🏛 What is the ICSSR Internship Programme?
The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, has launched the Senior Internship Programme 2025–26 for young researchers in the fields of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Interdisciplinary Studies.
This six-month ICSSR internship offers a unique opportunity for postgraduate students and young scholars to gain hands-on research experience in one of India’s premier social science research institutions. It’s an initiative aimed at nurturing talent, fostering research skills, and encouraging a deeper understanding of social issues through structured mentorship.
Whether you’re a student planning to pursue a PhD or someone looking to build a research-oriented career, the ICSSR Senior Internship can be the perfect stepping stone.
🎯 Highlights of Senior ICSSR Internship 2025–26
Before diving into the details, let’s look at the key highlights of the internship:
- Number of Vacancies: 20 positions available
- Stipend: ₹25,000/- per month (fixed)
- Duration: 6 months (full-time, offline internship)
- Location: ICSSR Headquarters, New Delhi
- Working Hours: 40 hours/week, Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Accommodation: Limited residential facility available only for female candidates, on a twin-sharing basis
- Application Deadline: 18th August 2025
- Mode of Application: Online only via ICSSR Portal
📚 About the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)
The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Education, dedicated to promoting research in social sciences. Established in 1969, ICSSR supports:
- Funding for research projects
- Fellowships for scholars
- Research training programmes
- Capacity-building initiatives for young researchers
- Publications and dissemination of social science research
By offering internships like the Senior Internship Programme, ICSSR aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical research exposure, preparing the next generation of social scientists.
🎓 Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Criteria
The ICSSR Senior Internship Programme is exclusive to postgraduate students and researchers from India who meet the following criteria:
- Educational Qualification
- A Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Humanities, or Interdisciplinary Studies from a recognized university/institution
- A minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent grade
- Skills Required
To excel during the internship, candidates must demonstrate:- A good understanding of research methodology in social sciences
- Basic knowledge of statistical tools for data analysis
- Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Strong communication and analytical skills
- Ability to work in a team and meet deadlines
- Additional Attributes
- Organizational ability and willingness to learn
- Passion for research and academic writing
- Basic familiarity with academic databases and literature review techniques
If you are planning to pursue M.Phil. or PhD in the future, this ICSSR internship will give you a head start in your academic journey.
💰 What Does the Internship Offer?
Selected interns will receive the following benefits:
- Stipend: A fixed ₹25,000/- per month for six months
- Research Experience: Exposure to policy-oriented and academic research
- Mentorship: Guidance from senior scholars and researchers at ICSSR
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with renowned academicians, policymakers, and research fellows
- Skill Development: Improve data analysis, report writing, and presentation skills
- Certification: An official certificate of internship on successful completion
🏢 ICSSR Internship Work Structure
- Interns in ICSSR internship will be required to work offline (on-site) at the ICSSR Headquarters in New Delhi.
- Working Hours: 40 hours/week from Monday to Friday (9:30 AM – 6:00 PM), with a 30-minute lunch break.
- Interns will assist in:
- Research projects
- Data collection & analysis
- Report writing & documentation
- Organizing academic workshops and seminars
- Supporting ICSSR publications & policy briefs
🛏 Accommodation Facility
- Very limited residential accommodation is available only for female interns on a twin-sharing basis.
- Male candidates and other female candidates who don’t get accommodation must arrange their own stay in Delhi.
🛠 Selection Process
The selection process for the ICSSR Internship is competitive yet straightforward:
- Online Application Submission
- Fill out the online application form of ICSSR internship at https://app.icssr.org before the deadline.
- Shortlisting
- Applications are screened based on academic qualifications, research interests, and relevant skills.
- Interview/Interaction
- Only shortlisted candidates will be called for an interaction or interview (either online or offline).
- Final Selection
- Selected candidates will receive an official internship offer letter via email.
⚠ Important Notes
- This ICSSR internship is not a job and does not guarantee future employment with ICSSR.
- Candidates must submit their applications online only; no physical or email submissions will be accepted.
- Deadline: The last date to submit the online application is 18th August 2025.
- ICSSR reserves the right to modify or cancel the internship programme at any time.
📝 How to Apply for ICSSR Internship 2025–26
Follow these step-by-step instructions to apply online:
- Visit the Official ICSSR Portal
👉 https://app.icssr.org - Create Applicant Login
- Click on Apply for Vacancy > Login > Create New Account
- Fill in Your Details
- Enter personal information, educational qualifications, and work/research experience
- Upload Required Documents
- Scanned copy of Master’s degree certificate & mark sheet
- Updated CV/Resume
- Research proposal or statement of interest
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Submit Application
- Double-check all details and click Submit
- Save a copy of the acknowledgment receipt
- Wait for Shortlisting
- Keep checking your registered email for updates from ICSSR
🗓 Important Dates
- Application Start Date: Already Open
- Last Date to Apply: 18th August 2025
- Shortlisting & Interviews: September 2025
- Internship Start Date: Likely October 2025
🔍 Why Should You Apply?
The ICSSR Internship is more than just an internship – it’s a gateway to a research career.
- Gain valuable experience in academic research
- Learn directly from leading social science researchers
- Build professional networks that can help in future research or policy jobs
- Strengthen your PhD applications with real research experience
- Contribute to policy-relevant research in India
This internship is ideal for Master’s students and recent graduates who want to build a career in academia, policy research, NGOs, think tanks, or international organizations.
🤔 FAQs on ICSSR Senior Internship 2025–26
Q1. Who can apply for the Senior ICSSR Internship?
✅ Candidates with a Master’s degree (55% or above) in Social Sciences, Humanities, or Interdisciplinary Studies from a recognized university.
Q2. Is there any age limit?
✅ There is no specific age limit, but it is designed for young researchers and postgraduates.
Q3. Is the ICSSR internship paid?
✅ Yes, interns receive a stipend of ₹25,000/- per month (fixed).
Q4. Will the ICSSR internship help in getting a job at ICSSR?
✅ No, it is a learning programme only and does not guarantee future employment.
Q5. Can male candidates apply?
✅ Yes, but accommodation is only available for female interns. Male candidates must arrange their own stay in Delhi.
Q6. Do I need research experience to apply?
✅ Basic research skills are required, but prior formal research experience is not mandatory.
Q7. What is the mode of work?
✅ It is a full-time, offline internship at ICSSR, New Delhi.
Q8. Can I work part-time or remotely?
✅ No, interns are required to work 40 hours per week on-site.
Q9. How many interns will be selected?
✅ A total of 20 interns will be selected for the 2025–26 session.
Q10. What happens after I submit my application?
✅ Your application will be screened, and if shortlisted, you’ll be called for an interaction/interview.
🏆 Why Choose the ICSSR Senior Internship Programme?
The ICSSR Senior Internship Programme is more than just a short-term engagement—it is a career-transforming opportunity for young scholars, researchers, and postgraduate students in social sciences, humanities, and interdisciplinary studies. Here’s why this internship stands out and why it can be the perfect step forward in your academic and professional journey:
✅ Gain National-Level Exposure to Social Science Research
The ICSSR internship places you right at the heart of India’s premier social science research council. You’ll gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research projects, work closely with senior researchers, and contribute to policy-relevant studies that impact India’s socio-economic development. This national-level exposure will give you a deep understanding of the research ecosystem, academic rigor, and emerging trends in the field.
✅ Work on Policy-Relevant Issues that Shape India’s Future
One of the most rewarding aspects of the ICSSR internship is the opportunity to work on real-world, policy-driven research questions. You may be involved in projects that influence government policies, academic debates, and social development initiatives. By contributing to these impactful studies, you become part of India’s knowledge-building process, making your internship both meaningful and career-enhancing.
✅ Access to Exclusive ICSSR Library & NASSDOC Resources
As an intern, you’ll get unrestricted access to the ICSSR Library and the National Social Science Documentation Centre (NASSDOC)—two of the most comprehensive repositories of social science literature in India. From rare books and journals to extensive databases, these resources will enrich your research skills and help you build a strong academic foundation for your future studies.
✅ Attend Academic Events, Seminars & High-Level Conferences
During the ICSSR internship, you’ll have the chance to attend workshops, seminars, and conferences organized by ICSSR and its partner institutions. This exposure will allow you to:
- Interact with eminent scholars and policymakers
- Learn from expert-led sessions on research methodology
- Network with fellow interns, researchers, and academicians
Such experiences not only broaden your perspective but also open doors to future collaborations and career opportunities in research and policy sectors.
✅ Enhance Your Resume with a Prestigious Certificate
Upon successful completion of the ICSSR internship, you’ll receive a prestigious certificate of internship from the Indian Council of Social Science Research. This certificate is highly regarded by universities, research institutes, and think tanks, adding significant value to your academic and professional profile. It strengthens your CV, making you a competitive candidate for PhD admissions, research fellowships, and jobs in NGOs, policy organizations, and international bodies.
✅ Build Strong Research & Analytical Skills
Beyond exposure and networking, the ICSSR internship helps you develop critical research skills—from data collection and statistical analysis to academic writing and policy report drafting. These are transferable skills that will benefit you whether you pursue higher education, research-based careers, or policy-making roles.
✅ Be Part of a Prestigious National Institution
Working at ICSSR gives you the prestige of being associated with India’s leading social science research organization, operating under the Ministry of Education. This experience reflects credibility and excellence, showcasing your commitment to meaningful, knowledge-based work.
🌟 In Summary
Choosing the ICSSR Senior Internship Programme means:
- Becoming part of high-impact research that contributes to India’s policy and academic discourse
- Expanding your network within the research and academic community
- Gaining exclusive access to national-level resources and mentorship
- Strengthening your career prospects with a recognized internship certificate
This internship is an investment in your future as a researcher, policymaker, or academic professional. This programme is a launchpad for future researchers, helping you build the foundation for PhD, policy, and think-tank roles.
✅ Quick Checklist Before Applying
- ✔ Master’s degree (55% or above) in a relevant field
- ✔ Updated CV/Resume
- ✔ Statement of interest/research proposal
- ✔ Scanned documents (degree certificate, photograph)
- ✔ Good understanding of research methods & MS Office
🌐 Official Links
- ICSSR Senior Internship Portal:
👉 https://app.icssr.org - ICSSR Official Website:
👉 https://icssr.org
⚠ Disclaimer
The ICSSR Senior Internship 2025–26 details, including stipend, duration, and selection process, are subject to change. Always refer to the official ICSSR website and portal for the latest updates.
✨ Conclusion
The ICSSR Senior Internship Programme 2025–26 is a golden opportunity for young social science enthusiasts to gain hands-on research experience at India’s premier research council. With 20 positions, a stipend of ₹25,000/month, and structured mentorship, this internship can boost your research career and academic credentials.
If you have a passion for research, strong analytical skills, and a desire to contribute to India’s social science knowledge base, apply now before 18th August 2025. Follow ScholarshipGrow.