News: The Ministry of Education, in partnership with the Central Sanskrit University, has launched the Setubandha Scholar Scheme.
About Setubandha Scholar Scheme
- The scheme empowers scholars of traditional Gurukul education to join top academic institutes like IITs without formal degrees.
- Aim: It aims to bridge India’s age-old gurukul tradition with modern scientific and academic inquiry.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Education
- Implementing agency: Indian Knowledge System (IKS) Division at Central Sanskrit University
- Beneficiaries
- The Gurukul scholars who’ve completed at least 5 years at recognised institutions and showcase expertise in Sanskrit, Ayurveda, philosophy, mathematics or classical studies are eligible.
- Eligibility criteria
- Maximum age: 32 years
- Minimum 5 years of study under a traditional Guru or in a Gurukul
- No formal degree required
- Must demonstrate excellence in traditional or classical knowledge
- Applications open until August 15, 2025
- Features of scheme
- It aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 that promotes integrating India’s civilisational wisdom into the formal education system.
- Fellowships: The scheme offers two fellowship categories:
- Category 1 (Postgraduate level): ₹40,000/month + ₹1 lakh annual grant
- Category 2 (Doctoral level): ₹65,000/month + ₹2 lakh annual grant
- Domains covered
- The programme encourages exploration in areas like Anvikshiki Vidya (philosophy and cognitive sciences), Ganit-Bhaut-Jyotish Vidya (mathematics, physics, astronomy), and Bhaishajya Vidya (Ayurveda).
