply for this grant?

Yes, research journals run by independent researchers are eligible as long as they are registered with ISSN and have a valid TAN/PAN.

Where should I send my application materials?

Send them to the Publications and Research Survey Division (PRS), ICSSR, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU Institutional Area, New Delhi 110067.

When can I apply for this grant?

Applications are invited twice a year, mainly in May-June and December-January, so keep checking the official ICSSR portal.

Is the Head of Institution's signature required?

Yes, the hard copy of the application must be duly forwarded by the affiliating institution, which normally includes the signature of the Head of the Institution.