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CAG-ICSSR Research Article Competition Offers ₹1 Crore in Prizes

The CAG-ICSSR Research Article Competition invites undergraduate and postgraduate students to submit research articles on public finance and governance topics. With a total prize pool of ₹1 crore, participants can compete at state and national levels. The competition aims to enhance research skills and awareness of government accountability. Submissions are due by August 31 for state-level and September 30 for national-level entries. Articles will be evaluated anonymously by an expert committee, with significant prizes awarded to the top submissions. This is a unique opportunity for students to showcase their research capabilities.
By Ambika Singh Jul 21, 2026, 17:41 IST

Overview of the CAG-ICSSR Research Article Competition



CAG-ICSSR Research Article Competition: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, in partnership with the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), has introduced the CAG-ICSSR Research Article Competition. This initiative provides participants with a chance to compete for a total prize pool of around ₹1 crore. Sponsored by the Office of the CAG, this research-focused contest is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Participants are required to submit essays on topics related to public finance, fiscal governance, and data analysis, adhering to a specified word limit.


Submission Deadlines and Evaluation Process

Entries must be submitted by August 31 for the state-level competition and by September 30 for the national-level competition. All submissions should be in PDF format. The competition will unfold in several stages. After the submission deadline, an expert committee will conduct a "blind review" of the entries, ensuring that the reviewers do not know the authors' identities. The top three research articles will be chosen at both the state and national levels. Eligible participants include students currently enrolled in undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), or doctoral programs at recognized institutions.


Purpose of the Competition

The primary goal of this initiative is to foster research skills among students in the areas of public finance, fiscal governance, and data analysis. Additionally, it aims to enhance awareness of government auditing, accountability, and evidence-based planning among young researchers. This competition serves as a platform for students to demonstrate their research capabilities while addressing significant public policy and governance issues.


Research Topics

Students may choose to write on the following topics:



  • Fiscal Federalism and Governance


  • Social Sector Expenditure


  • Skilling, Employment, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)


  • Strengthening Urban and Rural Local Bodies



Research Article Guidelines

All articles must be submitted in PDF format.


Word Count Requirements:



  • UG and PG Students: 4,000–5,000 words


  • Doctoral Students: 5,000–6,000 words



The research paper should include the following sections:



  • Introduction


  • Conceptual and Theoretical Background


  • Statement of the Problem


  • Objectives


  • Methodology


  • Data Analysis and Findings


  • Discussion


  • Conclusion


  • Policy Suggestions and Future Recommendations



Selection Process

The competition will be conducted in multiple stages, with an expert committee evaluating all research articles anonymously. The top three articles will be selected at both state and national levels based on this evaluation.


Prize Distribution

State Level Prizes:



  • First Prize: ₹75,000


  • Second Prize: ₹50,000


  • Third Prize: ₹25,000



National Level Prizes:



  • First Prize: ₹1,25,000


  • Second Prize: ₹1,00,000


  • Third Prize: ₹75,000



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