Scheme of Grants-in-Aid for supporting professional associations/ organisations of social scientists, companies and trusts duly registered under the Companies Act for their development
Up to ₹8L/year for social science associations · national-level NGOs & societies · 5-year renewal
The ICSSR Grants-in-Aid scheme provides annual funding of up to ₹8 lakh to registered national-level associations, organisations, companies, and trusts of social scientists to support their day-to-day operations and development. The grant covers office running costs, books, journals, equipment, and furniture, and can be renewed for up to five years. Applications are accepted year-round through ICSSR's online portal.
About This Scheme
The ICSSR Grants-in-Aid scheme provides annual funding of up to ₹8 lakh to registered national-level associations, organisations, companies, and trusts of social scientists to support their day-to-day operations and development. The grant covers office running costs, books, journals, equipment, and furniture, and can be renewed for up to five years. Applications are accepted year-round through ICSSR's online portal.
Full official description
The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, provides Grants-in-Aid for supporting professional associations/ organisations of social scientists, companies and trusts for their development. The grant sanctioned for supporting the association/organisation, companies and trusts duly registered under the Companies Act should only be used to incur expenditure for running of office i.e electricity,rent, telephone and other related expenditure and purchase of books/journals for library,postage,computer,furniture,office stationery etc. The amount of ad-hoc grant shall ordinarily not exceed Rs. 8,00,000/- annually. The ICSSR may also consider providing grant-in-aid to professional associations/organisations of social scientists of national importance for their development or for any other innovative idea which may help the social science community in general in their development. Ten percent (10%) of total grant-in-aid is paid as the last instalment at the end of the year after the Audited Statement of Accounts and Utilization Certificate in respect of the entire amount of the sanctioned grant are received.
Benefits
- Annual grant-in-aid of up to ₹8,00,000
- Covers office running costs: electricity, rent, telephone, stationery
- Covers purchase of books, journals, computers, and furniture
- Disbursed in two instalments: 90% upfront, 10% on submission of audited accounts
- Renewable annually for up to 5 years based on performance review
💡 Why Startups Should Care
If your social-impact startup operates through a registered society or section-8 company and conducts social science research, this ICSSR grant of up to ₹8 lakh/year can fund your office running costs for up to 5 years — freeing up your revenue for programme delivery rather than administration.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a national-level association, organisation, company, or trust of social scientists
- Must be registered (under the Societies Registration Act or Companies Act)
- Must have been active in socio-economic research for at least 2 years
- Must have at least 200 members across India
- Must be able to submit annual reports and audited accounts for the past 3 years
- Must be engaged in academic social science activities — welfare/extension-only organisations are not eligible
Exclusions
- Not available to organisations not engaged in academic activities in social sciences
- Not available to associations working only in extension or welfare work (without a research component)
How to Apply
- The PRS Division of ICSSR accepts applications throughout the year — no fixed window.
- Submit the prescribed application form (with signature and seal) along with all annexures to the PRS Division.
- ICSSR conducts preliminary scrutiny to verify eligibility and document completeness.
- An Expert Committee evaluates shortlisted proposals based on academic contribution and organisational objectives.
- Selected organisations receive an award letter requesting Grant-in-Aid Bill (GIB) and PFMS details.
- First instalment (90% of grant) is released via sanction order.
- Submit audited utilisation certificate and expenditure statement at year-end to receive the remaining 10% instalment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum annual grant that can be received?
Rs. 8,00,000 depending on membership strength.
What expenses are covered under this grant?
Office rent, electricity, stationery, computer, furniture, library materials, etc.
Can SC/ST-specific activities be funded?
Yes, special consideration is given to SC/ST-related development activities.
How many years can an organisation receive the grant?
Up to five years, renewable annually based on performance.
Should the organisation be registered?
Yes, under Societies Registration Act, 1860 if privately funded.
Can a welfare NGO apply?
No, organisations engaged primarily in welfare work are not eligible.
Is prior experience required?
Yes, at least two years of functioning.
Is the application process online?
Both Online as well as offline.
Where should the application be sent?
PRS Division, ICSSR, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110067.
Can applications be submitted anytime?
Yes, applications are open throughout the year.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Prescribed application form (signed and sealed)
- Annexure I: Organisation information
- Annexure II: Audited accounts and annual reports (last 3 years)
- Annexure III: Details of funding sources (last 3 years)
- Annexure IV: SC/ST certificate (if applicable)
- List of members (minimum 200 nationwide)
- Registration certificate (if privately registered)