Research Study/Seminar (Grant-in-Aid Scheme)
₹50 lakh grant for statistics research · research institutions · seminars up to ₹20 lakh
Research institutions working in official statistics can receive grants of up to ₹50 lakh for research studies (up to ₹1 crore in exceptional cases) and up to ₹20 lakh for organising international seminars/conferences from MoSPI. Central Government officials with accepted papers at international statistical events can also apply for travel grants covering airfare, registration, visa, and per diem. Submit proposals by email to training-mospi@nic.in at least 6 months before the proposed event or project start.
About This Scheme
Research institutions working in official statistics can receive grants of up to ₹50 lakh for research studies (up to ₹1 crore in exceptional cases) and up to ₹20 lakh for organising international seminars/conferences from MoSPI. Central Government officials with accepted papers at international statistical events can also apply for travel grants covering airfare, registration, visa, and per diem. Submit proposals by email to training-mospi@nic.in at least 6 months before the proposed event or project start.
Full official description
“Research Study/Seminar (Grant-in-Aid Scheme)” has been launched by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI), Government of India. The scheme aims to promote Research Studies and Seminars in official statistics by way of providing financial assistance and data support under the Grant-in-Aid component of the Scheme Capacity Development. The scheme is implemented by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India. The applications for this scheme are accepted by submission to the Additional Director General, Training Division, Central Statistical Organisation.
Benefits
- Research studies: Up to ₹50,00,000 (up to ₹1,00,00,000 in exceptional cases approved by Secretary, MoSPI)
- National seminars/workshops/conferences: Up to ₹10,00,000
- International seminars/workshops/conferences: Up to ₹20,00,000
- Travel grants: Economy class airfare (Air India), registration fee, airport tax, visa fee, and per diem as per GoI rules
- Research funds released in 40:40:20 installments; seminar funds in 50:50 installments
💡 Why Startups Should Care
If your data analytics or govtech startup works with official statistics, this scheme can fund collaborative research with a government institution partner — the institution applies on behalf of the project, but a well-structured MOU can make this work for you.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- For research/seminar grants: Must be a professional or research institution engaged in official statistics for at least 3 years, with qualified statisticians, economists, or social scientists on staff
- Eligible institution types: government institutions, UGC/CSIR-funded bodies, registered societies, trusts, or companies incorporated under the Companies Act
- Institution must be not-for-profit to qualify for seminar/conference grants
- For travel grants: Must be a Central Government/autonomous institution/university official whose technical paper has been accepted at an international statistical conference
- Travel grant applicants must have obtained MEA political clearance and MHA FCRA clearance (where required)
- Travel grant: limited to one proposal per financial year per officer
Exclusions
- Does not cover pure theoretical statistics research
- Does not cover annual meetings of statistical associations or societies
- Does not cover capital expenditure
- Does not cover salaries of regular employees charged to project cost
How to Apply
- Download the prescribed format from MOSPI guidelines at mospi.gov.in
- For research studies, prepare a forwarding letter, institution profile (max 2 pages), technical details, and financial details
- Email the proposal to training-mospi@nic.in for research studies, or training-mospi@gov.in for travel grant assistance
- For seminars, submit at least 6 months before the event
- For Travel Grant Assistance, submit at least 6 months before the proposed conference
Frequently Asked Questions
If my institution focuses on research related to official statistics, what minimum staffing capability is required regarding statisticians, economists, and social scientists?
The institution must have qualified statisticians, economists, and social scientists on its staff.
If I have already received assistance for presenting a research paper abroad during this current financial year, can I still submit a separate request for this type of grant?
An applicant official will not be recommended for more than one proposal for Travel Grant Assistance during the current financial year if the purpose is presenting their paper abroad.
What specific areas of statistical inquiry are ineligible for funding, particularly regarding the theoretical nature of the research work?
The proposals relating strictly to pure theoretical research in statistics are not eligible for financial assistance.
For an officer seeking travel grants, must the topic of the paper being presented at the international conference be directly related to the specific duties and responsibilities of the officer?
Yes, the purpose of the visit must be directly related to the area of work of the concerned officer.
What is the minimum operational history required for a professional or research institution working in the field of official statistics to be considered eligible for grant assistance?
The professional or research institution or organization must have been engaged in the field of official statistics for a minimum period of three (3) years.
When submitting a proposal for travel funds to an international statistical conference, what official proof is required to demonstrate that my paper has been accepted for presentation?
You must provide appropriate documentary evidence confirming the acceptance of the paper for presentation by the agencies organizing the international statistical conference, seminar, or workshop.
Are all proposals concerning statistics research eligible for funding, or are there specific types of academic activities that are specifically excluded from financial assistance?
Proposals for holding annual meetings of statistical associations or societies will not be eligible for financial assistance.
If the Project Director or certain experts are regular, salaried employees of the applicant institution, can their existing salaries be covered or charged to the scheme's budget during the project duration?
The salary of the Project Director or Experts, if they are already working as regular employees of the institute, cannot be charged from the project cost during the project period.
What are the mandatory governmental permissions, such as clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs, that I must secure before submitting my application for travel assistance?
All necessary clearances must have been obtained, including political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), wherever required.
If my organization is seeking a Grant-in-Aid specifically for hosting a National or International Seminar, Conference, or Workshop on official statistics, what status must the organization hold?
For the purpose of Grant-in-Aid for National and International Seminars, Conferences, or Workshops, the institution or organization shall be registered as "not-for-profit" to be eligible for assistance under this Scheme.
When applying for assistance to present a technical paper internationally, is it acceptable if the paper was developed solely through the officer's independent choice or private endeavor?
No, the technical paper must have been submitted through the proper official channel for the event and not solely out of the officer's own volition.
Since various types of expenses are covered by the scheme, is financial assistance provided for the acquisition of new infrastructure or permanent assets related to the project?
No, financial assistance is explicitly not available for the purpose of incurring any capital expenditure.
Are there specific government employees or academic personnel who are eligible to seek financial assistance under the Travel Grants Assistance component of the scheme?
Travel Grants Assistance is exclusively available for officials of the Central Government, Central autonomous institutions, or university personnel.
If an official receives a direct invitation from the host organization to attend an international event, should this invitation be addressed only to the individual officer, or to a higher authority?
An official invitation must be available from the host organization, and it must be addressed to the officer's administrative Ministry, Department, or Organization.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Forwarding letter with undertaking from Head of Institution
- Institution profile (max 2 pages)
- Technical details of the proposal
- Financial details of the proposal
- Reports of 3 best completed projects
- Registration certificate (if society/trust/company)
- Audited annual reports and balance sheets (last 3 years)
- Professional staff details
- CV of each expert including Project Director
- Bank account details with IFSC and CIN