Award of Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields

Award of Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields is a government scheme by the Ministry of Culture that is currently accepting applications for the 2026-27 batch. The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) has announced the scholarship window from 15 June 2026 to 31 July 2026. This year, the scheme continues to support 400 young artists across India with a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 for two years.

This scheme covers several artistic disciplines including Indian classical music, classical dance, theatre, visual arts, and folk traditions. Candidates selected for the scholarship receive financial support to cover living expenses, art supplies, books, and training fees during their two-year training period.

Applicants should note that the 2026-27 application process is offline only. Physical applications must be sent by post to CCRT. The scheme is open to Indian nationals aged 18 to 25 who have already completed at least 5 years of training in their chosen art form. For Visual Arts applicants, a BFA or equivalent qualification is now required.

Interested candidates can find the application form on the CCRT website. The form must be printed, filled out, and sent along with all required documents to the CCRT office in New Delhi. Applications that arrive after 31 July 2026 will not be considered.

Award of Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields

This scheme is managed by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and is implemented by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT). It provides support to young artists of outstanding promise for advanced training in various artistic disciplines within India. The scheme helps talented individuals pursue specialized training under recognized masters or institutions.

The following artistic fields are covered under this scheme:

• Indian Classical Music: Hindustani and Carnatic styles, both vocal and instrumental.
• Indian Classical Dance: Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Odissi, Manipuri, Thangta, Gaudiya Nritya, Chhau, and Sattriya.
• Theatre: Acting and direction (excluding playwriting and research).
• Visual Arts: Graphics, sculpture, painting, creative photography, and pottery.
• Folk and Indigenous Arts: Puppetry, folk theatre, songs, and dances.
• Light Classical Music: Thumri, Dadra, Tappa, Qawwali, Ghazal, Rabindra Sangeet, and Nazrul Geeti.

The training is made for candidates who already have a strong foundation in their art. Candidates should plan to commit at least three hours daily for practice, along with studying theory and related disciplines. The training is typically conducted under a master or within a recognized institution.

Highlights

Eligibility

1. You must be an Indian national.
2. You should have a strong educational background to support your artistic training.
3. You must demonstrate a sincere commitment to pursuing a career in your chosen field.
4. This scheme is for advanced learners, not beginners. You must have already achieved a significant degree of proficiency in your art.
5. You must have completed a minimum of 5 years of training under a Guru or institution. You will need to provide a certificate signed by your present and former teachers.
6. You should have a good understanding of related art forms.
7. Your age must be between 18 and 25 years as of 1st April of the application year. Age relaxation is not available.
8. For Visual Arts applicants, a BFA or equivalent minimum qualification is required.

Application Process

STEP 1 - Download the application form from the CCRT website at ccrtindia.gov.in or collect it from the CCRT office. The form is also available on the Ministry of Culture website at indiaculture.gov.in.

STEP 2 - Fill out the application form carefully with all required details. Make sure to select the correct field of interest from the list of available disciplines.

STEP 3 - Gather all required documents including identity proof, educational certificates, training certificates, age proof, passport-sized photograph, and bank account details.

STEP 4 - Send the completed application form along with all documents by post to: The Director, Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), 15-A, Sector-7, Dwarka, New Delhi - 110075. Write "Application for SYA Scheme 2026-27" on the envelope.

STEP 5 - Keep a copy of your application and the postal receipt for your records. Ministry of Culture screens applications and calls shortlisted candidates for an interview or performance test. Selection is purely merit-based.

Please note that applications must reach CCRT on or before 31 July 2026. If you wish to apply for more than one field, you should submit a separate application for each.

Documents

Keep these documents ready for your offline application:

• Valid identity proof
• Self-attested copies of educational qualifications, diplomas, and degrees
• Matriculation certificate or proof of age
• Recent passport-sized photograph
• Bank account details
• Caste certificate and residence proof (if applicable)
• For visual arts applicants, photos of your original work are required (minimum qualification is BFA or equivalent)
• Certificates confirming at least 5 years of training verified by your Guru or institution

Contact Details

For any queries, you can reach CCRT at the following address:

The Director, Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), 15-A, Sector-7, Dwarka, New Delhi - 110075. Phone: 011-25074256.

FAQ's

What is Award of Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields?

It is a government scholarship that provides financial assistance to promising young artists aged 18 to 25 to help them undertake advanced training in various cultural fields across India.

Which ministry manages this scheme?

Ministry of Culture, Government of India, manages this program.

What is the amount of the scholarship?

You will receive ₹5,000 per month for a period of two years.

How many scholarships are available?

There are 400 scholarships available annually.

What is the age requirement for applicants?

You must be between 18 and 25 years old as on April 1st of the application year.

Is prior training mandatory?

Yes, you must have completed a minimum of 5 years of training under a recognized Guru or institution and must provide certification for the same.

Can I apply for multiple fields?

Yes, but you should submit a separate application for each field of interest.

How will the selection process happen?

The selection is merit-based. Eligible candidates are called for an interview or practical performance conducted by an expert committee appointed by the Ministry.

Is the application online or offline for 2026-27?

The 2026-27 application process is offline only. Physical applications must be sent by post to CCRT.

What is the last date to apply?

Applications must reach CCRT on or before 31 July 2026.

Is there a qualification requirement for Visual Arts?

Yes, Visual Arts applicants must have a BFA or equivalent minimum qualification.