AI SummaryFinancial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant) is a Central sector scheme run by Ministry of Culture, Government of India. It gives monthly money help to gurus, artists and shishyas of drama groups, theatre troupes, music ensembles and other performing arts organisations so that traditional and contemporary art forms keep growing across the country.
For the grant year 2026-27, Ministry of Culture has invited applications online from eligible cultural organisations under three categories: Fresh, Renewal, and Renewal with Enhancement. Applications are now submitted through the online portal of National School of Drama instead of the old offline process. The last date to receive online applications for 2026-27 was 15 July 2026.
Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant) - Overview
The scheme supports cultural organisations of all genres of performing arts including dance, music, theatre, folk, rare and vanishing art forms. These groups must be training shishyas and artists under their respective gurus on a regular basis in line with the Guru-Shishya tradition. Ministry of Culture keeps an eye on the progress through periodical inspections and field visits.
For fresh applications, the approved grant is released only after a physical verification of the organisation. Also, a minimum 5-10% of new recommended proposals are physically checked by officers of Ministry of Culture. For renewal cases, only about 10% of organisations are picked for physical inspection in a year.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant) |
| Level | Central |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Culture |
| Implementing Agency | Ministry of Culture and National School of Drama |
| Target Beneficiaries | Cultural organisations, NGOs, registered societies, trusts |
| Application Mode | Online through grant.nsd.gov.in |
| Grant Year | 2026-27 |
| Last Date for 2026-27 | 15 July 2026 |
| Official Website | culture.gov.in |
Benefits
Under this scheme, each Guru or Director receives monthly financial support of ₹15,000. Artists and shishyas get support based on their age group, as shown in the table below:
| Category of Shishya/Artist | Age Group | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Shishya/Artist | 18 years and above | ₹10,000 |
| Child Shishya/Artist (A) | 12 years to less than 18 years | ₹7,500 |
| Child Shishya/Artist (B) | 6 years to less than 12 years | ₹3,500 |
| Child Shishya/Artist (C) | 3 years to less than 6 years | ₹2,000 |
Note: The money is now paid directly to the Guru and Shishyas in Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode based on the details given in the application. The bank accounts of all gurus and shishyas must be linked with Aadhaar to get the payment.
Eligibility
An organisation can apply if it focuses on artistic performances such as dramatic groups, theatre ensembles or music collectives, keeps a repertoire of good quality, and has performed at an all-India level. Only one grant is given to an organisation in a financial year.
The expert committee reviews the scheme every year. Physical verification is required for continuation of the grant after every fourth year. To qualify for renewal, the organisation should stage at least two productions in a year, and at least one of them must be a new production that has not been staged earlier.
The organisation also has to organise at least two cultural activities such as workshops or seminars in local schools and get a certificate from the school principal. Videos of performances must be uploaded on YouTube and the links shared with the Ministry, as public feedback is considered during renewal.
Application Process
Applications for the grant year 2026-27 were invited online. The process is explained below.
STEP 1 - Go to the online application portal at grant.nsd.gov.in/user26 and select the correct category. Fresh applicants create a new account, while existing organisations use the Renewal or Renewal with Enhancement login.
STEP 2 - Register the organisation on the NGO-DARPAN portal to get a Unique ID, and make sure 'Art and Culture' is listed as a key working area. The organisation must also update Aadhaar and PAN numbers of its board members on the portal.
STEP 3 - Fill the online application form with the details of the Guru and Shishyas, their Aadhaar details and bank account details. Attach all the required documents and upload the production and school activity details as asked.
STEP 4 - Submit the complete application before the last date. An expert committee reviews the applications based on the availability of funds and the artistic reputation of the organisation. Fresh organisations may start with one Guru and up to four Shishyas, which can later increase up to one Guru and eighteen artists.
Documents
The following documents are needed when applying for the grant:
- A brief introduction of the organisation along with press reviews, advertisements and souvenir material of previous activities.
- Proof of registration, memorandum of association and by-laws, along with the Unique ID from the NGO-DARPAN portal and a copy of the PAN card.
- Original signed Resolution and Indemnity Bond in the prescribed format, and a bank authorization letter verified by the bank manager.
- Detailed list of Guru and Shishya members with their bank account details, audited accounts, income tax assessment orders and balance sheets for the last three years.
- Utilization Certificate (FORM GFR 12-A) and payment statements certified by a Chartered Accountant for previous grants, along with proof of cultural activities held in schools and YouTube links for production videos.
Note: Padma awardees are exempt from the requirement of getting external recommendations from State or National Academies.
References
Official Website | Online Application Portal | Application Form | Notice 2026-27
FAQ's
What is Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant)?
This scheme gives financial support to theatre groups, music ensembles and performing arts organisations to promote the Guru-Shishya tradition.
Which ministry manages this scheme?
It is managed by Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Is this a Central sector scheme?
Yes, this is a fully funded Central sector scheme.
How much will a Guru receive?
Each Guru or Director gets a monthly support of ₹15,000.
What amount do artists receive?
Artists receive between ₹2,000 and ₹10,000 monthly depending on their age and category.
Who qualifies for this grant?
Professional dramatic groups, theatre troupes and music ensembles focusing on performing arts qualify for this grant.
Can we apply for multiple grants?
No, an organisation may get only one grant per financial year.
How is the grant paid now?
The grant is paid directly to the Guru and Shishyas in DBT mode through electronic transfer.
Are school activities mandatory?
Yes, the organisation must hold at least two cultural activities in local schools and provide a certificate from the Principal to qualify for renewal.
What is the pre-requisite for renewal?
The organisation must upload videos of its works to YouTube and provide the links to the Ministry, along with public feedback, to be eligible for renewal.
Where can I find the application form?
Applications are now submitted online through the portal at grant.nsd.gov.in/user26.
How do I submit my application?
Applications for 2026-27 were submitted online before the last date of 15 July 2026 through the National School of Drama portal.