Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme 2026: Apply for ₹3 Lakh Research Grant, Eligibility & Last Date

Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme (YSPS) 2026: Get Up to ₹3 Lakh Research Grant | Eligibility, Last Date & How to Apply

Introduction

Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme 2026: Imagine having a unique research idea that can contribute to India’s future, but lacking the financial support to turn it into reality. The Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme (YSPS) 2026 offers exactly that opportunity. Launched by the Indian Council of Social Science Research under the Ministry of Education, this initiative empowers undergraduate students to conduct meaningful research rooted in Indian knowledge systems and contemporary national issues.

With funding of up to ₹3 lakh per project and a monthly stipend for student researchers, YSPS is a major step toward promoting research culture among India’s youth.

Table of Contents

What is Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme (YSPS)?

The Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme (YSPS) is a research funding program designed specifically for students enrolled in Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes (FYUP) under the National Education Policy 2020.

The scheme encourages students to undertake original research projects based on Indian perspectives, traditions, governance systems, education, economy, health, and social development.

The 2026 edition focuses on the theme: 🇮🇳 “Youth and Decolonisation”

This theme encourages students to explore how India can move beyond colonial frameworks and strengthen indigenous knowledge systems.

YSPS 2026 Important Dates

Event	Date
Application Start Date	06 June 2026
Last Date to Apply	06 July 2026
Project Duration	8 Months
Monthly Stipend Duration	Up to 6 Months

👉 Students are advised to submit their proposals before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Key Features of YSPS 2026

Research Grant up to ₹3 Lakh

Selected projects can receive financial assistance of up to ₹3,00,000.

Monthly Stipend

Each student researcher receives:

₹5,000 per month
Up to 6 months

Undergraduate Research Opportunity

Designed specifically for FYUP students under NEP 2020.

Focus on Indian Knowledge Systems

Research proposals should reflect Bharatiya perspectives and indigenous intellectual traditions.

Team-Based Learning

Students work collaboratively in groups, promoting teamwork and research skills.

National-Level Recognition

Successful projects receive support from Indian Council of Social Science Research, enhancing academic and career prospects.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for YSPS 2026, candidates must fulfill the following conditions:

Educational Eligibility

Must be enrolled in a Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP).
Students should currently be in:
- 6th Semester (3rd Year), or
- 7th Semester (4th Year).

Team Requirements

Projects must be submitted by a team of:
- Minimum 2 students
- Maximum 3 students

Institution Requirement

All team members must belong to the same higher education institution.

Research Leadership

Each team must designate:

One Lead Student Researcher
Up to Two Student Researchers

Major Research Themes

Students can submit proposals in areas such as:

📖 Decolonising Narratives

Indian history
Historiography
Cultural identity

🎓 Education Beyond Macaulay

Traditional learning systems
Indigenous pedagogy
Oral knowledge traditions

💹 Economic Sovereignty

Community-based economic models
Indigenous financial practices

⚖️ Governance & Law

Indian legal systems
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
Administrative reforms

🧘 Health & Ecology

Yoga and mental health
AYUSH systems
Sustainable development

How to Apply for YSPS 2026?

Step 1: Visit the official website of Indian Council of Social Science Research.
Step 2: Download and read the official YSPS guidelines carefully.
Step 3: Form a team of 2–3 eligible students.
Step 4: Prepare a research proposal aligned with the prescribed theme.
Step 5: Submit the proposal along with institutional approval and required documents.
Step 6: Keep a copy of the submitted application for future reference.

Why is YSPS Important?

The Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme is more than a research grant. It aims to create a new generation of scholars capable of addressing India’s challenges through original thinking and evidence-based research.

Benefits include:

✅ Research experience during graduation
✅ Financial support for academic projects
✅ Improved higher education and career opportunities
✅ Contribution to India’s knowledge ecosystem
✅ Exposure to national-level academic research

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the last date to apply for YSPS 2026?

06 July 2026

Q2. How much funding is available?

Selected projects can receive up to ₹3 lakh.

Q3. What is the monthly stipend?

₹5,000 per month for each student researcher.

Q4. Can students apply individually?

No. Applications must be submitted by a team of 2–3 students.

Q5. Who can apply?

Students enrolled in FYUP programmes under NEP 2020 and currently studying in the 6th or 7th semester.

Conclusion

The Indian Council of Social Science Research Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme (YSPS) 2026 is a transformative opportunity for undergraduate students to enter the world of research while receiving financial support and national recognition. Students with innovative ideas and a passion for knowledge should take advantage of this scheme and submit their proposals before 06 July 2026.