CAG-ICSSR Research Article Competition: Chance to win ₹1.25 lakh in the CAG competition; UG and PG students can apply..

CAG-ICSSR Research Article Competition: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), has announced the launch of the CAG-ICSSR Research Article Competition. Participants have the opportunity to win a total prize purse of approximately ₹1 crore. The competition is sponsored by the Office of the CAG. It is a research-based contest open to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Students are required to submit essays—within a specified word limit—on topics related to public finance, fiscal governance, and data analysis.

Participants must submit their research articles by August 31 for the state-level competition and by September 30 for the national-level competition. All submissions must be in PDF format. The competition will be conducted in multiple stages. Following the submission deadline, all entries will be screened and evaluated by an expert committee through a "blind review" process, wherein reviewers assess the papers without knowing the authors' identities. Based on this evaluation, the top three research articles will be selected at both state and national levels. Students currently enrolled in undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), or doctoral programs at recognized institutions are eligible to participate.

Objective of the Competition

The initiative aims to encourage students to develop research capabilities in the fields of public finance, fiscal governance, and data analysis. It also seeks to raise awareness among young researchers about government auditing, accountability, and evidence-based planning. The competition offers students a platform to showcase their research skills while presenting their suggestions on critical issues concerning public policy and governance. Research Topics

Students may write their research articles on any of 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

Guidelines for Research Articles

The article must be submitted in PDF format.

UG and PG Students: 4,000–5,000 words

Doctoral Students: 5,000–6,000 words

As per official guidelines, the research paper must include the following:

Introduction
Conceptual and Theoretical Background
Statement of the Problem
Objectives
Methodology
Data Analysis and Findings
Discussion
Conclusion
Policy Suggestions and Future Recommendations

Selection Process

This competition will be conducted in multiple stages. An expert committee will evaluate all research articles without knowing the authors' identities. Based on this evaluation, the top three research articles will be selected at both the state and national levels.

Prize Money

State Level

First Prize: Rs 75,000

Second Prize: Rs 50,000

Third Prize: Rs 25,000

National Level

First Prize: Rs 1,25,000

Second Prize: Rs 1,00,000

Third Prize: Rs 75,000

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