CSIR Sponsored Research Grants: Application & Guidelines
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) offers sponsored research grants to empower innovation across science, technology, medicine, engineering, and agriculture. These grants provide vital financial support for researchers, universities, IITs, and recognized R&D laboratories. From funding junior and senior research fellows to supporting equipment and collaborative projects, CSIR ensures that groundbreaking ideas translate into impactful scientific advancements.
CSIR Sponsored Research Grants: Empowering Research Excellence
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) provides financial assistance to strengthen research in science and technology, including agriculture, medicine, and engineering. These CSIR CSIR-sponsored research Grants are designed to encourage innovative projects, support scientific manpower, and enhance research infrastructure in recognized universities, IITs, postgraduate institutions, and R&D laboratories.
General Guidelines
CSIR supports both basic and applied research projects, with a special focus on interdisciplinary work, collaborative research, and projects aligned with CSIR laboratories’ ongoing programs. Priority is given to proposals with clear objectives, innovative ideas, and relevance to national research needs.
Grants are provided mainly for research fellows (JRF, SRF, RA), contingencies, and equipment. These schemes are not intended to establish new centers but to supplement existing R&D efforts.
Application Procedure
- Research proposals can be submitted at any time using the prescribed forms.
- Proposals must be forwarded through the Head of Institution, who will confirm the availability of core facilities.
- Ethical clearance (if required) and equipment quotations must be attached.
- Private institutions must provide recognition or affiliation certificates.
- Proposals are peer-reviewed and evaluated by CSIR discipline-wise research committees.
Operation of Sanctioned Schemes
Once sanctioned, funds are released to the host institution in one or two installments. Institutions must submit utilization certificates, renewal requests, and audited accounts. Schemes must commence within three months of sanction and are typically sanctioned for a period of three years, with limited extensions possible.
CSIR also provides guidelines for equipment purchase, staff recruitment (JRF, SRF, RA), and fellowships. Stipends, allowances, and age criteria are defined to ensure transparent research support.
Contingent and Equipment Grants
- Contingent grants cover consumables, essential books, travel, and technical assistance.
- Equipment grants are awarded for necessary instruments that are not available at the host institution.
- All CSIR-funded equipment must be labeled “CSIR FUNDED.”
Progress Reports and Renewal
Principal Investigators (PI) must submit annual progress reports by October 1st. Renewal is granted based on committee review and project performance. Participation in CSIR monitoring sessions is mandatory.
Final Technical Report (FTR)
On completion, a detailed FTR must be submitted within three months, summarizing objectives, outcomes, publications, and benefits to scientific knowledge and technology. Failure to submit FTR may result in the disqualification of investigators from future grants.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
Investigators are encouraged to file patents. While the PI is recognized as the inventor, patents are jointly shared between CSIR and the host institution. Publications must acknowledge CSIR support.
Operation of Funds
Institutions must maintain separate accounts, provide audited utilization certificates, and follow transparent equipment procurement procedures. Unspent balances must be refunded or adjusted in future claims.
Overhead Expenses
CSIR allows 5% overhead charges of the total scheme budget, released at the end of the financial year upon timely submission of utilization certificates and accounts.
Obligations of Principal Investigator (PI)
- Start the scheme within three months of sanction.
- Submit annual progress reports and FTR on time.
- Attend project monitoring sessions.
- Acknowledge CSIR in all publications.
- Manage funds responsibly and refund unspent amounts.
- Inform CSIR in case of long absences or sabbatical leave.
Important Deadlines
- Email Submission Cut-off: October 31, 2025.
- Original Application by Post: Must be received before November 10, 2025.
For more details, applicants can visit the official website
LINK FOR THE ORIGINAL NOTIFICATION
