Scheme of Publication Grant/Subsidy for Publication of Doctoral Thesis/Research Report/ Papers Presented in Seminars/Conferences, etc.
ICSSR provides up to ₹2 lakh to social science researchers — doctoral students, faculty, and research fellows — to publish their doctoral thesis, research project report, or seminar papers through a recognized publisher. ICSSR pays the publisher directly and manages the publication process; you get your work published at no personal cost. Apply through the ICSSR Publications and Research Support (PRS) Division with your manuscript and supporting documents.
About This Scheme
ICSSR provides up to ₹2 lakh to social science researchers — doctoral students, faculty, and research fellows — to publish their doctoral thesis, research project report, or seminar papers through a recognized publisher. ICSSR pays the publisher directly and manages the publication process; you get your work published at no personal cost. Apply through the ICSSR Publications and Research Support (PRS) Division with your manuscript and supporting documents.
Full official description
The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, provides financial assistance for the publication of high-quality doctoral theses, research project/fellowship reports, and seminar/conference papers in the field of social sciences. The maximum grant offered is Rs. 2,00,000, and manuscripts are evaluated by subject experts. The final publication must follow ICSSR publishing standards and is to be completed within one year from the date of grant. ICSSR pays the publisher directly and mandates submission of copies, royalty terms, and quality assurance. The publication must acknowledge ICSSR support.
Benefits
- Up to ₹2 lakh grant for publishing the approved manuscript
- ICSSR pays the publisher directly — no out-of-pocket expense for the researcher
- Covers all printing, editorial, and production costs
- Author receives minimum 10% royalty on actual book sales
- ICSSR purchases additional copies of the published work at a 25% discount
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Manuscript must be based on social science research (economics, sociology, political science, history, etc.)
- For doctoral theses: degree must have been approved within the last 3 years
- Author must have at least one research paper published in a reputed journal
- For project/fellowship reports: must be from ICSSR-funded or other recognized research projects
- Seminar/conference papers must be of demonstrable scholarly quality
Exclusions
- Incomplete applications or missing documentation.
How to Apply
ICSSR funded Research Reports*S. No.StepAction*Documents Required*1.*Receipt of ManuscriptPRS Division receives manuscripts/reports from other ICSSR divisions.Final ICSSR-funded Manuscript/Report*2. Expert EvaluationPRS sends the manuscript for review by a subject expert.Evaluation Report by Expert*3. RecommendationsExpert feedback forms the basis for approval.Evaluation Report4. Minutes PreparationPRS prepares Minutes with expert recommendation.Minutes of the meeting5. ApprovalsMinutes approved by Member Secretary and ICSSR Council.Signed Minutes
6. PublishersManuscript is sent to ICSSR empanelled publishers as per subject and Quotations are invited.Publisher Quotations Manuscript Copy7. Selection of PublisherBest-suited publisher is selected based on quotation and domain expertise.Comparative Quotation Sheet, Selection Note8. Agreement & SanctionPublisher submits Agreement and agreement is signed.Agreement Copy9. Final Editing & ReviewPublisher shares edited version which is further reviewed by PRS and author.Final Edited Copy, Author’s Approval**10.**Final PublicationBuy Back 100 copies
Applications received Online/Offline
S. No *StepActionDocuments Required***1.*Application SubmissionApplicant submits application on prescribed form (year-round).Application Form, Annexure-I: Abstract, Annexure-II: CV, Annexure-III: Hardbound Manuscript, Annexure-IV: SC/ST Certificate (if applicable), Published Research Papers*2.*Preliminary ScrutinyPRS verifies eligibility, publication record, and document completeness.Application and all other documents*3.*Expert EvaluationPRS sends manuscript to expert for academic reviewEvaluation Report*4.*RecommendationsBased on expert's opinions, PRS prepares recommendations.Expert Report*5.**Minutes PreparationRecommendation is documented and sent for approval.Minutes Document
**6.*ApprovalsMember Secretary and ICSSR Council approve publication.Signed Minutes*7.**Applicants are informed Applicants are informed about recommendation/non-recommendation of their manuscripts. **8.*Publisher SelectionICSSR sends manuscripts to publishers for interest and quotes.Publisher Quotations*9.*Award of Publication WorkBest publisher is selected.Comparative Quotation Sheet, Selection Note*10.*Agreement & SanctionPublisher submits agreement and agreement is signed.Agreement Copy*11.*Editing & ReviewPublisher shares final edited draft; reviewed by author and PRS.Final Draft, Author's Consent*12.**Final PublicationBuy Back 100 copies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum grant amount?
Rs. 2,00,000
Who receives the grant money?
The publisher, not the author.
Can ICSSR help with selecting a publisher?
Yes, from their list of approved publishers.
Does ICSSR buy additional copies?
Yes, at a minimum 25% discount.
Is ICSSR’s name to be mentioned in the book?
Yes, with due acknowledgment of support and disclaimer.
Is it mandatory to have a recent Ph.D.?
Yes, awarded within the last 3 years.
Can non-ICSSR funded work be submitted?
Yes, if of high quality.
Is the application online?
Both ways.
Where to send the manuscript?
PRS Division, ICSSR, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi - 110067
Are applications accepted year-round?
Yes
Can the title or content be changed after submission?
Only with ICSSR’s prior approval.
What if the manuscript is not published within a year?
The grant lapses unless formally extended by ICSSR.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.in