ICSSR Recruitment 2026: 3 Research Posts, Apply by March 20

The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), in collaboration with Dr. Sunita Devi, Project Director at HPUDES, Shimla, has released a recruitment notification for temporary positions under an ICSSR-funded research project. Applications are invited from eligible candidates for 1 Research Associate and 2 Field Investigator posts for the project titled “Impact of Social Media on Family Relationships and Cultural Practices: A Comparative Study of Rural and Urban Families in Himachal Pradesh”. This is an excellent opportunity for post-graduates in Social Science disciplines looking for research experience. Interested candidates must apply via email on or before March 20, 2026.

Quick Overview

Vacancy Details

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• Research Associate: Post-graduate in social science discipline with a minimum of 55% marks AND NET/M.Phil./Ph.D.
• Field Investigators: Post-graduate in social science discipline with a minimum of 55% marks.

Age Limit

The official notification does not specify an age limit for these temporary positions. Candidates are advised to adhere to general government project recruitment norms or contact the project director for clarification.

Experience & Desirable Qualifications

• Effective written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Experience in survey research, fieldwork, or qualitative interviews.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, SPSS/qualitative analysis tools.
• Skills in Data entry, analysis, and report writing.

Application Fee

The official notification does not mention any application fee for these positions. Candidates can assume there is no fee unless explicitly stated otherwise by the project director.

Important Dates

Selection Process

1. Application Scrutiny: Candidates will be shortlisted based on their submitted applications, CV, and eligibility criteria.
2. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview, which will be conducted in online/offline mode. The interview link will be shared via email.
3. Final Selection: Selection will be based on performance in the interview and fulfillment of all eligibility conditions.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible candidates must submit their applications through email by the specified deadline. Follow these steps:

1. Prepare your comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
2. Gather self-attested copies of all relevant educational qualifications and experience certificates.
3. Combine your CV and self-attested documents into a single PDF file, if possible, for easy submission.
4. Send an email with your application and attached documents to the official email ID: sunita.hpu@gmail.com.
5. Ensure your application reaches the given email address on or before March 20, 2026.
6. Keep a copy of the sent email for your records.

Important Links

Job Profile & Career Scope

Working as a Research Associate or Field Investigator in an ICSSR-funded project offers valuable experience in academic research. These roles typically involve:

• Research Associate: Assisting the Project Director in literature review, data analysis, report writing, and overall project coordination. This role is crucial for developing research methodologies and analytical skills.
• Field Investigator: Primarily responsible for data collection through surveys, interviews, and fieldwork, especially in rural and urban areas as indicated by the project title. This involves direct interaction with respondents, ensuring data quality, and contributing to the empirical base of the research.

Career Scope: These temporary positions provide excellent exposure to social science research, which can be a stepping stone for further academic pursuits (Ph.D.), working with NGOs, research institutions, or government bodies involved in policy analysis and social development. The experience gained in data collection, analysis, and report writing is highly transferable and valuable across various sectors.

Preparation Tips

For these project-based positions, the interview is the primary selection method. Here’s how you can prepare:

Interview Preparation

• Understand the Project: Thoroughly read about the project title “Impact of Social Media on Family Relationships and Cultural Practices” and its implications. Be ready to discuss relevant social science theories or research methods.
• Review your CV: Be prepared to discuss your academic background, research experience (if any), and how your skills align with the desirable qualifications (communication, survey research, software proficiency).
• Knowledge of Research Methods: Brush up on qualitative and quantitative research methods, data collection techniques, and basic statistical tools.
• Communication Skills: Practice clear and concise communication. Since the desirable qualifications emphasize communication skills, this will be assessed during the interview.
• Software Proficiency: If you have experience with SPSS or qualitative analysis tools, be ready to discuss how you’ve used them.

Document Preparation

• Ensure your CV is updated and highlights relevant qualifications and experience.
• Have self-attested copies of all mark sheets, degree certificates, NET/M.Phil./Ph.D. certificates (if applicable), and any experience letters.
• Organize all documents neatly for submission via email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is this a permanent government job?

No, the notification clearly states that these are temporary positions and co-terminus with the project, for a period of 3 months, extendable based on performance and project requirements.

Q2: What is the last date to apply for the ICSSR Research Project recruitment?

The last date to send your application via email is March 20, 2026.

Q3: What are the essential qualifications for the Research Associate post?

A post-graduate degree in a social science discipline with a minimum of 55% marks, along with NET/M.Phil./Ph.D., is essential for the Research Associate position.

Q4: How will I know if I am shortlisted for the interview?

The interview link will be shared with shortlisted candidates via email on March 30, 2026.

Q5: Is there any application fee?

The official notification does not mention any application fee. Candidates can assume there is no fee.

Q6: Will I receive TA/DA for attending the interview?

No, the notification explicitly states that no TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview.

Q7: Can candidates from outside Himachal Pradesh apply?

Yes, the notification does not specify any domicile restrictions. Eligible candidates from anywhere can apply, provided they meet the qualifications.

Q8: What kind of documents should I attach with my application?

You should attach your CV along with self-attested copies of all relevant educational qualification certificates and any experience letters.