ICSSR Post-Doctoral Fellowship 2026-27 applications are open for Indian social science researchers. Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) has invited online applications for the Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme for the financial year 2026-2027. Online registration started on 22 June 2026 and the last date has been extended to 07 August 2026.
Selected fellows get a monthly stipend of ₹31,000 along with an annual contingency grant of ₹25,000 to carry out full-time research for two years. The fellowship is for scholars who have completed their Ph.D. and want to take up original research in social science subjects.
ICSSR Post-Doctoral Fellowship - Introduction
ICSSR Post-Doctoral Fellowship helps brilliant scholars carry out detailed, original research in different social science subjects. The scheme is for researchers who have recently completed their Ph.D. and want to add to academic research in India. With a steady financial base, fellows can focus fully on research work that may shape future policies.
Applicants should be Indian citizens below 45 years of age, with a 5-year age relaxation for SC/ST/PwBD candidates. They need a proven record of research competence through earlier publications. The project must be linked to a public-funded Indian university or institution approved for Ph.D. research.
A supervisor who is a serving faculty member at the level of Associate Professor or above has to guide the work. The fellowship runs for two years as a full-time research engagement, and no extension is given after that period. Fellows must send regular progress reports and publish at least two papers in peer-reviewed journals during the tenure.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | ICSSR Post-Doctoral Fellowship |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Education & Learning |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Sub Category | Universities and higher education |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Education |
| Nodal Department | Department of Higher Education |
| Implementing Agency | Indian Council of Social Science Research |
| Last Date to Apply | 07 August 2026 (extended) |
Benefits
Fellows receive strong financial support to carry out their research work. The monthly fellowship amount is ₹31,000 and the annual contingency grant has been increased to ₹25,000 for 2026-27.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly Fellowship | ₹31,000 |
| Annual Contingency Grant | ₹25,000 |
The hosting institution also gets an institutional overhead of 7.5% to support the research environment. The fellowship is paid in instalments through the affiliating institution after receiving the required progress reports and accounts.
Eligibility
Check the points given below to see who can apply for the fellowship in 2026-27.
- Indian citizenship: the applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- Age limit: general category candidates should be below 45 years as on the last date of application. SC/ST/PwBD candidates get a relaxation of 5 years.
- Ph.D. degree: the scholar must have a Ph.D. in a social science subject at the time of applying.
- Research record: past publications should show the competence to carry out quality research.
- Affiliation: the project must be linked to a public-funded Indian university, deemed university, or college with an approved Ph.D. programme, an ICSSR research institute, or an institution of national importance approved by the Ministry of Education.
- Supervisor: a serving senior social scientist not below the level of Associate Professor has to guide the work.
Scholars who have not yet completed their Ph.D. can check the ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship for doctoral research support.
Exclusions
Scholars who do not meet the eligibility criteria given above cannot apply. The research topic must be new and different from the applicant's Ph.D. thesis. Candidates who have defaulted on any earlier ICSSR grant, project, or fellowship are also not eligible.
Application Process
Applications for ICSSR Post-Doctoral Fellowship 2026-27 are submitted only in online mode. No hard copy needs to be sent by post. The online form opened on 22 June 2026 and the last date has been extended to 07 August 2026.
STEP 1 - Go to the official ICSSR website at icssr.org and open the announcement 'Call for Applications for ICSSR's Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026'. Read the guidelines carefully before filling the form.
STEP 2 - Click on the 'Login to apply' link given in the announcement. This opens the application dashboard at app.icssr.org. Register yourself or log in to your existing account.
STEP 3 - Fill the online application form with correct personal and academic details. The research proposal should be submitted only in the format attached with the application form. No separate research proposal or copies of research papers are to be attached.
STEP 4 - Upload the required documents and submit the application before 07 August 2026. The affiliating institution forwards the application of eligible candidates to ICSSR. Applications can be filled in English or Hindi.
Documents Required
Keep the following documents ready before starting the online application. The final list is given in the official call and the fellowship guidelines.
- Ph.D. degree certificate and proof of age.
- Research proposal in the format attached with the application form.
- Publication records or books that show research competence.
- Forwarding letter by the supervisor.
- Forwarding letter by the affiliating institution or university.
Selection Process
The selection is done in multiple phases by a panel of subject experts. First, all applications are checked and the research proposals are reviewed by the expert panel. Then the recommendations are placed before the required committees of ICSSR for approval. The list of selected candidates is uploaded on the ICSSR website, and the selected scholars and their universities get a provisional award letter.
References
ICSSR Post-Doctoral Fellowship Official Page
Call for Applications - Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026
Extension of Last Date to 07 August 2026
Postdoctoral Fellowship Guidelines 2026-27 (PDF)
FAQ's
What is the monthly fellowship amount?
Selected fellows get a monthly stipend of ₹31,000.
What is the contingency grant used for?
The annual contingency grant of ₹25,000 covers research expenses like books, stationery, fieldwork, and other related costs.
Do I need to have publications to apply?
Yes. Research competence should be shown through earlier publications, and fellows must publish at least two papers in peer-reviewed journals during the fellowship.
How is the fellowship amount paid?
The amount is released in instalments through the affiliating institution after receiving the progress reports and statement of accounts.
Can I apply if I am over 45?
General category candidates should be below 45 years. SC/ST/PwBD candidates get an age relaxation of 5 years.
Is it required to have a Ph.D. before applying?
Yes, the applicant must have completed the Ph.D. at the time of applying.
Can the research topic be the same as my Ph.D. thesis?
No, the research topic must be a new and separate study.
Can I apply if I am linked with a private university?
No, the scheme is for candidates linked with public-funded institutions approved for Ph.D. research.
Can I have any other job or project during the fellowship?
No. The fellowship is a full-time research engagement and no extension is allowed after two years.
Where can I apply for the fellowship?
Submit the application online through the official ICSSR website or the application dashboard at app.icssr.org before 07 August 2026.
What language can I use for the research proposal?
The proposal can be written in English or Hindi. For Hindi, use Unicode 8 (UTF-8) format.
Can I submit multiple applications under this scheme?
No, a scholar can submit only one application under the Post-Doctoral Fellowship scheme. He or she can apply separately for another ICSSR scheme.
What documents are required after selection?
Selected candidates must submit the documents mentioned in the award letter through their affiliating institution.