Gurukul-Trained Students to Get Research Opportunities at IITs, Scholarships up to Rs 2 Lakh
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Ministry of Education has launched the Setubandha Scholar Scheme, to connect India’s age-old Gurukul education system with modern academic research. Rolled out in collaboration with the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) division and Central Sanskrit University, the scheme will give traditional scholars a chance to enter formal postgraduate and PhD programs — including at some of India’s top institutions like the IITs.
What’s more, selected students will be eligible for generous scholarships, with monthly stipends starting at Rs 40,000. Postgraduate students can receive up to Rs 1 lakh, while those pursuing doctoral research may be awarded up to Rs 2 lakh. All degrees under the program will be conferred by Central Sanskrit University.
According to Professor Srinivasa Varkhedi, Vice-Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University, this scheme aims to serve as a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary research. “This isn’t just a degree program — it’s about recognising and reintegrating the deep intellectual traditions of India into the modern academic world,” he explained.
Bringing Ancient Knowledge to the Modern Stage
This initiative is being hailed as a major step in reviving India’s indigenous knowledge systems and giving Gurukul-trained students access to national research infrastructure, including IITs. It acknowledges the depth of learning that exists outside formal institutions and opens doors to students who may not hold a conventional degree but have demonstrated exceptional mastery of classical knowledge.
Professor Varkhedi believes the program will play a transformative role in not only validating traditional learning but also mainstreaming it in national and global academic discourse. He noted, “This is a momentous move toward positioning Indian knowledge traditions at the forefront of academic innovation.”
Who Can Apply?
The Setubandha Scholar Scheme is designed for students who’ve spent at least five years under the traditional Gurukul system or have studied under a guru. Here are the eligibility criteria:
- Age Limit: 32 years
- No formal educational qualification required
- Minimum five years of traditional study
- Demonstrated excellence in classical knowledge
- Applications are open until August 15
The initiative specifically caters to students of Sanskrit and Indian classical disciplines, offering them a unique route into mainstream research without needing a standard university degree.
18 Research Disciplines Available Under the Scheme
Students selected for the program will be able to engage in interdisciplinary research across 18 academic domains that blend traditional knowledge with modern sciences and humanities. These include:
- Anvikshiki Vidya: Vedic philosophy and cognitive sciences
- Vak Analysis: Linguistics and Sanskrit grammar
- History and Civilization: Indian culture and historical studies
- Dharmashastra and Law: Religious texts and modern legal studies
- Politics and Economics: Strategic thought in ancient texts
- Mathematics, Physics & Jyotisha: Ancient math, physics, and astrology
- Ayurveda and Health Sciences
- Rasa-Metal Science & Chemistry
- Agriculture and Animal Sciences: Indigenous farming methods
- Vastu and Architecture
- Gandharva Vidya: Performing arts, theatre, and classical music
- Visual Arts and Sculpture
- Ornamental Arts: Fashion and design traditions
- Educational & Recreational Studies: Education systems and games
- Governance (Dandaniti Vidya): Political science and jurisprudence
- Philosophy & Vedanta
- Engineering and Mechanics
- Substance & Nutrition Sciences
These research areas reflect a broad and inclusive approach, honouring disciplines from Ayurveda to Artificial Intelligence-inspired linguistics, rooted in classical Indian thought.
A Bridge Between Two Worlds
At its core, the Setubandha Scholar Scheme aims to redefine the academic narrative by acknowledging that knowledge isn’t limited to formal degrees or modern classrooms. It is an acknowledgment of India’s vast intellectual heritage and a step towards giving it the academic legitimacy it deserves.
As India strives to position itself as a global knowledge leader, this scheme serves as both a symbolic and practical union of tradition and modernity — offering a new future to Gurukul students and a broader academic canvas for Indian research.
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