Every year, the Indian Society of Labour Economics (ISLE) recognizes and rewards outstanding research contributions by young scholars in the fields of labour and employment studies. In the 66th ISLE Annual Conference (January 2026), we are pleased to offer three “Best Paper Awards,” a limited number of Travel Grants for young presenters, and the IWWAGE-ISLE Fellowships for young women scholars. These awards and grants underscore our commitment to fostering the next generation of labour economists and promoting gender equity in economic research.

Best Paper Awards

ISLE honours up to three young scholars (below 35 years of age) to recognise outstanding empirical or theoretical research in labour economics.

Surjit Singh Memorial Award - ₹ 25,000

Prof. Surjit Singh served as the Honorary Secretary of ISLE from 2009 until his untimely demise in December 2013. In his memory, his family established an endowment fund to promote high-quality research in labour economics.

• Prize Amount: ₹ 25,000 (to be awarded to the lead author; if co-authored, all authors must be ≤ 35).

L.K. Deshpande Young Labour Economist Award - ₹ 10,000

Prof. Lalit K. Deshpande was one of India’s most respected labour economists and served as ISLE’s Conference President in 1989. His scholarship and mentorship shaped generations of researchers.

• Prize Amount: ₹ 10,000 (to be awarded to the lead author; co-authors must all meet the age criterion).

Ruddar Datt Young Labour Economist Award - ₹ 10,000

Late Prof. Ruddar Datt was an acclaimed economist, teacher, and Conference President of ISLE. His prolific contributions to macroeconomic policy and labour studies have had a lasting impact on economic discourse in India.

• Prize Amount: ₹ 10,000 (lead author eligible if all authors are ≤ 35).

Eligibility Criteria

All applicants for ISLE’s Best Paper Awards must carefully review the criteria below:

• The lead author (and all co-authors, if any) must be below 35 years of age on 1 January 2026.
• Submission of age-proof (e.g., copy of valid government ID) along with the paper is mandatory.
• Papers must address one or more of the conference themes (refer to the Conference Brochure or visit the “Call for Papers” page).
• Submissions must be original research not under review elsewhere.
• The paper must be presented in person at the Annual Conference. Only presenters whose papers are selected for oral presentation by the Scientific Committee are eligible.

Travel Grants for Young Scholars

In addition to the Best Paper Awards, ISLE offers limited Travel Grants to support selected young scholars (≤ 35 years) whose papers have been accepted for presentation to facilitate wider participation from emerging researchers.

Eligibility Criteria

• Scholar must be ≤ 35 years old on 1 January 2026.
• Employed below the level of Lecturer/Assistant Professor (e.g., PhD candidates, Junior Research Fellows, Research Associates).
• Paper accepted for presentation at the 66th Annual Conference.

Coverage

• • AC Three-Tier Train Fare (from the nearest eligible railway station to Pune and back, at the most economical quota).
• • Registration Fee Waiver (standard registration fee waiver for the 66th Annual Conference) except ISLE membership fee.

Application via Google Form

ISLE has created a dedicated Google Form for Travel Grant applications. You can access the form directly the link below:
Travel Grant Application Google Form (Opens Soon)

• Required Uploads (in Google Form):
  • 1. Proof of age (copy of government ID)
  • 2. Employer’s salary certificate or appointment letter (to demonstrate employment grade)
  • 3. Confirmation email or copy of paper acceptance
• Deadline
• Notification
  • 1. Successful applicants will be notified by the secretariat via email, with reimbursement instruction.

IWWAGE-ISLE Fellowships for Young Women Researchers

The Institute for What Works to Advance Gender Equality (IWWAGE) and ISLE announce five fellowships to empower young women pursuing advanced research in Economics, Political Science, Gender Studies, Development Studies, Public Policy, or Public Finance. These fellowships aim to strengthen women’s leadership and scholarship in labour economics and allied fields.
Fellowship Details

Application via Google Form:

Google Form have been developed to streamline Fellowship applications. You can access the form from the given link.
IWWAGE–ISLE Fellowship Application Google Form