Research Article Competition | CAG in collaboration with ICSSR | Prize Pool Upto Rs. 1 Crore | Submit Now!

Research Article Competition | CAG in collaboration with ICSSR | Prize Pool Upto Rs. 1 Crore | Submit Now!

Introduction:

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), has announced the Research Article Competition 2026. This initiative, launched on ICSSR’s 58th Foundation Day, seeks to cultivate analytical and research skills among undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students. By encouraging participants to engage with audit reports and fiscal governance data, the competition aims to strengthen scholarly discourse on public finance and governance while aligning with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Objectives and Scope:

The competition is designed to promote critical engagement with themes of fiscal federalism, social sector expenditure, employment generation, and local governance. It spans 28 States and 3 Union Territories, thereby ensuring wide participation and inclusivity. The overarching objective is to foster a culture of evidence‑based policy analysis and to encourage young scholars to contribute meaningfully to debates on fiscal accountability and governance.

Themes of Research:

Participants are expected to submit original research articles on one of the following themes:

1. Fiscal Federalism and Governance
2. Social Sector Spending
3. Skilling, Employment, and MSMEs
4. Empowering Urban and Rural Local Bodies

These themes reflect pressing national concerns and provide a structured framework for scholarly inquiry.

Eligibility Criteria:

The competition is open to UG, PG, and doctoral students enrolled in institutions recognized under Section 2(f)/12(B) of the UGC Act or ranked under the NIRF framework. Each participant must submit an individual entry, as co‑authorship is not permitted. Furthermore, separate registrations are required for State and National levels, ensuring procedural clarity and fairness.

Submission Guidelines:

Research articles must adhere to rigorous academic standards:

• Format: Typed PDF, MLA 9th edition, Times New Roman, 12‑point font, double spacing.
• Word Limit:
  • UG/PG students: 4,000–5,000 words
  • Doctoral students: 5,000–6,000 words
• Structure: Introduction, background, problem statement, objectives, methodology, data analysis, discussion, conclusions, and policy recommendations.
• Confidentiality: Submissions must not contain personal identifiers to ensure impartial evaluation.

Timeline:

The competition follows a two‑tier structure:

This phased approach allows participants to progress from State to National recognition.

Awards and Recognition:

The competition offers substantial monetary awards to incentivize excellence:

• State Level: ₹75,000 (1st), ₹50,000 (2nd), ₹25,000 (3rd)
• National Level: ₹1,25,000 (1st), ₹1,00,000 (2nd), ₹75,000 (3rd)

The National Awards Ceremony will be held on Audit Diwas, 16 November 2026, at the CAG Headquarters in New Delhi. With a total prize pool of approximately ₹1 crore, the initiative underscores the importance of nurturing academic talent in fiscal governance.

Registration Process:

The registration process is streamlined through the ICSSR portal:

1. Visit the ICSSR website and register using a valid email ID.
2. Verify the email link to activate the account.
3. Log in to access guidelines and instructions.
4. Complete the application form and upload the forwarding letter and signature.
5. Save drafts until final submission; once submitted, no edits are permitted.

The CAG–ICSSR Research Article Competition 2026 represents a significant step in bridging academic research with institutional governance. By engaging students in fiscal analysis and audit interpretation, the initiative not only enhances scholarly capacity but also contributes to the broader national agenda of transparent and accountable governance.

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