Latest News:
- In a historic move, students trained in traditional gurukuls can now pursue research at top Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) without needing formal degrees.
- This opportunity comes under the newly launched Setubandha Scholar Scheme, offering recognised qualifications and generous fellowships to scholars of classical Indian knowledge.
About the Setubandha Scholar Scheme:
- The Setubandha Scholar Scheme is India's first national programme that formally integrates traditional scholars into the modern research ecosystem of IITs.
- It bypasses conventional degree requirements, offering a direct entry into academic research for students of Shastras and classical knowledge systems.
Key Objectives:
- To bridge ancient gurukul learning with modern interdisciplinary research
- To honour and mainstream India’s traditional knowledge systems
- To create elite research pathways for scholars outside the formal education system
Implementing Bodies:
- Ministry of Education, Government of India
- Implemented by the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) Division of Central Sanskrit University (CSU)
Fellowships and Research Grants:
- The scheme supports 18 interdisciplinary fields including
- Ayurveda, Political Theory, Architecture, Grammar, Cognitive Science, Performing Arts, Strategic Studies, Mathematics, Physics, and Health Sciences
Category 1 (PG-level):
- Fellowship: Rs 40,000 per month
- Annual Research Grant: Rs 1 lakh
Category 2 (PhD-level):
- Fellowship: Rs 65,000 per month
- Annual Research Grant: Rs 2 lakh
Eligibility Criteria:
- Minimum five years of rigorous study in a recognised gurukul
- Proven excellence in Shastras or other traditional Indian knowledge disciplines
- Maximum age to apply: 32 years
Significance:
- This scheme marks a major shift in India’s education policy, recognising the value of non-formal, classical learning.
- It opens doors for traditional scholars to contribute to contemporary research, enriching academic inquiry with indigenous wisdom.