CCRAS SPARK Scholarship Scheme

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

Ayurveda has a long history of healthcare knowledge, and research can help students explore its principles, treatments, and practical applications in a systematic way. The Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK) Scheme supports undergraduate Ayurveda students who want to develop research skills alongside their studies. Under the current SPARK 5.0 (2026–27) edition, 300 studentships are being offered, with selected students receiving ₹50,000 for a two-month research project. The scheme aims to encourage young students to take an interest in research, develop scientific thinking, and contribute to the study of Ayurveda.

The scheme is implemented by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. CCRAS promotes and coordinates research in Ayurvedic sciences, while SPARK gives eligible students an opportunity to work on research proposals under the guidance of a faculty member. The program is intended for eligible students pursuing the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) course at recognised Ayurveda institutions. Applicants must follow the eligibility conditions, research proposal format, and other instructions published for the relevant edition.

To apply, students need to register and submit their research proposals through the official SPARK portal during the application period. The proposal must follow the prescribed format and be submitted with the required documents and faculty guidance. For SPARK 5.0, the registration notice was issued on 14 October 2026, and applications opened on 15 October 2026. The official announcement gives 15 November 2026 as the application deadline, so students should check the latest instructions on the portal and submit their applications before that date. For assistance, applicants can refer to the contact details and help instructions provided on the official SPARK portal or the CCRAS website.

Scheme Benefits

The Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK) Scheme helps eligible BAMS students gain practical research experience and explore topics related to Ayurveda. The main benefits of the scheme are:

• Selected students receive financial assistance of ₹50,000 for a two-month research project.
• Students get an opportunity to develop research skills while pursuing their BAMS course.
• The scheme encourages students to study Ayurveda through a systematic and scientific approach.
• Students can work on an Ayurveda-related research project under the guidance of an eligible faculty member.
• The program helps students improve their ability to prepare research proposals, conduct research, and present their findings.
• Students gain early exposure to research, which may help them pursue further academic or research opportunities in the future.
• Under SPARK 5.0 (2026–27), a total of 300 studentships are being offered to selected applicants.

Financial Assistance Under the SPARK Scheme

The Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK) Scheme provides financial support to selected BAMS students to carry out short-term research projects. The assistance is intended as a studentship rather than a separate research grant.

Students should plan their projects within the prescribed duration and submit the required reports on time. Selection for the studentship does not mean that all research expenses will be separately reimbursed by CCRAS.

Eligibility Requirements

Students who want to apply for the Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK) Scheme must meet the eligibility conditions set by CCRAS. The main requirements for SPARK 5.0 (2026–27) are as follows:

• Applicants must be pursuing a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) course.
• Students must be studying in an Ayurveda college or university recognised by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) or the Government of India.
• According to the SPARK 5.0 announcement, students in the third or fourth professional year of BAMS are eligible to apply.
• Applicants must be Indian nationals. Students studying at foreign institutions and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are not eligible.
• The research project must relate to subjects covered in the professional year the student is currently studying.
• Students must register online with an eligible guide and submit their research proposal with the required documents through the official SPARK portal.
• Each student can submit only one research proposal for a particular application cycle.
• A guide can register a maximum of two students under the scheme.
• The student and guide must not be related by blood.
• Interns and postgraduate students are not eligible to apply under the scheme.
• A student may receive the SPARK studentship a maximum of two times in different academic years, subject to selection on merit.

Required Documents

Before applying for the Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK) Scheme, students should keep the required documents ready to complete the online application process smoothly. The documents may include:

• A completed research proposal prepared in the prescribed format.
• A duly filled and signed Application Attestation Form (AAF), certified by the research guide and the relevant college authorities.
• A forwarding letter from the college or institution, signed and stamped by the Principal, Director, or Dean, in the prescribed format, if required at the relevant application stage.
• A copy of the marksheet for the previous academic year, as required during registration.
• Approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) or Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC), wherever applicable.
• An informed consent form, case record form, questionnaire, or other research-related documents, if applicable to the proposed study.
• Any other supporting documents specified in the current SPARK application guidelines.

Applicants should upload the required documents in readable PDF format through the official SPARK portal. Check the latest official forms and application documents before submitting the proposal, as requirements may vary depending on the application stage and research topic.

Steps to Apply

Students who wish to take part in the Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK) Scheme must complete the registration and research proposal submission process online. Follow these steps to apply for SPARK 5.0 (2026–27).

Follow these steps to apply for the SPARK Scheme:

1. Open the official SPARK portal and check the eligibility rules and application guidelines.
2. Go to the Essential Forms section and download the required forms. Prepare your research proposal and supporting documents.
3. Ask your research guide to register on the portal first. Once registered, complete your student registration and enter the required details.
4. Prepare your research proposal according to the prescribed format. Make sure your topic relates to the subjects in your current BAMS professional year.
5. Get the Application Attestation Form (AAF) signed by your guide and the required college authorities.
6. Upload your proposal and supporting documents in readable PDF format. Check all details before submitting your application.
7. Ensure your college screens and recommends your proposal through the prescribed process.
8. Submit your application before the deadline. Keep your SPARK ID safe and check the portal or your registered email for selection updates.

Important Dates for SPARK 5.0 (2026–27)

CCRAS has published a schedule for SPARK 5.0 covering applications, proposal evaluation, selection, and project completion. Students should keep track of these dates and check the official portal for any updated instructions.

Research Proposal Guidelines

A good SPARK research proposal should explain what the student wants to study, why the topic matters, how the research will be conducted, and what the expected outcome may be. The topic must be relevant to the subjects of the student's current BAMS professional year and should be manageable within the scheme's short project duration.

The published SPARK guidelines set out the following structure and word limits for the proposal. Students should compare these limits with the current SPARK 5.0 application form before submitting their work.

Students should also follow these important requirements:

• Choose a clear, achievable research topic related to your current BAMS professional year.
• Explain your research method, sample size, and data analysis plan, wherever applicable.
• Use only your SPARK ID in the proposal. Do not include your name, college name, or contact details.
• Submit the Application Attestation Form (AAF), duly signed by the required guide and college authorities.
• Upload documents in readable PDF format, as required by the portal.
• Obtain IEC or IAEC approval before starting research, wherever applicable, and submit the approval with the final report.
• Follow applicable ethical requirements, including informed consent and clinical study registration, where required.
• Submit only one proposal per student to avoid rejection.
• Apply before the deadline and check all details and documents carefully before final submission.

For the complete requirements and the current application documents, refer to SPARK 5.0 Detailed Scheme Guidelines and the official SPARK forms page.

Relevant Links

• Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) Official Website
• SPARK Scheme Official Portal
• SPARK 5.0 (2026–27) Official Notification
• Detailed SPARK Scheme Guidelines
• SPARK Application Forms and Essential Downloads
• SPARK Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Press Information Bureau: SPARK 5.0 Launch Announcement

Contact Information

Students who need assistance with registration, research proposals, or application requirements can contact the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) through the SPARK support details below.

CCRAS SPARK Scheme Support

• Phone: 011-28525031
• Email: [email protected]
• Technical Support Email: [email protected]
• Address: SPARK, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), 61–65, Institutional Area, Opposite D Block, Janakpuri, New Delhi – 110058.

For queries about an application, students should use their institution's official email address and mention their SPARK ID, if available, to help the support team identify the application.