ICSSR Launches 18 Crore Research Scheme for Undergraduates
The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) has introduced a new scheme to support undergraduate research, focusing on Indian-centric studies.
Source: HT India NewsThe Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) has launched a significant research scheme for undergraduate students. This initiative, valued at 18 crore, aims to fund 600 undergraduate projects. Each selected project will receive a fellowship of 3 lakh. The scheme's core theme is "Youth and Decolonisation," encouraging research that adopts Indian-centric approaches and perspectives. The ICSSR's goal is to promote original research among young scholars and foster a deeper understanding of India's social, cultural, and historical contexts. This move by ICSSR is expected to boost academic interest in social sciences at the undergraduate level and contribute to a more diverse research landscape.
This ICSSR scheme is important for exam aspirants as it highlights government initiatives in education and research, relevant for UPSC GS Paper II (Social Justice, Government Policies) and SSC General Awareness. It shows the government's focus on promoting indigenous research and decolonising academic thought. Aspirants should note the funding amount, number of fellowships, and the specific theme, as these are common factual questions in competitive exams.
- ICSSR launched an 18 crore research scheme for undergraduates.
- The scheme will fund 600 undergraduate projects.
- Each selected project will receive a fellowship of 3 lakh.
- The research theme is "Youth and Decolonisation."
- The scheme promotes Indian-centric research approaches.
- The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) is the implementing body.
The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) is an autonomous organization established in 1969 by the Government of India. Its main function is to promote social science research in India. It provides grants for research projects, fellowships, and international collaboration. ICSSR also maintains data banks and documentation services for social scientists.
Decolonisation, in an academic context, refers to the process of critically examining and dismantling colonial influences in knowledge systems, curricula, and research methodologies. It involves shifting away from Eurocentric perspectives and promoting indigenous or local ways of knowing, thinking, and researching. The goal is to create more inclusive and culturally relevant academic discourse.
A fellowship is a monetary grant given to a scholar or researcher to support their academic work, research, or study. It typically covers living expenses, research costs, and sometimes tuition fees. Fellowships are often competitive and awarded based on academic merit, research proposal quality, and potential contribution to the field.
UPSC and State PSC exams often ask about government bodies like ICSSR, their establishment year, and key initiatives. SSC exams might focus on the financial outlay or the number of beneficiaries of such schemes. Pay attention to the specific theme and funding details.
Remember 'ICSSR' for 'Indian Culture, Students, Social Research' and ' 18 crore for 600 projects' as '18/3 = 6' (lakh per project).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main objective of the ICSSR undergraduate research scheme?
The main objective of the ICSSR undergraduate research scheme is to promote Indian-centric research approaches among young scholars. It aims to foster original research on the theme of "Youth and Decolonisation" and encourage a deeper understanding of India's social, cultural, and historical contexts at the undergraduate level.
How much funding will each undergraduate project receive under the ICSSR scheme?
Under the ICSSR undergraduate research scheme, each selected project will receive a fellowship of 3 lakh. This funding is intended to support the research activities and related expenses for the undergraduate students involved in the projects.
What is the theme for the research projects under the new ICSSR scheme?
The theme for the research projects under the new ICSSR scheme is "Youth and Decolonisation." This theme encourages students to explore topics that critically examine colonial influences and promote indigenous perspectives in various fields of social science research.