ICSSR International Collaboration is open for applications throughout the year for Indian social science scholars who want to present their research at international conferences abroad. Run by Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), which works under Ministry of Education, this scheme gives travel support to invited scholars so they can take part in important global conferences and share their work with the international research community.
Eligible faculty members can get financial support up to 50 percent of the total visit cost, and the registration fee is covered up to US$200. Scholars from SC/ST categories, persons with benchmark disabilities, and postgraduate, doctoral and post-doctoral scholars without salary protection can get full support. Applications are accepted online throughout the year, but they must reach ICSSR at least three months before the conference date.
ICSSR International Collaboration Overview
The scheme supports invited social science scholars in making real contributions to international seminars and conferences of importance. It helps build academic links between social scientists in India and abroad, gives scholars a chance to develop new insights, and spreads social science knowledge across the world. Social science subjects covered under the scheme include sociology, economics, political science, international studies, social psychology, education, law, commerce and management, social geography and population studies, and related fields like media studies, social work, gender studies and environmental studies.
Applications are first checked by the ICSSR secretariat. After that, an expert committee reviews the research background of the applicant, the quality of the paper, and the standing of the organizing institution, and gives its recommendations. The final approval is given by the Research Committee of the Council. A formal invitation letter from the conference organizers is required with the application, and a simple email is not accepted as proof of invitation.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | ICSSR International Collaboration |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme for | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Education and Learning |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Education |
| Implementing Agency | Indian Council of Social Science Research |
| Benefit Amount | Up to 50 percent of total visit cost; full support for SC/ST, persons with benchmark disabilities and doctoral scholars without salary protection |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | icssr.org |
Benefits
Financial support under the scheme covers air travel, visa fee, travel insurance, local conveyance, and maintenance costs for the stay abroad, which is limited to the actual days of the conference plus the travel dates. The registration fee is covered up to US$200. The expense details are given below.
| Expense Category | Coverage Limit |
|---|---|
| Airfare (economy class) | Actuals |
| Visa Fee | Actuals |
| Travel Insurance | Actuals |
| Local Conveyance | Actuals |
| Registration Fee | Up to US$200 |
| Maintenance | For the actual stay days (conference days plus travel dates) |
Faculty members in regular service generally receive 50 percent of the total visit cost. Faculties from SC/ST categories, persons with benchmark disabilities, and postgraduate, doctoral and post-doctoral scholars without salary protection can get full financial support if they have not received any other funding for the visit. Faculties from ICSSR Research Institutes and Recognized Institutes may also be considered for full support. The grant is paid back after the visit on submission of the original boarding pass, attendance certificate, statement of expenditure and a participation report.
Eligibility
Scholars who meet the conditions given below can apply for this scheme:
1) Faculties in regular service at public funded universities, deemed universities, colleges, Institutes of National Importance, and ICSSR Research Institutes or Recognized Institutes, with a PhD degree, can apply.
2) Postgraduate, PhD and post-doctoral scholars in social science subjects who are in the advanced stage of their research can apply.
3) Independent scholars such as civil servants, defence officers and other professionals with at least 20 years of regular service and published research work like books, research papers and policy documents can also apply.
4) The paper must be accepted for oral presentation by the conference organizers, and a formal invitation letter has to be submitted with the application. A simple email will not be treated as a formal invite.
5) For co-authored papers, priority is given to the first author, but a No Objection Certificate from the co-authors must be attached with the application.
Younger scholars, scholars attending an international conference for the first time, and scholars from remote and backward areas get preference during selection.
Exclusions
Scholars invited only for poster presentations, to chair a session, or as conveners or rapporteurs cannot apply under this scheme. The travel grant is also not given for attending workshops, training sessions, refresher courses, or summer and winter schools. Conferences organized by Indian organizations abroad are not covered under the travel grant scheme.
Application Process
Applications are accepted online throughout the year. The application must be submitted at least three months before the conference date, and it will not be considered after the paper has been presented at the conference. The steps for applying are given below.
STEP 1 - Go to the official ICSSR scheme page and click on the 'Login to Apply' button, or directly open the ICSSR application portal at app.icssr.org.
STEP 2 - Complete the registration or log in to the ICSSR portal with your details.
STEP 3 - Fill in the online application form with your personal details, research background and conference information. Upload the required documents, including the formal invitation letter and the full length paper to be presented, which must be in English or Hindi.
STEP 4 - Submit the application online at least three months before the conference date. After that, send a hard copy of the application with all the documents to the In-charge, ICG Division, Indian Council of Social Science Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU Institutional Area, New Delhi 110067.
Air tickets in economy class must be purchased only from the three government approved travel agencies, Ashoka Travels and Tours, Balmer Lawrie and Company Ltd, and IRCTC. The scholar has to make his or her own travel arrangements for tickets, visa and accommodation.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before applying:
Formal invitation letter from the conference organizers, the accepted paper, full length paper to be presented in English or Hindi, No Objection Certificate from co-authors if the paper is co-authored, and endorsement from the head of the department or institution. For claiming the reimbursement after the visit, the original boarding pass, visa stamped copy, visa payment receipt, registration fee receipt and participation certificate are required.
Related ICSSR Schemes
Scholars looking for other research support from ICSSR can check the ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship, ICSSR Post-Doctoral Fellowship and ICSSR Senior Fellowship schemes.
References
ICSSR Participation in International Conference Abroad Official Page
ICSSR Travel Grant Guidelines 2026 (PDF)
ICSSR International Collaboration Contact Details
FAQ's
Is the ICSSR International Collaboration scheme still open in 2026?
Yes. Applications for the Participation in International Conference Abroad scheme are accepted online throughout the year. The application must reach ICSSR at least three months before the conference date, and a hard copy has to be sent to the ICSSR office in New Delhi.
How much financial support is given under this scheme?
Faculty members get support up to 50 percent of the total visit cost, which includes airfare, visa fee, travel insurance, local conveyance, maintenance for the stay days and registration fee up to US$200. Scholars from SC/ST categories, persons with benchmark disabilities, and postgraduate, doctoral and post-doctoral scholars without salary protection can get full support.
Who can apply for the ICSSR travel grant?
Faculty with a PhD in regular service at public funded universities, colleges and Institutes of National Importance, postgraduate and doctoral scholars in the advanced stage of research, and independent scholars like civil servants and defence officers with at least 20 years of service and published research can apply.
Can a scholar apply more than once?
A second application is considered only after a gap of three years, and a scholar can get this award only twice in a lifetime.
Is the grant given before the travel?
No. The expenditure is paid back after the visit on submission of the original boarding pass, attendance certificate, statement of expenditure and a report on the participation, forwarded by the supervisor or head of the department.