Research Study-Seminar (Grant-in-Aid Scheme)

Research Study-Seminar (Grant-in-Aid Scheme) supports eligible research organizations and Central Government officials by offering financial support and data backing to fill critical data gaps in official statistics. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India, runs this grant scheme, and the Central Statistics Office (CSO) manages it.

In 2026, MoSPI invited fresh proposals from eligible institutions under the Grant-in-Aid component of its Capacity Development Scheme. There is no fixed annual last date, but applications must reach the Ministry at least six months before the proposed event or project start. Current call for research proposals covers areas such as national accounts, environmental accounting, GDP and NDP measurement, survey methodology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, administrative data, GST analytics, mobile phone data, price statistics, knowledge economy, and governance.

Research Study-Seminar (Grant-in-Aid Scheme) - Introduction

Research Study-Seminar (Grant-in-Aid Scheme) promotes research studies and seminars in official statistics through financial support under the Grant-in-Aid component of the Capacity Development Scheme. Research organizations get cash support to complete studies and surveys, host seminars and workshops, and send officials to international conferences. Applications are sent to the Additional Director General, Capacity Development Division, Central Statistical Organisation (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

This scheme has been in place for years and remains open for fresh proposals in 2026. Central Government officials whose technical papers are accepted at international statistical events can also apply for travel support under the same scheme. Researchers looking for related central funding options can also check the ICSSR International Collaboration scheme on this website.

Key Information

Benefits

Financial support helps institutions complete research and take part in global knowledge sharing. Funds are available under the following categories:

Travel Grant Support covers return economy class airfare via Air India, visa fees, airport taxes, registration fees, and per diem allowances as per official government rules.

Payment Process: Research studies receive funds in three parts (40:40:20). Seminars get 50% upfront, and the remaining 50% is given as reimbursement based on actual expenses.

Eligibility

For Research Institutions: To receive funding, the institution should be a professional research body working in official statistics for at least three years. It should have qualified statisticians, economists, and social scientists on its team. Eligible organizations include government agencies, institutions getting annual regular grants (such as UGC or CSIR), societies registered under the Societies Registration Act, trusts, and companies. For seminars, the organization should be non-profit.

For Officials (Travel Grants): Central Government officials, staff of Central autonomous institutions, and university personnel can apply. The international visit must relate to their area of work. Applicants must get all required clearances, including political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and FCRA clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Travel support is limited to one research paper presentation per financial year per official.

Exclusions

This scheme does not fund pure theoretical research in statistics or annual meetings of statistical associations. Funds cannot be used for capital expenditure. Salary of a Project Director or expert is not covered if they are already a regular employee of the institution.

Application Process

STEP 1 - Download the prescribed format and official guidelines. Prepare a proposal with a forwarding letter, institutional profile, technical methodology, and detailed financial estimates.

STEP 2 - Email the completed application to the Additional Director General, Capacity Development Division, Central Statistical Organisation (CSO). Send research proposals to training-mospi@nic.in and travel support applications to training-mospi@gov.in. Submit applications at least six months before the scheduled event.

Documents

Applicants should provide the following required documents based on their application type:

• For Research: Forwarding letter, institutional profile (max two pages), technical and financial details (Formats III and IV), Gantt charts for activity and staffing, CVs of experts, and reports of recent completed projects.
• For Seminars: Application form (Format IX), institution profile, proof of key participant confirmation, and relevant government clearances (MEA/MHA).
• For Travel: Proforma X, official invitation from the host, proof of paper acceptance, and all required political and FCRA clearances.

For fund payment, institutions must submit quarterly progress reports, utilization certificates, and audited statements.

References

Official Guidelines and Application Formats

For the latest call for research proposals, check the official website of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

FAQ's

What minimum staffing capability is required for research institutions?

Institution must employ qualified statisticians, economists, and social scientists to be eligible.

Can an official apply for multiple travel grants in one year?

No, an official is limited to one travel grant request per financial year for presenting papers abroad.

Are theoretical statistics research projects eligible?

No, proposals focusing only on pure theoretical research do not get funding.

Must the travel paper be related to official duties?

Yes, the international paper presentation must be directly related to the area of work of the official.

How long must an organization be active to apply?

The research institution must have been working in official statistics for at least three consecutive years.

What proof is needed for paper acceptance?

Applicants must submit official documentary evidence or a formal confirmation letter from conference organizers.

Does this scheme fund the purchase of office equipment?

No, this scheme does not cover capital expenditure or permanent asset purchase.

Who is eligible for Travel Grant Support?

This benefit is reserved for officials of the Central Government, Central autonomous institutions, and university personnel.

Should the invitation be addressed to the officer directly?

The invitation must be addressed to the administrative Ministry or Department, not just to the individual officer.