The ICCR India Chairs Programme is a flagship academic initiative of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) under the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The programme establishes academic Chairs at foreign universities and institutions to promote the study of India, Indian civilization, culture, languages, society, politics, economy, science, technology, and contemporary developments. It aims to strengthen international academic engagement and enhance global understanding of India through teaching, research, publications, seminars, and cultural outreach.

The objective of the Chair is to generate interest in India amongst foreign students and create greater understanding and awareness about India and Indian civilisation amongst the global academic community. Indian faculty deputed to these Chairs teach courses on various aspects of India — from Politics and Economy to Society and Culture — and also conduct seminars, guide research, deliver public lectures, and generate scholarly interactions with academics and students of the host country.

The academic focus is determined by the host institution's requirements and the MoU signed with ICCR. Current disciplines include:

• History, Political Science and International Relations
• Economics and Development Studies
• Sociology, Philosophy, Indology, Buddhist Studies
• Law and Governance
• Indian languages — Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu, Tamil

ICCR is also expanding into emerging disciplines including AI, Digital Public Infrastructure, Data Analytics, Maritime Studies, Climate Change Studies, Management and other STEM and interdisciplinary domains.

An ICCR India Chair is established through signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ICCR and the foreign university, based on the recommendation of the Indian Missions/Posts in the respective countries.

Indian Scholars/Academicians who meet all of the following criteria are eligible:

• Regular employee of a Central or State University
• Maximum age of 67 years
• Doctoral degree from a UGC-recognised institution
• At least 8 years of teaching experience at Graduate/Post-Graduate level in a recognised University or national-level institute

ICCR invites applications through advertisements published in leading newspapers, on the ICCR official website and social media handles from time to time. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by a panel of experts for empanelment in various subjects.

ICCR India Chair tenures are classified into:

• Short-term: One semester
• Long-term: One to two academic years