ICSSR Short Term Doctoral Fellowship 2026: The Indian Council of Social Science Research Short Term Doctoral Fellowship is designed to provide financial support to PhD scholars in social science disciplines who require short-term assistance to complete their doctoral research ( 6 months or until thesis submission, whichever is earlier). This fellowship mainly supports researchers who need funding for fieldwork, data collection, thesis writing and research completion.
Many scholars who are already registered in a PhD program but lack sufficient financial resources can benefit from this fellowship. The ICSSR short-term fellowship provides monthly financial assistance and contingency grants to help scholars finish their research efficiently.
If you are pursuing a PhD in Social Sciences, this guide explains everything you need to know about ICSSR Short Term Doctoral Fellowship eligibility, fellowship amount, guidelines, application process and contact details.
ICSSR Short Term Doctoral Fellowship 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | ICSSR Short-Term Doctoral Fellowship |
| Organization | Indian Council of Social Science Research |
| Eligible Course | PhD in Social Sciences |
| Fellowship Duration | 6 Months |
| Fellowship Amount | Rs. 20,000 per month |
| Contingency Grant | Rs. 20,000 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | www.icssr.org |
ICSSR Short-Term Doctoral Fellowship Eligibility
Candidates must satisfy certain conditions before applying for the fellowship.
Educational Qualification
The applicant must be registered for a PhD in a recognized university in India. The research area should belong to Social Science disciplines such as economics, sociology, political science, geography, public administration, and related fields.
Research Stage Requirement
Applicants should be in the advanced stage of their PhD research. The fellowship is mainly meant for scholars who need financial assistance to complete their doctoral thesis or research work.
Age Limit
Generally, the applicant should be below 35 years of age.
Academic Requirement
Candidates should have at least 55% marks in post-graduation (50% for reserved categories).
Other Conditions
The applicant must not be receiving any other fellowship or major financial assistance during the fellowship period. Meeting these eligibility criteria increases the chances of being shortlisted for the ICSSR Short Term Doctoral Fellowship.
ICSSR Short Term Doctoral Fellowship Amount
One of the major benefits of this fellowship is the financial support provided for research activities.
| Fellowship Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly Fellowship | Rs. 20,000 |
| Contingency Grant | Rs. 20,000 |
| Fellowship Duration | 6 Months |
Key Benefits
- Financial support for completing doctoral research
- Funding for fieldwork and data collection
- Support for research materials and travel expenses
- Encouragement for high-quality social science research
This fellowship helps scholars complete their PhD research without financial pressure.
ICSSR Short Term Doctoral Fellowship Guidelines
Applicants must carefully follow the guidelines issued by ICSSR before applying.
Important Guidelines
- The fellowship is only for PhD scholars in social science disciplines.
- Applicants must submit a detailed research proposal or thesis summary.
- Selection is based on academic performance, research proposal quality, and recommendation from the PhD supervisor.
- Scholars must submit progress reports to ICSSR during the fellowship period.
- The fellowship may be terminated if progress is unsatisfactory.
Following these guidelines is important to maintain the fellowship throughout the research period.
ICSSR Short Term Doctoral Fellowship Application Form
The application process is conducted online through the official ICSSR website.
Steps to Apply
- Visit the ICSSR official website.
- Navigate to the Fellowship section.
- Click on Short Term Doctoral Fellowship Application Form.
- Register using your email ID.
- Fill in the application details carefully.
- Upload required documents.
- Submit the completed application form.
Documents Required for Application
Applicants usually need to upload the following documents:
- PhD registration certificate
- Postgraduate mark sheets and certificates
- Research proposal or thesis synopsis
- Recommendation letter from PhD supervisor
- Identity proof
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Submitting accurate documents is essential for successful application processing.
ICSSR Short Term Doctoral Fellowship Selection Process
The selection process for the fellowship generally includes the following steps:
1. Application Screening
All applications are screened to ensure eligibility requirements are met.
2. Research Proposal Evaluation
Experts evaluate the quality and relevance of the research proposal.
3. Academic Merit Assessment
Academic performance and research background are considered.
4. Final Selection
The final list of selected candidates is approved by the ICSSR expert committee.
Candidates with strong research proposals and good academic records have better chances of selection.
ICSSR Short-Term Doctoral Fellowship Contact Number
| Contact Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Council of Social Science Research |
| Phone | 011-26741849 / 26741836 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | www.icssr.org |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the ICSSR Short Term Doctoral Fellowship? It is a financial assistance program for PhD scholars in social science subjects who require short-term funding to complete their research.
2. What is the amount of ICSSR Short Term Doctoral Fellowship? Selected scholars receive Rs. 20,000 per month along with contingency grants.
3. Who can apply for this fellowship? PhD scholars registered in recognized Indian universities in social science disciplines can apply.
4. What is the duration of the fellowship? The fellowship is usually awarded for six months.
5. How can I apply for the ICSSR Short-Term Doctoral Fellowship? Candidates must apply through the official ICSSR website by filling the online application form.
Conclusion
The ICSSR Short Term Doctoral Fellowship is a valuable opportunity for PhD scholars in social sciences who need financial assistance to complete their research work. With monthly stipends, contingency support, and research funding, the fellowship helps scholars focus on finishing their doctoral thesis successfully.
Researchers who meet the eligibility criteria should carefully follow the guidelines and submit a strong research proposal to increase their chances of selection.
Students searching for merit-based financial support can also explore the Bihar Board Topper Scholarship, which offers cash prizes, laptops, and additional benefits to Bihar Board toppers.
