2. AIM:
To make the Participants proficient in Writing a Research
Proposal for Funding
OBJECTIVES:
Participants will be -
Able to define the various terminologies involved in
project formulation
Able to understand, describe & write a Draft Project
Proposal
Able to write down various steps in preparation of Budget
Able to list out various funding Agencies/Schemes for
Students, Individual Faculty & Departmental/Institutional
Projects
Able to search & formulate project proposal for research
funding related to their respective areas/disciplines
3. Introduction
A research proposal sets out the broad topic you would
like to research, what the research would set out to
achieve , how you would go about researching it , how
you would undertake it within the time available and
what the results might be in relation to knowledge and
understanding in the subject.
Discussion Questions
1. What is a research proposal?
2. What are the main elements in a research proposal?
4. What is a research proposal?
According to Burnnett 2009
“Good research proposals both give an overview of
the project and a well informed discussion of the
nuts and bolts of the proposed research”
Connects with current literature
Well though out, viable and timely
Aware of strengths and limitations of your proposed
approach
Ethics
5. What are the main elements in a research
proposal?
Elements of a Research Proposal
According to Cognitive Science Research Initiative(CSRI)
Basic elements of Research Proposal are-
1. Project Title
2. Introduction
3. Review and status of Research and Development in the
subject
4. Research design
5. Conclusions and recommendations
6. Bibliography
6. Purpose of a Research Proposal
The purpose of a proposal is to sell your idea to the
funding agency. This means that the investigator must
convince the funding agency that:
a) The problem is significant and worthy of study
b) The technical approach is novel and likely to yield
results
c) The investigator and his/her research team is/are the
right group of individuals to carry out and
accomplish the work described in the research
proposal
7. PI & Co-PI
Eligibility
1. PI/Co-PI should be permanent/regular, working/retired
teachers in the Universities and Colleges (Under Section
2(f) and 12 B of UGC Act, 1956) only
2. The Principal Investigator should publish two papers in a
reputed journal in the form of
Books/Article/Presentation in seminar etc.
Responsibility:
It would be the responsibility of the Principal
Investigator/Co-Investigator and the host Institution for
total accountability of the project.
9. Title
Title should reflect the well defined aims of
the research.
Title Should be concrete
10. Abstract
Is a summary of the whole research;
Main purpose is to summarize the research (particularly
the objective and the main finding/conclusion), NOT to
introduce the research area.
Has a maximum word limit;
An abstract should:
Re-establish the topic of the research.
Give the research problem and/or main objective of the
research (this usually comes first).
Indicate the methodology used.
Present the main findings and conclusion.
11. Introduction
a. Origin of the proposal
b. Statement of the problem
c. Objective
d. Hypothesis
e. Significance of the study
f. Limitations of the study
g. Definitions of key terms
12. Origin of the proposal
(Background Story)
The introduction or Background story is the part of the
paper that provides readers with the background
information for the research reported in the paper. Its
purpose is to establish a framework for the research, so
that readers can understand how it is related to other
research
In an introduction, the writer should
create reader interest in the topic,
lay the broad foundation for the problem that leads to the
study,
place the study within the larger context of the scholarly
literature, and
reach out to a specific audience.
13. Statement of the problem
The problem statement describes the context for the
study and it also identifies the general analysis
approach
A problem statement is a clear description of the
issues, it includes a vision, issue statement, and
method used to solve the problem.
A problem statement expresses the words that will be
used to keep the effort focused and it should represent
a solvable problem.
14. Objective
The OBJECTIVE of a research project summaries what is to be
achieved by the study.
Objectives should be closely related to the statement of the problem.
The general objective of a study states what researchers expect to
achieve by the study in general terms.
It is possible (and advisable) to break down a general objective into
smaller, logically connected parts. These are normally referred to as
specific objectives.
Specific objectives should systematically address the various aspects of
the problem as defined under ‘Statement of the Problem’ and the key
factors that are assumed to influence or cause the problem. They
should specify what you will do in your study, where and for what
purpose.
16. Hypothesis
A HYPOTHESIS is a prediction of a relationship
between one or more factors and the problem under
study that can be tested.
17. Significance of the study
Indicate how your research will refine, revise, or
extend existing knowledge in the area under
investigation. Note that such refinements, revisions, or
extensions may have either substantive, theoretical, or
methodological significance. Think pragmatically (i.e.
Cash value)
This can be a difficult section to write. Think about
implications—how results of the study may affect
scholarly research, theory, practice, educational
interventions, curricula, counseling, policy.
18. Contd…..
When thinking about the significance of your study, ask yourself
the following questions.
What will results mean to the theoretical framework that framed
the study?
What suggestions for subsequent research arise from the
findings?
What will the results mean to the practicing educator?
Will results influence programs, methods, and/or interventions?
Will results contribute to the solution of educational problems?
Will results influence educational policy decisions?
What will be improved or changed as a result of the proposed
research?
How will results of the study be implemented, and what
innovations will come about?
19. Limitations of the study
A limitation identifies potential weaknesses of the
study. Think about your analysis, the nature of self
report, your instruments, the sample. Think about
threats to internal validity that may have been
impossible to avoid or minimize—explain.
20. Operational Definitions of key terms
An operational definition is a demonstration of a process –
such as a variable, term, or object– in terms of the specific
process or set of validation tests used to determine its
presence and quantity.
This section provides operational definition of terms that
are unusual or unfamiliar. It identifies precisely the names
of concepts, tests, or participants introduced in the
Statement of the Problem and employed in the Hypotheses
Properties described in this manner must be sufficiently
accessible, so that persons other than the definer may
independently measure or test for them at will
21. Review and status of Research and Development
in the subject:
International status
National status
Relevant references
Importance of the proposed project in the context of
current status
Review of expertise available with proposed
investigating group/institution in the subject of the
project
References
22. Methodology
Design of the study
Population and sampling
Research Instruments
Method of Data Collection
Plan of Data Analysis
23. Design the study
Research methods used:
Is it qualitative or quantitative?
How will data be collected and analyzed?
Why have you chosen particular methods?
What are the advantages and limitations of the
research methods used?
24. Population and sampling
A population can be defined as including all people or
items with the characteristic one wishes to
understand.
Population sampling refers to the process through
which a group of representative individuals is selected
from a population for the purpose of statistical
analysis.
25. Apparatus and/or Instruments
In this sub section of the method section you describe
any apparatus and or instruments you propose to use
in your research study.
The following information should be included:
General description of the apparatus or instruments.
Variables measured by instruments.
Reliability and validity of instruments.
Why the instruments or apparatus are used.
Reference indicating where apparatus or instruments
can be obtained.
26. Method of Data Collection
Outline the general plan for collecting the data. This
may include-
survey administration procedures,
interview or
observation procedures
27. Data Analysis
Specify the procedures you will use, and label them accurately
e.g.-
C.R.(Critical ratio), ANOVA(Analysis of variance),
MANCOVA(Multivariate Analysis of Covariance),
HLM(Hierarchical Linear Modeling), ethnography, case study,
grounded theory etc.
Indicate briefly any analytic tools you will have available and
expect to use (e.g., Ethnograph, NUDIST, AQUAD, SAS, SPSS,
SYSTAT).
Provide a well thought-out rationale for your decision to use the
design, methodology, and analyses you have selected.
28. Time Schedule
This section indicates exactly what will be done, the
sequence of the various activities, and the products of
deliverables that will be prepared. Specify the tasks,
deliverables, and schedule in some detail
In preparing grant proposals, there is more freedom to
define the tasks. In both cases, it is important that the
proposed task structure includes all of the activities
necessary for completing the project.
Planning a viable schedule for carrying out the tasks is
often as important as developing a comprehensive list
of tasks.
30. Facilities being extended by parent institution
a. Infrastructural Facilities:
b. Equipment available with the Institute/ Group/
Department/ Other Institutes for the project:
31. Infrastructural Facilities
Sr.
No.
Infrastructural Facility Yes/No/ Not required
Full or sharing basis
1 Workshop Facility
2 Water & Electricity
3 Laboratory Space/ Furniture
4 Power Generator
5 AC Room or AC
6 Telecommunication including e-mail & fax
7 Transportation
8 Administrative/ Secretarial support
9 Information facilities like Internet/ Library
10 Computational facilities
11 Any other special facility being provided
32. Equipment available with the Institute/ Group/
Department/ Other Institutes for the project:
Equipment available
with
Generic Name of
Equipment
Model, Make & year of
purchase
Remarks including
accessories available
and current usage of
equipment
PI & his group
PI's Department
Other Inst In the
region
33. Budget
The budget is the financial expression of the project and
must include:
1. Non-Recurring Budget
2. Recurring Budget
3. Institutional Overheads
34. Non-Recurring Budget
Non-Recurring Grants
The equipment as well as books & journals grants may
be utilized to procure the essential equipments and
books & journals needed for the proposed research
work.
a) Equipment /Instruments/Survey Questionnaire,
Schedule.
b) Books, and Journals
35. Recurring Budget
Project Fellow
Hiring Services
Contingency
Special Needs
Chemicals and Consumables
Travel and Field Work
36. Project Fellow
As per UGC Norm
Project Fellow may be appointed with a consolidated fellowship of:
i) NET/GATE qualified-Rs. 16,000/- p.m. for initial 2 years and Rs.
18,000/- p.m. for the third year.
ii) Non-GATE/Non-NET- Rs. 14,000/- p.m. for initial 2 years and Rs.
16,000/- p.m. for the third year.
Eligibility
The person to be considered for appointment as Project Fellow must
have second class master degree with a minimum of 55% marks for
general category (50% in case of SC/ST/PH) or M. Phil in the subject
concerned or a related subject. The candidate to be appointed as
Project Fellow should be below the age of 40 years at the time of
appointment.
37. Hiring Services
Data Entry Operator services may be hired for the
purpose of preparation of questionnaire/ schedule or
report writing and not for routine correspondence.
Such of the Principal Investigators
Still & Video Graphics
Daily wagers: All unskilled Work
38. Contingency
The admissible contingency grant may be utilized on
spares for apparatus, photo-stat copies and microfilms,
typing, stationary, postage, telephone calls, internet,
fax, computation and printing needed for the project.
Expenditure towards advertisement for post of Project
Fellow and the audit fee may also be claimed under
contingency head.
39. Special Needs
Special Needs :
Assistance may be provided for any other special
requirement in connection with the project which is
not covered under any other ‘Head’ of assistance under
the scheme.
41. Travel and Field Work
The amount allocated under the head travel/field work
is to be utilized for data collection and collection of
other information such as documents and visit to
libraries within the general scope and sphere of the
ongoing project. This should not be used for attending
conferences, seminars, workshops and training courses
etc. However, the PI’s may travel by air or any other
mode of transport if they are entitled for the same in
their parent Organization/Institutions restricted to
the allocation under the concerned head. They may
also avail special casual leave/duty leave for field
work/collection of data as per University rules.
42. Institutional Overheads
The host Institute will be provided additional grant to
the tune of 10% (ten percent) of the approved
recurring grant as overhead cost, to provide
infrastructural facilities including office support,
administrative and accounting services to the PI’s.
46. Funding Agencies
Kinds of Grants
Research Grant
Seminar / Workshop Grant
Training Programme Grant
Fellowship Grant
Travel Grant
Publication Grant
47. Eligibility for Grant
Individual
Permanent faculty with PhD
Working in PG and research department
Institution With 12 B & 2F status
University / college With 12 B & 2F status
Public funded institutions
49. International Level
Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
British Council
Commonwealth Foundation
Ford Foundation
The Foundation for the Future
Fulbright Commission
Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center Research
fellowships
Horowitz Foundation for Social Policy
International Federation of University Women
Toyota Foundation
Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research
50. Social Science Research Council(SSRC)
The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
(SSHRC)
International Level
Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center Research
fellowships
Horowitz Foundation for Social Policy
International Federation of University Women
Foundation for Anthropological Research
Social Science Research Council(SSRC)
53. University Grants Commission
Major research projects
The UGC will provide support Universities and Colleges
(U/S 2(f) & 12B)
Period of the project – 2/ 3 years
Major Research Project in Sciences - Rs. 20.00 lacs.
Major Research Project in Social Science - Rs. 15.00 lacs
54. Minor Research Project
One year -can avail only one project/ scheme of the
UGC at any given time
Permanent teacher in Govt. or Private
Minor Research Project in Sciences including
Engineering & Technology, Medical, Pharmacy
Agriculture etc. –Rs. 5 Lacs.
Minor Research Project in Humanities, Social Science,
Languages, Literature, Arts, Law and allied disciplines-
Rs. 3 Lacs.
55. • Research Workshops/Seminars/Symposia and Conferences in Colleges
• Seminars : The maximum assistance under the category 'Seminar' is limited to Rs.
70,000/- only.
• State and National Level Conferences : he UGC assistance in case of State Level
Conferences should be limited to Rs. 80,000/- and that for a National Level
Conference to Rs. 1.00 lakh.
• International Conferences : The UGC assistance will be of Rs. 1.5 lakh only.
• Ceiling of Financial Help by UGC :
• Regional Level Seminar/Workshop Rs. 70,000/-
• State Level Conference/Workshop Rs. 80,000/-
• National Level Conference/Workshop Rs. 1.00 lakh
• International Level Conference/Workshop Rs. 1.50 lakh
56. UGC Grant university only
• Like…
• Incentives for resource mobilization
• General development assistance to central, state and
deemed universities (includes 16 merged schemes)
• Travel grant
• Seminars/workshops/conferrence /short term courses
• Publication grant
• Special development grant for universities in
backward/rural/remote/border areas
57. UGC Schemes
• Post graduate indira gandhi scolarship scheme for single
girl child
• Post graduate merit scholarship scheme for university rank
holders in general and honors courses at undergraduate
level
• Research fellowship in sciences for meritorious students
• Dr. D.S.kothari fellowship post doctoral sciences, medical
sciences & engineering sciences
• Research projects for teachers major & minor
• Dr. S. Radhakrishnan post doctoral fellowship in
humanities & special social sciences
58. How to apply
Apply to Regional office of UGC
Regional office Address:
35, Firozeshah Rd, Copernicus Marg,
New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Contact Person:
Dr. (Mrs) Urmila Devi
Joint Secretary,
Phone: 011 23210548
59. All India Council for Technical
Education (AICTE)
• Research &institutional development schemes
• Modernization & Removal of obsolescence scheme
• Research promotion schemes(RPS)
• Nationally coordinated project( NCP)
• National facilities in engineering & technology with
industrial collaboration (NAFETIC)
• Industry institute partnership cell (IIPC)
60. DST
• Scientific & engineering research
• Technology development
• S & T and socio economic development
• Women scientists programs
• Technology missions
• Programmes for project support
• Intensification of research in high priority areas
• Nano science technology initiative
• Ramanujan fellowship
• J C Bose national fellowship
• Ramanna fellowship
61. Cont…
• Assistance to Professional Bodies & Seminar/Symposia
• Earth System Science
• Mathematical Science Program
• Utilization of the Scientific Expertise of Retired
Scientists (USERS)
• Support for participation of Indian Scientists abroad
for attending International Events
• Seismicity Programme
• SERC Visiting Fellowship
62. DBT Research Grants: R & D
projects
Granting agency: Department of Biotechnology,
Government of India
Address: Department of Biotechnology Block 2, 7th
Floor C.G.O. Complex, Lodi Road New Delhi – 110 003
Website: http://dbtindia.nic.in/
Deadline: Applications received all year
Duration: Three years
Support: Grant for equipment, consumables,
contingencies, overheads, staff and travel covered as
required for the research project.
63. DBT Research Grants:
• Bioinformatics R & D projects:
• Granting agency: Department of Biotechnology,
Government of India
• Address: Department of Biotechnology Block 2, 7th Floor
C.G.O. Complex, Lodi Road New Delhi – 110 003
• Website: http://dbtindia.nic.in/
• Deadline: Applications received all year
• Duration: Three years
• Support: Grant for equipment, consumables,
contingencies, overheads, staff and travel covered as
required
• for the research project.
64. Tata Innovation Fellowship:
Granting agency: Department of Biotechnology, Government of
India
Address: Department of Biotechnology Block 2, 7th Floor C.G.O.
Complex, Lodi Road New Delhi – 110 003
Website: http://dbtindia.nic.in/uniquepage.asp?id_pk=326
Deadline: Advertised once a year during April-May
Duration: Three years with the possibility of a 2 yr extension
Support: Fellowship of Rs.20,000/- per month in addition to regular
salary from the host institute. Plus a
contingency grant of Rs.5.00 lakh per annum for purchase of
consumables, equipment
international and domestic travel, engaging manpower and other
contingent expenditure to be incurred in connection with the
implementation of the project.
65. SERC Individual Grants in Basic Sciences:
Granting agency: Science and Engineering Research
Council (SERC), Department of Science and Technology,
India
Address: Department of Science & Technology,
Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi 110016
Website: http://www.dst.gov.in/scientific-programme/ser-
serc.htm
Deadline: Applications accepted throughout the year
Duration: Three years
Support: Generous support for equipment, consumables,
and travel
66. CSIR
• CSIR program on youth for leadership in science
• Junior research fellowship (JRF)
• Senior research fellowship (SRF)
• Research associateship (RA)
• Senior research associateship (SRA)
• Emeritus scientist
67. ICSSR-Research Projects
Categories of Research Projects
(a) Major Project – 2 Years Rs.5-15 lacs.
(b) Minor Project –One Year –up to 5 lacs.
Eligibility:
Social scientists who are regularly employed or retired as faculty in
a UGC are eligible to apply .
68. Procedure for Award
Applications are initially scrutinized by the ICSSR
Secretariat There after Expert Committee(s) will will
short-list the meritorious proposals. Such applicants
would then be invited for interaction/presentation
Applicants of Minor Projects may be exempted from
interaction/presentation
69. RGNIYD
(Rajeev Gandhi of National institute of youth Development)
Major Research Project - financial assistance maximum
up to. Rs.12.00 Lakhs .
Period is 18 months.
Minor Research Project -financial assistance maximum
up to. Rs. 3.00 Lacs .
The duration of the project will be for one year.
70. Ministries
Ministry of social justice and women empowerment
Ministry of Human Resource Development
Ministry of consumer affaires
Ministry of tribal affairs
Ministry of rural development
Ministry of science and technology
Ministry of finance
Ministry of labour
Ministry of entrepreneurship
71. NGO/Private agencies
MALCOLM & ELIZABETH TRUST, CHENNAI
LADY TATA MEMORIAL TRUST
FORD FOUNDATION
NDIAN ACADEMIC RESEARCHERS ASSOCIATION
PAUL HAMLYN FOUNDATION
JIV DAYA FOUNDATION
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES (CSR)
NIRNAYA WOMEN’S FUND (INDIA)
THE ASIA FOUNDATION – INDIA
RELIANCE FUNDING
AZIM PREMJI FOUNDATION
TATA TRUST
