Scheme for Award of Fellowships in Culture 2026: Support for Creative Arts & Research
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Quick answer
This scheme offers fellowships to outstanding persons in culture and arts, supporting research and creative projects. Applicants can apply online through the official portal of the Ministry of Culture or CCRT.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Monthly stipends and publication grants |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Culture |
| Level | Central Government |
| Age | 25–40 years |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
The Scheme for Award of Senior/Junior Fellowships aims to support talented individuals working in various fields of culture, arts, and research. It provides financial assistance for in-depth study and innovative projects related to traditional and contemporary culture. The scheme encourages interdisciplinary and application-oriented research, including areas like performing arts, literary arts, plastic arts, and new cultural studies.
Benefits
- Up to 200 Junior and Senior Fellows are selected each year.
- Senior Fellows receive ₹20,000/- per month for two years, for applicants above 40 years.
- Junior Fellows receive ₹10,000/- per month for two years, for applicants aged 25-40 years.
- A one-time grant up to ₹20,000/- or 50% of publication costs, whichever is less, is available for project publication, limited to 20% of awardees.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Applicants should be above 40 years for senior fellowships.
- Applicants should be between 25-40 years for junior fellowships.
- Minimum educational qualification is graduation.
- Applicants for senior fellowships should not be pension recipients from the Ministry of Culture.
- Applicants should not have availed the same fellowship earlier, but those with previous Junior Fellowships can apply for a Senior Fellowship after 5 years.
Who cannot apply
- The scheme does not support training, workshops, seminars, memoir documentation, autobiographies, fiction, etc.
Documents required
- Identity proof
- Passport size photographs
- Proof of age (Birth Certificate etc.)
- Educational qualification documents
- Bank account details
- Caste certificate
- NOC/consent letter from employer (if employed)
- Written assurance from the Head of Department (if employed in government institutions)
- Undertaking regarding employment and previous fellowships
How to apply
- 1Applicants should watch for the annual advertisement in Employment News and newspapers.
- 2Visit the official website of the Ministry of Culture or CCRT.
- 3Click on 'MOC Schemes Application' and register by filling the form.
- 4Receive username and password for login.
- 5Access the scheme status and select the relevant scheme.
- 6Fill out the application form and submit online.
- 7If employed, submit a leave sanction proof from the employer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the objective of the scheme?+
The objective is to encourage analytical research and application of new techniques in art and culture.
Which ministry has started the scheme?+
The Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Is this a Central Sector Scheme?+
Yes, it is a Central Sector Scheme.
What are the benefits of the scheme?+
The fellows receive grant money of ₹10,000/- or ₹20,000/- per month for two years, depending on their category.
What other benefits are provided?+
A one-time grant up to ₹20,000/- or 50% of the publication cost, limited to 20% of awardees.
How many fellowships are awarded each year?+
Up to 400 fellowships are awarded annually.
What is the minimum educational qualification?+
Graduation is the minimum qualification.
What is the age limit for junior fellowships?+
Applicants should be between 25 and 40 years old.
What is the age limit for senior fellowships?+
Applicants should be above 40 years old.
Can pension recipients apply?+
No, pension recipients from the Ministry of Culture are not eligible.
Can previous fellowship recipients apply again?+
No, but those who had Junior Fellowships can apply for a Senior Fellowship after 5 years.
When is the performance review conducted?+
A mid-term review is carried out after one year.
How to apply for the scheme?+
Applicants should submit online applications via the official portal of the Ministry of Culture or CCRT.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)