Research Fellowship Award
Prof. A.D. Shinde Memorial Research Fellowship Award – 2026
"The primary aim of the Prof. A.D. Shinde Memorial Research Fellowship Award is to promote research among the young faculty members and research scholars of ICA."
Prof. A.D. Shinde
Late Prof. A. D. Shinde struggled through his humble background to successfully complete his education and garner recognition as a successful Chartered Accountant and dedicated academician. Being exemplary in every sense, he was the first Professor in Commerce at Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, and later assumed the prestigious academic positions of Member of Senate, Academic Council, Board of Management, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and officiating Vice Chancellor of Shivaji University.
Prof. Shinde was a great visionary who committed himself to the felt and potential needs of students and society in the field of education.
He was a multi-faceted personality who made eminent contributions in the field of education.
Eligibility for the Grant /Award
Candidates who are Permanent/Regularly employed as faculty in the rank of Assistant Professor in a UGC-recognized University/College/Institution/affiliated institution are eligible for this grant. It should be duly certified by the Principal of the College.
Scholars from other professions such as civil servants, journalists and industrialists, etc., who hold a Ph.D. degree and have a keen interest in research, are also eligible for this grant.
Applicants currently working on minor/major projects or similar fellowships/grants sanctioned by UGC/ICSSR or other similar institutions cannot submit the same/similar proposals for this grant.
This grant is available for candidates below the age of 35 years.
Only one person is eligible for the grant-in-aid.
The applicant should be a Life Member of ICA.
Duration & Value of the Grant
The duration of the research project is 12 months.
The research project will be allotted at the time of the Annual Conference of ICA.
The maximum budget that may be allotted to a candidate is ₹50,000.
Procedure for Selection
Proposals complete in all respects are reviewed by a three-member expert committee — two members appointed by the President and Secretary of ICA, and one member appointed by the donors or their representative. Each proposal is assessed out of 100 marks:
25 marks
Academic Record
25 marks
Research Performance
50 marks
Assessment of Research Proposal
The award of the selected candidate is communicated by e-mail to the Conference Secretary and announced at the time of the conference.
Release of Grant
The sanctioned grant is released in two instalments.
60% of the sanctioned grant is released within a month of the award of the research fellowship, in the name of the candidate.
The remaining 40% is released after submission of the final report and the presentation.
Progress & Final Report
The awardee gives an interim presentation of the research work after 6 months, through e-mail.
The awardee submits three copies of the final report (two hard copies and one soft copy) at the Annual Conference.
The report is evaluated by an ICA-appointed expert specialized in the field; if satisfactory, the remaining balance of the award is released.
The awardee makes a 10-minute presentation on the research findings at the BBAY Awards presentation.
General Guidelines
Extension in tenure is not permissible under any circumstances.
If an investigator fails to complete the project, the entire sanctioned amount must be refunded with interest.
A certificate regarding plagiarism must be included in the final report.
The research report must be in English.
The final report will be uploaded on the website of the Indian Commerce Association.
Submission of Proposal
Duly filled applications, along with the research proposal and supporting documents, must be submitted in hard copy only, latest by 20 October 2026, to the Secretary, ICA at the following address:
Note: The proposals should be forwarded through the Head / Principal.
Forms & Documents
Download the official guidelines, detailed selection criteria and the application form below.