About Us

The Indian Council of Social Science Research – North Western Regional Centre (ICSSR-NWRC) promotes social science research and academic collaboration in the North-Western region of India. 

Organizational Setup

ICSSR-NWRC operates under the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi, supporting research across the North-Western region of India.

Organizational Setup

It collaborates with universities and institutions in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Chandigarh to enhance social science research.

Director ICSSR-NWRC

The Director of ICSSR-NWRC leads research initiatives and academic programs, ensuring the promotion of high-quality research.

Director ICSSR-NWRC

Their expertise shapes the Centre’s vision, fostering an environment for scholars to engage in meaningful research and innovation.

Press Releases

ICSSR-NWRC shares updates on seminars, research grants, conferences, and collaborations to keep the academic community informed.

Press Releases

These announcements highlight key initiatives and contributions, strengthening the Centre’s role in advancing social science research.

Welcome to Indian Council of Social Science Research, North-Western Regional Centre, Panjab University Campus, Chandigarh:

About ICSSR:

Established in 1969 in New Delhi by the Government of India, the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Education. It was founded on the recommendation of the Prof. V.K.R.V. Rao Committee, with the mandate to promote, coordinate, and support social science research throughout the country.

The ICSSR headquarters is located at Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, JNU Institutional Area, New Delhi – 110067.

Regional Centres:

As part of its outreach initiatives, ICSSR has established six Regional Centres across India. The North-Western Regional Centre (NWRC) was inaugurated in 1977 at the Panjab University campus, Chandigarh. This initiative was led by Professor J.P. Naik (then Member Secretary, ICSSR) and Professor R.C. Paul (then Vice Chancellor, Panjab University).

ICSSR – North-Western Regional Centre (NWRC), Chandigarh:

The NWRC functions as a representative of ICSSR New Delhi in the region. It promotes social science research, implements Council programs, and acts as an information hub for scholars.

Jurisdiction:

Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh,  Jammu & Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh, and Chandigarh.

Key Functions:

  • Serves as a liaison between regional social scientists and national/international scholars.
  • Supports all research disciplines under the social sciences domain, including but not limited to:
    • Anthropology, Economics, Sociology, Political Science
    • Education, Commerce, Management, Development Studies
    • Gender Studies, Human Rights, Law, Psychology, Philosophy
    • International Relations, Public Administration, Defence Studies

Cultural Studies, Journalism, Library Science, History, Archaeology, Environmental Studies, and more.

Activities & Programmes

1. Research Support:

    • Grants for seminars, conferences, and workshops to academic institutions in the region.
    • Study grants for Ph.D. scholars in social sciences.

2. Capacity Building:

    • Research Methodology training programmes.
    • Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs).

3. Academic Engagement:

    • Lectures by eminent scholars.
    • Collaborative events with regional universities and colleges.

4. Special Services

    • Resource-rich library for social sciences.
    • Seminar-cum-Guest House complex for visiting scholars.

Our Mission

Our mission is to strengthen the social science research ecosystem by offering scholars access to world-class resources, financial assistance, and a platform for knowledge exchange. We aim to create a thriving academic community that contributes to the betterment of society through well-informed research and policy recommendations.

Advance Social Science Research

To promote, undertake, and support high-quality research, documentation, and bibliographic work in English and Punjabi.

Enhance Scholarly Resources

To develop and maintain extensive library resources for social scientists, including subscriptions to national and international journals.

Facilitate Knowledge Exchange

To organize and assist in seminars, workshops, and conferences, providing a platform for academic discussions and intellectual growth.

Empower Future Scholars

To offer study grants, research training programs, and accommodation facilities to scholars and students conducting research in Chandigarh.

Vision Statement

To become a leading regional hub for innovative, policy-relevant, and inclusive social science research that addresses the diverse socio-economic and cultural realities of northwestern India and contributes to national development through scholarly excellence and regional engagement.

Core Goals

  • Promote Region-Specific Research
    Encourage and support research that addresses the distinct social, economic, cultural, and political issues of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Chandigarh.
  • Support Scholars and Institutions
    Provide financial and academic support to researchers, faculty, and institutions through fellowships, grants, and collaborative programs.
  • Strengthen Research Capacity
    Organize capacity-building workshops, training programs, and methodology seminars to equip emerging and mid-career scholars with contemporary research tools and frameworks.
  • Facilitate Knowledge Dissemination
    Promote publication, conferences, and seminars to share research findings with academics, policymakers, and the public.
  • Encourage Interdisciplinary Collaboration
    encourage partnerships across disciplines and institutions to tackle complex regional and national challenges through holistic approaches.
  • Bridge Research and Policy
    Serve as a link between academia and government by generating evidence-based insights that can inform effective policymaking.
  • Promote Equity and Inclusion
    Ensure research opportunities are accessible to scholars from diverse backgrounds, with special attention to underrepresented areas and communities.

ICSSR NWRC Timeline

ICSSR Seminar-cum-Guest House Complex; Sector – 14, Panjab University Campus, Chandigarh, India -160014| Phone: (+91) (172) 2534040| Email: icssr@pu.ac.in

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Contacts

📞 Phone: (+91) 172-2534040
📧 Email: icssr@pu.ac.in