Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details

About ICSSR Careers

🏛️ Organization Overview

Established in 1969, the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) serves as the primary funding and coordinating agency for social science research in India.² Headquartered at Aruna Asaf Ali Marg in New Delhi, it operates a vast network of 24 frontline research institutes and 6 regional centers across the country.³ ICSSR is responsible for awarding fellowships, funding major research projects, and maintaining the National Social Science Documentation Centre (NASSDOC), which provides vital data resources to the scientific community.⁴+2

For a career-seeker, ICSSR represents the intellectual heart of Indian governance. The organization’s work informs national policies on education, health, gender, and international relations. Employees here engage with an all-India network of scholars and international funding bodies, making it a dream destination for those passionate about evidence-based social change.

💼 Key Job Profiles (Evergreen Roles)

• Research Associate / Scientist: High-level research roles requiring a Ph.D. or M.Phil. with several years of experience. These positions lead ICSSR-funded national projects and collaborate with global research bodies.
• Research Assistant: Entry-level research positions typically requiring a Master’s degree in Social Sciences with at least 55% marks.⁵ NET/SLET qualification is often a standard requirement.
• Director (Planning & Administration): A senior administrative role (Level-12) focusing on the institutional governance, financial management, and strategic planning of the Council.⁶
• Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / Junior Assistant: Essential administrative support roles. Recruitment is usually based on a competitive written exam testing General Intelligence and English.
• Field Investigator: Contractual roles focused on data collection and ground-level research. These are excellent "early career" opportunities for postgraduates to gain hands-on field experience.

💰 Salary & Employee Benefits

ICSSR adheres to the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) scales for its permanent staff and provides competitive consolidated emoluments for project staff.

• Senior Research/Admin Roles: Posts like Director or Deputy Director operate at Level-11 to Level-12, with basic pay ranging from ₹67,700 to ₹2,09,200.
• Junior Research/Admin Roles: Research Assistants (Level-6) and LDCs (Level-2) enjoy established government pay scales with standard increments.
• Project-Based Emoluments: * Research Associate: Approximately ₹47,000 per month.
  • Research Assistant: Approximately ₹37,000 per month.
  • Field Investigator: Approximately ₹20,000 per month.
• Standard Perks: Includes Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and medical benefits for permanent employees, along with publication grants for research staff.

🎯 Selection Process

The selection process depends on whether the role is administrative or research-oriented:

1. Administrative Recruitment: Involves an Objective-type Written Test (General Intelligence, English, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness) followed by a Skill Test (typing/computer proficiency).
2. Research & Project Recruitment: Typically involves shortlisting based on Academic Performance (API), followed by a Personal Interview. For project roles, interviews are often conducted at the specific host institute (e.g., JNU, ISEC, or TISS).
3. Fellowship Awards: Selection for Doctoral and Post-Doctoral fellowships involves a rigorous review of the Research Proposal by an expert committee.

💡 Expert Tips (How to Crack ICSSR Exams)

Master Research Methodology

For any research-based role or fellowship, your grasp of Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods is crucial. Be prepared to discuss sampling techniques, data analysis software (SPSS/R), and research ethics.

Stay Current with Social Schemes

ICSSR interviews frequently touch upon the Government of India’s flagship programs like NEP 2020, Viksit Bharat @ 2047, and various rural development initiatives. Understanding the social impact of these policies is key.

Optimize Your Publications

For Associate or Scientist positions, ensure your publications are in UGC-CARE listed journals. ICSSR values high-impact research that has the potential to influence public policy.