The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, has launched SPARK-4.0 (2025–26) to promote research skills among undergraduate Ayurveda students. The scheme offers ₹50,000 studentships (₹25,000 per month for two months) to 300 BAMS students from NCISM-recognised colleges. Registrations open on October 15, 2025, and close on November 15, 2025. Each participant will work under a faculty mentor and receive a certificate upon successful project completion. Since its launch, 591 students from 289 institutions across 20 states have benefited.
The initiative aims to build a national pipeline of young Ayurveda researchers and promote evidence-based practice.
SPARK 4.0 strengthens India’s Ayush research ecosystem by nurturing research capacity at the undergraduate level. It builds scientific literacy, encourages faculty-student collaboration, and advances evidence-driven Ayurveda. By funding small projects nationwide, the scheme contributes to a more credible, outcomes-oriented foundation for traditional medicine research.
What is SPARK? → SPARK (Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken) is a national research studentship by CCRAS that funds short, mentored projects by BAMS undergraduates. A studentship is a paid, short-term research opportunity—a mini-fellowship that helps students learn how to design and conduct research under supervision. Selected candidates receive ₹50,000 for two months and a certificate after their report is approved.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can CCRAS ensure research quality and equitable mentorship across 300 projects and connect these findings to clinical validation or policy integration?
Follow the full news here: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2177235
