Dharmendra Pradhan Launches ICSSR Internship to Boost Social Science Research and Foster Skilled Researchers

Initiative to foster skilled researchers, strengthen social science research, and align with NEP 2020 objectives.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) Research Internship Programme in Social and Human Sciences, marking a significant step in advancing social science research in India. During the event, held in New Delhi, the minister distributed appointment letters to 40 selected ICSSR research interns and awarded prizes to winners of the National Argumentative Essay Writing Competition on “Simultaneous Elections in India: One Nation, One Election.”

Pradhan emphasized the pivotal role of social science research in addressing societal challenges and leveraging technological advancements for economic and social progress. He stated that the internship aligns with India’s vision of becoming a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) and supports the integration of modern technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) into social development.

“The ICSSR internship presents a unique opportunity for postgraduate students to gain practical research skills and contribute to areas such as policy research, data analysis, and social innovation,” Pradhan noted. He also highlighted the program's alignment with the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), which emphasizes the importance of internships and the awarding of academic credits under the National Credit Framework (NCrF).

Pradhan remarked that India’s ancient civilization, which has successfully integrated modernity with its core values, can benefit from robust social science research. He expressed confidence that initiatives like this would strengthen the “civilizational ethos of Bharatiyata” while paving the way for the future.

The ICSSR Research Internship Programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and employability skills, preparing young researchers to address national development challenges. The program adopts a multidisciplinary approach, with participants from diverse fields such as Statistics, Sociology, Applied Psychology, Public Health, and International Relations. It focuses on skill development, including data collection, experimentation, and report presentation, offering hands-on mentorship from experts in academia, think tanks, and industries.

Incorporating workshops on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) contextualized by India’s G-20 presidency declaration, the program integrates modern education and skills with traditional knowledge systems. The internship also ensures inclusivity, with 40 candidates selected from over 3,600 applicants, representing diverse regions and communities.

Reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Anusandhan” (research) as a critical driver of India’s development, the program seeks to create a generation of researchers capable of addressing global and local challenges. The ICSSR’s initiative underscores the transformative potential of quality research in shaping India’s future while contributing to the global knowledge economy.

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