In a landmark initiative aimed at bridging the gap between traditional and modern education, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) division of the Central Sanskrit University (CSU), has launched the Setubandha Scholar Scheme. This pioneering programme is designed to integrate students from India’s ancient Gurukul education system into mainstream academia, including research opportunities at prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
The scheme enables meritorious scholars trained for at least five years under traditional Gurus or in Gurukuls to pursue postgraduate and PhD-level research without the need for formal degrees. The initiative recognises excellence in traditional Indian knowledge systems such as Sanskrit, Ayurveda, Indian philosophy, classical arts, and more.
Under the Setubandha Scholar Scheme (also known as Setubandha Vidwan Yojana), selected students will receive generous financial support:
Postgraduate Scholars: ₹40,000 per month, plus an annual research grant of ₹1 lakh.
PhD Scholars: ₹65,000 per month, plus an annual research grant of ₹2 lakh.
All degrees will be awarded by the Central Sanskrit University, with academic mentorship and research facilities provided by IITs and other leading institutions.
18 Traditional Disciplines Offered for Research
Research opportunities under the scheme span across 18 domains, including:
Anvikshiki Vidya: Philosophy and Cognitive Science
Ganit-Bhaut-Jyotish Vidya: Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy
Bhaishajya Vidya: Ayurveda and Health Sciences
Veda-Vedanga and Indian Philosophy
Dharmashastra and Law
Gandharva Vidya: Performing Arts
Rasa-Metal Science: Chemistry and Metallurgy
Architecture and Vastu, among others.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, candidates must:
Not be older than 32 years
Have completed a minimum of 5 years of study under a Guru or in a Gurukul
Demonstrate excellence in traditional or classical Indian knowledge
Hold no formal academic degree
Applications for the scheme are open until August 15.
Professor Srinivasa Varkhedi, Vice-Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University, hailed the programme as a ‘historic bridge between the ancient Gurukul tradition and modern research,’ adding that it will ‘provide recognition to traditional scholars and unlock new paths for academic innovation.’
Aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the initiative underscores India’s effort to revive and mainstream its rich civilisational knowledge. For the first time at the national level, the deep scholarship of traditional Indian education systems is being recognised and empowered to contribute to cutting-edge academic research.
By opening doors to premier institutions like IITs, the Setubandha Scholar Scheme not only affirms the academic potential of Gurukul-trained scholars but also marks a transformative step in India’s educational landscape honouring the past while shaping the future.