The Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research 2025 is a prestigious initiative by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, aimed at reviving and strengthening India’s cultural institutions through high-level research. This scholarship supports scholars, academicians, and cultural performers who wish to conduct original research based on the resources of affiliated cultural institutions, thereby enriching the country’s cultural legacy.
The scheme is designed to engage scholars in archaeology, anthropology, visual/literary arts, library science, and museum studies with key national institutions, enhancing both academic excellence and cultural preservation.
Key Highlights
• Launched by: Ministry of Culture, Government of India
• Total Scholarships: Up to 25 scholarships annually
• Duration: Up to 2 years (extendable by 1 year without honorarium)
• Honorarium: ₹50,000 per month
• Contingency Grant: Up to ₹10,000 per month (Non-MoC institutions)
• Accommodation Allowance: Up to 30% of honorarium
• Settling Allowance: ₹1 lakh (on joining and completion)
• Mode of Application: Offline via selected Nodal Institutions
• Target Group: Scholars, researchers, and cultural performers
• Fields: Archaeology, Libraries, Anthropology, Visual/Performing Arts
Benefits
Scholarship Amount
• ₹50,000 per month as honorarium
• Regular employees from academic or government institutions may draw their parental pay scale during tenure
• HRA (House Rent Allowance) up to 30% for outstation Scholars
• Contingency Grant of up to ₹10,000/month for Non-MoC Scholars
Additional Financial Assistance
• Settling Grant: ₹1 lakh (on joining and on exit) for relocation
• Conference Support: Up to ₹1 lakh per annum for presenting papers
• Travel Reimbursement: Economy airfare for outstation Scholars (on joining/completion)
• Institutional Support: Workspace, computer access, research materials, and library facilities
Eligibility
• Scholar must have at least one publication (book/research paper in a reputed journal)
• Minimum 2 years of research or teaching experience
• Young artists/performers with proven credentials are also encouraged
• Scholars must identify and affiliate with a Nodal Institution relevant to their field
• Preference for research that uses and enhances the resources of the institution
• Must submit a detailed project proposal as per Appendix A of the guidelines
Areas of Research & Nodal Institutions
The scheme is divided into 4 thematic groups:
| Group | Area of Focus |
|---|---|
| A | Archaeology, Antiquities, Museums & Galleries |
| B | Archives, Librarie,s and General Scholarship |
| C | Anthropology & Sociology |
| D | Crafts, Performing/Visual/Literary Arts |
Note: Scholars can use resources of multiple institutions, but one institution must be designated as the Nodal Institution, and a Tripartite MoU may be required for co-affiliation.
Application Process (Offline)
How to Apply:
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Visit the official website of the Ministry of Culture or PMML for full details and a list of institutions.
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Prepare your application as per the format provided in the guidelines. Include:
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Project proposal (Appendix A)
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Academic credentials
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Research/teaching experience
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List of publications
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Declaration to complete the full tenure
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Submit the appliApplyNodal Institution.
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Institutions will review and forward selected applications to the Ministry of Culture for final approval.
Selection Process
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Institution Level Search-cum-Screening Committee (ILSSC) reviews applications
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Shortlisting ba.sed on academic excellence, relevance of the research,and benefit to the Nodal Institution
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National Select.ion Committee (NSC) makes the final selection
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Preference is given to projects that:
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Reveal hidden cultural resources
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Offer tangible academic outputs (publications, exhibitions, archives)
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Engage reputed national or international scholars
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Documents Required
• Aadhaar Card (Identity Proof)
• Passport-size Photograph
• Educational Qualification Certificates
• Caste/Disability Certificate (if applicable)
• Research Publication Details (Book/Paper/Journal/Performance)
• Synopsis of Proposed Work (per Appendix A)
• Statement of Benefit to Nodal Institution
• No Objection Certificate (if employed with Govt. institution)
• Rent Receipts for HRA (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the “Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research” Scheme?
The Scheme has been introduced to invigorate and revitalize the various institutions under the Ministry of Culture (MoC) and other identified cultural institutions in the country, by encouraging Scholars/academicians to affiliate themselves with these institutions to work on projects of mutual interest. - Which is the implementing agency of this scheme?
Institutions under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India - Who is eligible to apply under the scheme?
A scholar with good academic credentials at least one publication, either a book or a research paper in reputed journals, and 2 years of research/teaching experience will be eligible to apply for the Tagore National Scholarships. - What is the number of Scholarships awarded annually?
The scheme envisages the granting of up to 25 Scholarships in a year. - What is the scope of this Scheme?
The scope of the Scheme is to enable the identified cultural institutions to engage Scholars of outstanding merit, to work on research projects in order to unravel their unexplored resources. For purposes of convenience, monitoring, accounting, and responsibility, one of the institutions listed above would be the ‘Nodal Institution’ for each project, and the Scholars will be attached/anchored to that institution. - Can young artists/performers apply for the scholarship?
Yes, this scheme also gives opportunities to young artists/performers to apply for the scholarship. - Can a candidate apply again for a Scholarship under this scheme, Once awarded a Toncee National Scholarship?
No, the scholarship shall not be awarded again to the same candidate. - How much will the monthly Scholarship be given to the eligible Scholar?
The scholarship honorarium will be ₹50,000/- per month. However, if the scholar is from a University, College, Research Institute, or Government set-up in India, he/she would be entitled to the same pay, including grade pay, etc., which he/she would have drawn had he/she continued in his/her parent organization. - How much will the contingency grant to be paid to the eligible Scholars?
In case of scholars selected as Tagore Scholars under Non-MoC institutions, will also be paid a contingency grant by the Ministry on an ‘actuals basis’ up to a maximum ceiling of ₹10,000/- per month and such other allowances/benefits provided in this scheme depending on the nature and the duration of the project subject to the verification of the bills by the Nodal Institutions. - What is the duration of the Scholarship?
The duration of the Tagore Scholarship is up to 2 years. - Will the Scholars be entitled to receive a House Rent Allowance?
Yes, the selected Scholar will be entitled to receive a House Rent Allowance of up to 30% of the honorarium. - How can an applicant apply for the scheme?
The applicants may submit their application form, prepared according to the prescribed guidelines of the Scheme, to any one of the Nodal Institutions of his/her choice, depending on he area of research proposed to be undertaken.
Contact Details
Nodal Institution 1:
Director,
Nehru Memorial Museum & Library (PMML),
Teen Murti Bhavan, New Delhi – 110001
📞 Ph: 011-23013152
📧 Email: [email protected]
Ministry Contact:
Section Officer (S&F)
Ministry of Culture, Puratatava Bhawan,
2nd Floor, D-Block, GPO Complex, INA, New Delhi – 110023
📞 Ph: 011-24642133 (Mon–Fri, 3:00–4:00 PM)
📧 Email: [email protected]