ICSSR 2nd Call for Multi-Disciplinary Studies on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of India 2025-26, The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) is inviting research project proposals for the theme “Multi-Disciplinary Studies on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of India.” The objective of this initiative is to promote research that generates actionable insights to support evidence-based policymaking for the sustainable development of PVTGs.
This call emphasizes the importance of ethnographic fieldwork, rigorous data collection, and contextually rooted analysis to enhance understanding of PVTGs across India.
For the 2025–26 cycle, researchers are encouraged to explore a broad range of themes, including decolonizing perspectives on PVTG studies, policy frameworks and classifications, linguistic and cultural traditions, and the civilizational context of PVTGs within Bharat.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full details and submit their applications before the specified deadline to seize this grant opportunity.
Last Date of Submission: 15th November 2025
Themes for the research
(ICSSR 2nd Call for Multi-Disciplinary Studies on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of India 2025-26)
Research proposals must focus on the priority areas identified by ICSSR, which include the followings:
- Decolonising the Framework for Studying PVTGs in India
- PVTGs and the Question of Nomenclature
- PVTGs in Bharat’s Civilisational Traditions and Context
- Demographic Dynamics of PVTGs
- Cultural Heritage, Art, and Oral/Folk Traditions of PVTGs
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Traditional Medicine, and Healing Practices
- Indigenous Disaster Resilience and Weather Knowledge among PVTGs
- Environmental, Forest, and Livelihood Dynamics of PVTGs
- PVTGs and Government Policies and Programmes
- Language as Social Practice among PVTGs
- Impact of Modernisation on PVTGs
- Religious Conversion and PVTGs
- Education and PVTGs: Institutions and Policy Impact
- Health and PVTGs: Immunization, Insurance, and Nutrition (with focus on children)
- Financial Inclusion of PVTGs: Banking Access and Microcredit
- Livelihood Patterns of PVTGs: Stagnation, Advancement, and Diversification
(especially among larger populations)
Priority regions
For the second call, priority will be given to the remaining PVTGs that have not yet been covered, ensuring wider representation and inclusion across states, as listed below. These include:
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Great Andamanese, Jarawa, Onge, Sentinelese, Shom Pen
- Andhra Pradesh (including Telangana): Bodo Gadaba, Bondo Porja, Chenchu, Gutob Gadaba, Kondasavara, Khond Porja, Parengi Porja
- Gujarat: Kolgha, Kotwalia, Padhar, Siddi
- Bihar (including Jharkhand): Asur, Hill Kharia, Korwa, Mal Paharia, Parhaiya, Sauria Paharia, Savara
- Karnataka: Jenu Kuruba
- Kerala: Kadar
- Madhya Pradesh (including Chhattisgarh): Bharia, Hill Korba, Kamar, Sahariya
- Odisha: Didayi, Lanjia Saura, Chukutia Bhunjia, Kutia Kondh, Paudi Bhuiya, Kharia
- Rajasthan: Saharia
- Tamil Nadu: Irular, Kattunayakan, Kota, Korumba
- Uttar Pradesh (including Uttarakhand): Raji
- West Bengal: Totos, Birhor
- Maharashtra: Katkaria/Kothodi, Kolam
Eligibility Criteria
- Researchers who are permanently employed or retired as faculty from UGC Recognized
Indian Universities/Deemed to be Universities/ Affiliated Colleges/Institutions under (2) F or 12(B), ICSSR Research Institutes, ICSSR Recognised Institutes and Institutes of National Importance as defined by the Ministry of Education (MoE) are eligible to apply. Applicants from these institutions should have substantial research experience demonstrable through publications of books / research papers / reports. The Project Director and Co-Project Directors must also hold a Ph.D. Degree and belong to the field of Social and Human Sciences.
- In exceptional cases, independent researchers with PhD degrees in Social and Human
Sciences, who are not affiliated permanently with any institution mentioned in Clause 2.1 but have produced at least two sole-author books published by reputed publishers and/or 05 articles in peer-reviewed journals can also be considered as Co-Project Directors. Such scholars will be required to collaborate with a faculty from institutions given in 2.1 above.
- Further, those researchers with PhD degrees who are in contractual appointment in
academic/research institutions mentioned in Clause 2.1 and have produced at least two sole-author books published by reputed publishers and/or 05 articles in peer-reviewed journals may also apply as Co-Project Directors. In the event of their contract expiry, they may continue as Co-Project Directors until the completion of the project.
- Senior and retired government and defence officers (having not less than 05 years of
regular service) possessing a Ph. D. degree in any social science discipline and having produced at least two sole-author books published by reputed publishers and/or 05 articles in peer-reviewed journals can also apply as Co-Project Directors, in collaboration with a faculty from institutions given in 2.1 above.
- Non-academic participants/stakeholders/local community may also be part of the research team in the capacity of Key Informant.
How to apply?
Applicants must submit an online application, including the research proposal, annexures, and other required documents, in the prescribed format. Any deviations from the application format will result in rejection. The application must be duly forwarded by the competent authorities of the affiliating institution.
Get full access to the grant information, visit the Official Website Link
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