In a landmark initiative aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) has invited applications from fourth-year undergraduate students for the newly launched Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme (YSPS).
The scheme was formally inaugurated by Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, on May 12, 2026, during the 58th Foundation Day of ICSSR. The broad theme for the 2026-27 cycle is “Youth and Decolonisation”, aimed at nurturing a new generation of young researchers capable of challenging Eurocentric knowledge frameworks and promoting Bharatiya perspectives, indigenous knowledge systems, and contextually rooted research.
The Yuva Shodh Pratibha scheme is specifically designed for students enrolled in the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme under NEP 2020, particularly those in the 6th and 7th semesters. It marks one of the first major national-level research funding opportunities exclusively targeting undergraduate students in India.
Key Features of the Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme
Under the Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme, research projects must be conducted in teams of 2 or 3 students from the same institution. One student serves as the Lead Researcher, while the others are designated as Researcher-1 and Researcher-2.
This structure is intended to foster collaboration, teamwork, and collective problem-solving among young scholars.
Each team is required to work under the guidance of a regular (permanent) faculty member who preferably holds a PhD and has demonstrated research experience.
The faculty mentor plays a crucial role in ensuring academic rigor and proper utilization of funds.
The project duration is fixed at eight months. Selected teams will receive financial support of up to Rs 3 lakh per project. The budget includes:
- Student stipend of Rs 5,000 per month for a maximum of 6 months.
- Provisions for fieldwork, travel, surveys, equipment, books, software, and contingency expenses.
- Institutional overhead charges of up to 10% (maximum Rs 30,000).
The scheme is structured around eight major research themes, including:
- Decolonising Narratives: Indo-Aryan Theory
- Decolonising Education and Research Methodology
- History, Culture and Language
- Health, Mind and Well-being
- Economic and Financial Sovereignty
- Governance, Law and Political Thought
- Rural Development, Environment and Indian Knowledge Systems
Students are encouraged to develop original proposals aligned with these themes or relevant sub-themes, incorporating local experiences, folk traditions, and Indian intellectual heritage.
Applications will be accepted online from June 6 to July 6, 2026, through the official ICSSR portal. Proposals can be submitted in English or Hindi. The selection process involves screening, peer review, and possible interaction with experts.
This initiative is seen as a significant step towards realising the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 by building research capabilities at the undergraduate level and decolonising social science and humanities research in India.
ICSSR officials believe the Yuva Shodh Pratibha scheme will produce original thinkers rooted in Bharatiya traditions, capable of addressing contemporary societal challenges through innovative, context-based approaches.
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