The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, offers a unique opportunity to talented youth through its “Award of Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields” scheme. This initiative supports advanced training in Indian Classical Music, Dance, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Folk & Traditional Arts, helping to preserve and nurture India’s rich cultural heritage. The scheme offers ₹5,000 per month for 2 years to 400 selected young artists across India.
Short Summary
• Scheme Name: Award of Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields
• Department: Ministry of Culture, Government of India
• Implementing Agency: Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT)
• Target Group: Indian youth aged 18–25 years
• Scholarship Amount: ₹5,000 per month
• Duration: 2 Years
• Total Scholarships: 400
• Application Mode: Online via CSMS Portal
• Training Type: Advanced training under a Guru or in a recognized institute
Eligible Cultural Fields
The scholarship is available in the following cultural disciplines:
Indian Classical Music
-
Hindustani Vocal/Instrumental
-
Carnatic Vocal/Instrumental
Indian Classical Dance and Dance Music
-
Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, Manipuri, Sattriya, Kathakali, Chhau, Thangta, Gaudiya Nritya
Theatre & Mime
-
Acting, Direction, Mime (excluding playwriting and research)
Visual Arts
-
Painting, Sculpture, Graphics, Creative Photography, Pottery & Ceramics
Minimum Qualification: BFA or equivalent
Light Classical Music
-
Thumri, Dadra, Ghazal, Qawwali, Tappa, Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Geeti, Atul Prasad, Light Classical (Carnatic)
Folk, Traditional & Indigenous Arts
-
Puppetry, Folk Dances, Folk Music, Folk Theatre
Benefits
• ₹5,000 per month for a period of two years
• Covers expenses for training, tuition, travel, books, equipment
• Can be used for residential training with Guru or study in recognized institutions
• 400 scholarships are awarded each year
Eligibility Criteria
• Must be an Indian citizen
• Age between 18 to 25 years as on 1st April 2025
• Should have minimum 5 years of prior training in the selected field
• Must show evidence of advanced level proficiency, not meant for beginners
• Should possess basic education to pursue advanced training
• Must submit training certificates from current and former Guru/institution
Application Process (Online)
Follow these steps to apply:
-
Click on “MOC Schemes Application”
-
Select Registration and fill in your details
-
Receive User ID and Password after registration
-
Login and select “Award of Scholarships to Young Artists”
-
Fill the application form and upload documents
-
Submit the application online before the deadline
Post-Application Selection Process
-
Applications are scrutinized digitally via NIC software on CSMS
-
Shortlisted applicants will be called for an interview/performance before an expert committee
-
Final list is approved by the Ministry of Culture and published on CCRT’s Website
-
Selected candidates receive an Award Letter via email and post
Documents Required
• Aadhaar/Valid Identity Proof
• Self-attested Educational Qualification Certificates
• Matriculation/age-proof document
• Recent Passport-size Photograph
• Bank Account Details
• Caste/Residence Certificate (if applicable)
• Training Certificate (Minimum 5 Years) from Guru/Institute (both current and previous, if any)
• Portfolio for Visual Arts: Photos of original works (for Painting/Sculpture applicants)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the “Award of Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields” scheme?
Under the scheme, assistance is provided to young artists of outstanding promise for advanced training within India in the field of Indian Classical Music, Indian Classical Dance, Theatre, Mime, Visual art, Folk, Traditional and Indigenous Arts, and Light Classical Music. - Which ministry has started the scheme?
Ministry of Culture, Government of India - Is this Central Sector Scheme?
Yes, this is a Central Sector Scheme. - What are the benefits of the scheme?
Under the scheme, each scholar will be paid ₹5000/- per month for a period of two years to cover his/ her living expenses on travel, books, art material, or other equipment and tuition or training charges, if any. - What is the total number of scholarships?
The total number of scholarships is 400. - What should the minimum educational qualification be required for applying under the scheme?
A candidate having a degree of proficiency in the concerned field is eligible to apply under the scheme. - Who is eligible to apply under the scheme?
A candidate of Indian Nationals who has adequate general education to pursue their training effectively is eligible to apply under the scheme. - What is the age criterion for an applicant to apply under the scheme?
The candidate’s age should not be less than 18 years and not more than 25 years as of 1st April of the year in which the application is being made. Age relaxation is not permissible. - Is there any training experience required to apply under the scheme?
Yes, the candidate should have undergone a minimum of 5 years of training with their Guru/Institutes. - How will the nature of training be determined?
The nature of training will be determined in each case after taking into consideration the previous training and background of the scholar. Normally, it will be in the nature of advanced training under a Guru/Master or in a recognized institution. - How can an applicant apply under the scheme?
The applicant may apply through online mode. Applicants are required to submit online applications on the CSMS Portal which is made available on the website of the Ministry of Culture & CCRT. https://indiaculture.gov.in/
Contact Information
Ministry of Culture (S&F Section)
Room No. 211, 2nd Floor, Puratatva Bhawan,
D Block, GPO Complex, INA, New Delhi-110023
011-24642157 | [email protected]
Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT)
15-A, Sector-7, Dwarka, New Delhi-110075
011-25309300 Exts. 319, 331, 337, 338
Direct: 011-25074256, 25088638
[email protected]