Indian Council of Social Science Research Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme (YSPS) 2026 – Research Grant for FYUP Students
ICSSR Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme (YSPS) 2026: Every student dreams of contributing to society, but often lacks the resources and platform to transform ideas into impactful work. The Indian Council of Social Science Research Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme (YSPS) bridges this gap by empowering young minds to explore India’s rich intellectual traditions and address contemporary challenges through research. With financial support, mentorship, and national recognition, this initiative inspires students to become innovators, thinkers, and future leaders who can shape a stronger and more self-reliant India.
The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) under the Ministry of Education has launched the Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme (YSPS) to encourage undergraduate research under the framework of National Education Policy 2020. This initiative is specially designed for students enrolled in Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes (FYUP) and aims to promote original India-centric research rooted in Bharatiya knowledge systems and intellectual traditions.
The inaugural research theme is: “Youth and Decolonisation”
The scheme encourages students to critically examine colonial frameworks and develop research from an Indian perspective.
What is YSPS?
The Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme (YSPS) is a funded student research programme where undergraduate students can conduct guided academic research with financial support from Indian Council of Social Science Research.
It promotes:
- Critical thinking
- Research culture among youth
- India-centric academic discourse
- Interdisciplinary social science studies
Why This Scheme Matters?
The Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme is more than just a scholarship—it is a platform for young minds to rediscover India’s intellectual heritage and contribute to nation-building through research. It empowers students to think independently, question inherited narratives, and create knowledge rooted in Indian realities.
Financial Benefits
Research Grant
- Up to ₹3,00,000 per selected project
Monthly Student Stipend
- ₹5,000 per month
- Available for up to 6 months for each student researcher
Project Duration
- Fixed duration of 8 months
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Students
- Students studying in:
- 3rd Year (6th Semester)
- 4th Year (7th Semester)
under an FYUP structure introduced through National Education Policy 2020.
Team Structure
- Projects must be submitted in groups of:
- 2 to 3 students
- All students must belong to the same institution.
Team Roles
- One student will act as:
- Lead Student Researcher
- Remaining students:
- Student Researchers
Major Research Themes
The scheme encourages India-centric studies based on Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS).
1. Decolonising Narratives
- Re-examining Indian history
- Challenging Eurocentric theories
- Revisiting historiography
2. Beyond Macaulay
- Indigenous education systems
- Oral traditions
- Traditional methods of learning and evaluation
3. Economic Sovereignty
- Community-based economic models
- Traditional Indian credit systems
- Alternatives to Western capitalist indicators
4. Governance & Law
- Transition from colonial laws
- Study of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Indian legal philosophies
5. Health & Ecology
- Indian psychology based on:
- Yoga
- Buddhist philosophy
- Scientific exploration of AYUSH systems
Project Monitoring Rules
Progress Reports
- Evaluation every two months
- Reports submitted through institutional supervisor
Penalties
Unsatisfactory work or unauthorized topic changes may result in:
- Project termination
- Refund of grant
- Additional 10% penal interest
Publication Rules
Before publishing any paper/article:
- Prior written approval from Indian Council of Social Science Research is mandatory
- ICSSR support must be acknowledged
Conclusion
The Indian Council of Social Science Research Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme (YSPS) is a visionary initiative that encourages undergraduate students to engage in meaningful research rooted in Indian perspectives. With strong financial support and national-level recognition, the programme opens new pathways for academic innovation and intellectual growth.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Students should verify official guidelines and updates from Indian Council of Social Science Research before applying.
FAQs
Q1. Who can apply for YSPS?
👉 Students in 3rd or 4th year FYUP programmes under NEP 2020.
Q2. How much funding is provided?
👉 Up to ₹3 lakh per project.
Q3. What is the student stipend?
👉 ₹5,000 per month for up to 6 months.
Q4. Can students apply individually?
👉 No, projects must be submitted in groups of 2–3 students.
Q5. What is the project duration?
👉 8 months.
