CCRAS SPARK Scholarship Scheme

CCRAS SPARK Scheme (Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken)

Ayurveda students often learn from textbooks and clinics but get little early exposure to research. The Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK), launched in 2022 and run by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) under the Ministry of Ayush, lets BAMS students carry out a short research project under a faculty guide. Under the current SPARK 5.0 (2026-27) edition, 300 studentships are on offer.

Latest Update

Applications for SPARK 5.0 are open. The registration notice was issued on 14 October 2026, and applications opened on 15 October 2026. The official announcement gives 15 November 2026 as the deadline. The portal timeline lists 16 November 2026, so submit by 15 November to be safe.

Key Benefits

• Payment is made after the project is completed and the final report is approved
• The institution or medical college where the research is conducted must bear the research costs, so CCRAS does not separately reimburse research expenses
• Hands-on experience in preparing a research proposal, conducting research, and presenting findings

Who Can Apply?

• Students pursuing BAMS in the third or fourth professional year
• At an Ayurveda college or university recognised by NCISM or the Government of India
• Indian nationals (students at foreign institutions and NRIs are not eligible)
• The research topic must relate to subjects of the student’s current professional year
• Registered with an eligible guide, who can register a maximum of two students
• Student and guide must not be related by blood
• One proposal per student per cycle
• A student can receive SPARK a maximum of two times, in different academic years

Interns and postgraduate students are not eligible.

Documents Required

• Research proposal in the prescribed format
• Application Attestation Form (AAF), signed by the guide and college authorities
• Forwarding letter from the college, signed and stamped by the Principal, Director, or Dean, if required at the relevant stage
• Previous year’s marksheet
• IEC or IAEC approval, where applicable
• Informed consent form, case record form, or questionnaire, if applicable

Upload all documents in readable PDF format.

How to Apply

Applications are online through the SPARK portal. A laptop or desktop works better than a mobile phone.

1. Review the eligibility rules and guidelines on the portal.
2. Download the forms from the Essential Forms section.
3. Ask your guide to register first, then complete your student registration.
4. Prepare your proposal in the prescribed format, on a topic from your current professional year.
5. Get the AAF signed by your guide and the college authorities.
6. Upload the proposal and documents, and check everything before submitting.
7. Make sure your college screens and recommends the proposal through the prescribed process.
8. Submit before the deadline, and keep your SPARK ID safe.

Proposal Guidelines

Use only your SPARK ID in the proposal, with no name, college name, or contact details. Get IEC or IAEC approval before starting research, wherever applicable. Compare these limits with the current application form before submitting.

Key Dates for SPARK 5.0

Some later dates on the portal appear inconsistent, so check the official portal for updates.

Contact

CCRAS SPARK Scheme Support
Phone: 011-28525031
Email: ccras.spark@gmail.com
Technical support: ccras.itdesk@gmail.com
Address: SPARK, CCRAS, 61-65, Institutional Area, Opposite D Block, Janakpuri, New Delhi 110058