Comprehensive Overview & Notification Background
The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) has officially published its notification for the engagement of temporary research positions under ICSSR-sponsored research projects for the year 2026. This recruitment drive aims to fill 5 vacancies for the positions of Research Assistant and Field Investigator. Candidates possessing higher educational qualifications in Social Science disciplines and keen interest in empirical field research, data collection, and academic writing are encouraged to submit their applications.
The application submission for ICSSR Recruitment 2026 is conducted through email mode. Candidates must send their updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) along with supporting academic documents to the designated official email address on or before 02 September 2026. Late submissions or incomplete applications will not be entertained.
Vacancies Breakdown & Educational Eligibility Criteria
ICSSR provides financial assistance and institutional support to advance social science research across India. Selected candidates for these temporary posts will work directly under the supervision of Project Directors on designated research topics.
Vacancy Distribution and Qualification Details
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Minimum Educational Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Research Assistant | Part of 5 Posts | Post Graduate degree in any Social Science discipline (Economics, Sociology, Political Science, Public Administration, Psychology, etc.) with a minimum of 55% marks. Prior experience in research methodology and data analysis will be preferred. |
| Field Investigator | Part of 5 Posts | Post Graduate degree in Social Science discipline with a minimum of 55% marks. Good communication skills and willingness to undertake field travel are essential. |
Age Limit, Age Relaxation Rules, & Reservation Policy
The upper age limits for Research Assistant and Field Investigator positions are aligned with ICSSR guidelines and project funding rules:
- General Candidates: Maximum age limit as per ICSSR guidelines at the time of application submission.
- Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD): Age relaxation will be applicable as per Government of India directives and institutional regulations.
- Relaxation for Experience: Candidates having relevant research experience or publications may be given due consideration during shortlisting.
Pay Scale, Salary Structure, Allowance, & Perks
The remuneration for research project staff funded by ICSSR follows fixed monthly fellowship/consolidated salary norms:
- Research Assistant: Consolidated monthly honorarium as fixed by ICSSR guidelines (typically ranging as per project budget framework).
- Field Investigator: Monthly consolidated stipend or daily allowances based on field visit duration as governed by institutional terms.
- Perks: Opportunities for hands-on research experience, co-authorship in scholarly reports, and professional exposure in public policy research.
Selection Process
The selection procedure for ICSSR Research Assistant and Field Investigator recruitment relies on merit and interactive evaluation:
- Initial Screening / Shortlisting: Applications received via email will be screened based on academic credentials, relevant research exposure, and qualification percentage.
- Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online or offline personal interview before an expert selection committee.
- Document Verification: Verification of original degree certificates, mark sheets, identity proofs, and experience certificates prior to formal appointment.
Detailed Assessment Scheme
| Evaluation Stage | Criteria Evaluated | Mode of Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: Shortlisting | Academic Record (55%+ PG), Research Proposal/Experience | Document Verification & CV Screening |
| Stage 2: Interview | Subject Knowledge, Fieldwork Skills, Analytical Ability | In-Person / Virtual Interview |
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Fill the Online / Email Application Form
Eligible candidates must complete their application process accurately using the instructions outlined below:
- Visit the official website of ICSSR at https://icssr.org to review the official project recruitment notice.
- Prepare a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) containing contact information, academic record (Class 10 onwards), relevant research experience, and publication details (if any).
- Scan all relevant supporting documents including degree certificates, mark sheets, date of birth proof, and identity card into a single structured PDF file.
- Compose an email with the subject line "Application for the post of [Research Assistant / Field Investigator] - ICSSR Project 2026".
- Attach your updated CV along with the combined PDF document and send it to the designated official email address mentioned in the notification before 02 September 2026.
Important Guidelines & Documents Required for Verification
Candidates shortlisted for interview must bring original copies as well as self-attested photocopies of the following credentials:
- Graduation and Post-Graduation Degree Certificates & Marksheets
- Proof of Date of Birth (Class 10th Certificate / Birth Certificate)
- Valid Photo Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Passport)
- Category Certificate (if claiming reservation/relaxation)
- Copies of published research papers or previous project completion certificates (if applicable)