The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, on Friday announced the fourth edition of its flagship Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK) for 2025–26. The initiative aims to promote scientific curiosity and research skills among undergraduate Ayurveda students across the country.
Under SPARK–4.0, 300 Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) students from colleges recognised by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) will receive a studentship of ₹50,000, disbursed as ₹25,000 per month over two months. The registration window opens on October 15, 2025, and applications will close on November 15, 2025.
Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS, said, “SPARK reflects the Council’s ongoing commitment to advancing Ayurveda through youth engagement and scientific training. The program has successfully inspired hundreds of students to take their first step into research, bridging classical Ayurvedic knowledge with modern inquiry.”
Since its inception, SPARK has benefited 591 students from 289 Ayurveda institutions across 20 states. The programme provides undergraduates a platform to undertake short-term, independent research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors. Participants gain hands-on exposure to research methodology, experimental design, and data analysis, equipping them with foundational skills in scientific investigation.
Designed to cultivate a generation of Ayurveda professionals with strong analytical and research orientation, SPARK encourages institutions to support students with research facilities and academic guidance during the two-month project period. Each selected scholar will also receive a certificate upon successful completion and approval of their final research report.
With SPARK–4.0, CCRAS aims to further strengthen India’s research capacity in traditional medicine and promote the integration of innovation with heritage. For more details, students can visit https://spark.ccras.org.in
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