1. Introduction

This programme aims to assist invited social science scholars in making substantial contributions to international seminars and conferences of significant importance. By doing this, it promotes academic links among social scientists in India and abroad, provides opportunities to develop new insights, enlarges research perspectives, and contributes to the advancement and dissemination of knowledge in social science subjects. Financial assistance is provided to Indian scholars invited to contribute and present papers at international conferences abroad.

Broad Disciplines in Social Sciences:

• Sociology and Social Anthropology

• Political Science/Public Administration

• Economics

• International Studies

• Social Geography and Population Studies

• Commerce and Management

• Social Psychology

• Education

• Social Linguistics/Socio-Cultural Studies

• Law/International Law

• National Security & Strategic Studies

• Other allied Social Science disciplines (e.g., Library Science, Social Work, Media Studies, Modern Social History, Health Studies, Gender Studies, Environmental Studies, Energy Studies, Diaspora Studies, Area Studies, Sanskrit-Society & Culture)

2. Eligibility

2.1 Faculty Eligibility

Serving faculty in ICSSR research institutes, institutions of national importance as defined by the MHRD, universities, deemed universities, and UGC-recognized colleges with a Ph.D. degree.

2.2 Scholar Eligibility

Ph.D./PDF scholars in the advanced stage of their research.

2.3 Independent Scholars

Independent scholars with sufficient research experience and demonstrable publication records.

2.4 Paper Acceptance

The application will be considered only when the conference organizer accepts the paper for oral presentation.

2.5 Co-authored Papers

Priority will be given to the first author, but a No Objection Certificate from the second author(s) must be attached.

2.6 Ineligible Activities

Invitations for poster presentations, session chairing, convener/rapporteur roles, or attendance at workshops/training/refresher/summer/winter courses are not eligible.

3. Application Process

3.1 Application Submission

Applications are received online throughout the year and should be submitted at least three months before the conference date. The ICSSR will not entertain any applications submitted after participation in the conference.

3.2 Hard Copy Submission

A hard copy of the online application, along with all enclosures, must be sent to: In-charge, IC Division, Indian Council of Social Science Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067.

3.3 Language

The full paper to be presented should be in English or Hindi.

4. Procedure for Award

4.1 Initial Scrutiny

The ICSSR Secretariat initially scrutinizes applications.

4.2 Expert Committee Review

An Expert Committee selects applications based on the applicant's research background, paper quality, and the organizing institution's reputation.

4.3 Final Approval

The Expert Committee's recommendations are placed before the Research Committee/Council for final approval.

5. Duration and Value

5.1 Financial Assistance

Faculties are eligible for financial assistance up to 50% of the total visit cost, covering air travel, visa fees, travel insurance, local conveyance, maintenance costs for the stay period (not exceeding the actual conference days plus travel dates), and a registration fee up to USD 200. Scholars are encouraged to apply for registration fee exemptions, especially from developing countries.

5.2 Full Financial Assistance

Scholars belonging to SC/ST, persons with benchmark disabilities, and Doctoral/Post-Doctoral scholars (without pay protection) may be considered for full financial assistance if they have not received assistance from other sources. Based on the Expert Committee's recommendation, faculties from ICSSR Research Institutes may be considered for 75% of the total visit cost.

6. Release of Grant

6.1 Reimbursement

Expenditure will be reimbursed upon submission of the statement of expenditure indicating air ticket costs, visa fees, insurance charges, hotel bills, purchase of foreign currency bills, local airport transfers, photocopy of passport, immigration stamped paper, participation certificate, original boarding pass, a brief report on the conference, and the final full-length paper presented.

7. Monitoring

7.1 Travel Documentation

The ICSSR may request a copy of the booked tickets and visa obtained before departure.

8. Conditions

8.1 Publication

Papers supported by the ICSSR and presented at international seminars should be published in high-value journals, edited books, or impactful reports with due acknowledgment to the ICSSR. Commitment about the same from the publisher/organizers should be submitted along with the Utilization Certificate. The ICSSR reserves the right to publish such papers in its journals, such as the Indian Social Science Review and ICSSR Journal of Abstracts and Reviews.

8.2 Invitation Preference

Invitations from global subject associations, reputed international organizations, and universities will be preferred, with consideration given to the peer review process instituted by the conference organizers.

8.3 Scholar Responsibilities

Scholars are responsible for their travel arrangements, including tickets, visas, and accommodations. Economy class air tickets should be purchased from authorized travel agents: Ashoka Travels and Tours, Balmer Lawrie & Company Ltd, or Indian Railways Catering & Tourism Corporation Ltd.

8.4 Repeat Applications

Applications for the second time will be considered only after a gap of three years. A scholar can avail the award only twice in their lifetime.

8.5 Government Rules

The ICSSR follows Government of India rules and directives regarding SC, ST, and persons with benchmark disabilities.

8.6 Application Rejection

The Council reserves the right to reject any application without assigning a reason and is not responsible for postal delays/losses. Incomplete applications and those not duly forwarded will not be considered.

8.7 Final Authority

The ICSSR has the final authority on the interpretation of the guidelines or any other issues.

8.8 Full Paper Submission

Grants will be considered only after submission of the full paper for presentation at international conferences.

9. Completion

9.1 Post-Visit Report

Scholars should submit a detailed report on their participation in the conference/seminar, along with copies of air travel tickets, visa, original boarding pass, certificate of participation, etc.