
Gurukul Students To Get Research Opportunities In IITs, Scholarships Up To Rs 2 Lakh
The Ministry of Education, in partnership with the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) division of the Central Sanskrit University, has launched the Setubandha Scholar Scheme - a major initiative aimed at integrating Gurukul-trained students into mainstream academia.
The scheme will enable meritorious students from traditional Indian education systems to pursue formal postgraduate and PhD degrees, including at leading institutions like the IITs. Selected scholars will receive monthly scholarships starting from Rs 40,000.
Postgraduate students will be eligible for scholarships of up to Rs 1 lakh, while PhD candidates may receive up to Rs 2 lakh. All degrees will be conferred by the Central Sanskrit University.
According to Professor Srinivasa Varkhedi, Vice-Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University, this scheme will serve as a bridge between the ancient Gurukul tradition and modern research. "It will provide recognition to traditional scholars and unlock new paths for academic innovation."
The move is seen as a significant step in reviving Indian Knowledge Systems and mainstreaming traditional expertise within the formal education ecosystem.
Eligibility Criteria:
Maximum age: 32 years
Minimum 5 years of study under a traditional Guru or in a Gurukul
No formal degree required
Must demonstrate excellence in traditional or classical knowledge
Applications open until August 15
Research Opportunities Are Available In These 18 Disciplines At IITs:
Anvikshiki Vidya Vedic Philosophy and Cognitive Science
Language and Vak Analysis - Linguistics and Grammar
History and Civilization Studies - Indian History and Culture
Dharmashastra and Secular Law- Religion, Society, and Law
Politics and Economics - Political and Strategic Studies
Mathematics, Physics & Jyotisha - Math, Physics, and Astrology
Medicine and Health Science - Ayurveda and Health Sciences
Substance, Quality & Combination Science - Chemistry, Medicine, and Nutrition
Agriculture and Animal Husbandry - Traditional Agricultural Practices
Architecture and Construction Science - Vastu and Engineering
Rasa-Metal Science - Chemistry and Metallurgy
Mechanical and New Engineering - Mechanics and Digital Engineering
Gandharva Vidya - Theatre, Music, and Performing Arts
Sculpture and Visual Arts - Fine Arts and Iconography
Ornamental and Decorative Arts - Fashion and Interior Design
Educational and Recreational Studies - Education and Entertainment
Veda-Vedanga and Philosophy - Vedas and Indian Philosophy
Dandaniti Vidya - Governance and Jurisprudence
Professor Varkhedi emphasised that this scheme is not just about awarding degrees it is a historic effort to restore India's ancient knowledge systems to the global research arena.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
India To Host AI Impact summit 2026, Leading Global Dialogue On Democratising AI
New Delhi: India is set to host the AI Impact Summit in February 2026, reinforcing its commitment to democratising Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the public good, the Parliament was informed on Wednesday. This landmark event aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making technology accessible to all and leveraging AI to tackle real-world challenges across healthcare, education, agriculture, climate, and governance, Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnav told the Lok Sabha. The IndiaAI mission, which prioritises accountability, safety, equity, and the defence of privacy and human rights, is at the core of India's AI strategy. According to the statement, one of the main highlights is the creation of native Large and Small Language Models using Indian datasets. Currently, startups such as Sarvam AI, Soket AI, Gnani AI, and Gan AI are developing foundational models that are suited to the linguistic and cultural diversity of India. According to the statement, these models will be open-source, allowing other startups to create locally tailored applications. According to Minister Vaishnaw, to support scalable innovation, the government is also enhancing AI compute capacity by ensuring GPU infrastructure access and expanding the AIKosh Datasets Platform, which currently hosts over 1,000 datasets and 208 AI models, including Text-to-Speech tools in Indian languages. Additionally, the mission is funding 30 AI-based applications addressing public interest areas like health, climate, and governance. Through its IndiaAI Startups Global Programme, 10 startups are being mentored at Station F and HEC Paris, including PrivaSapien Technologies (privacy-enhancing AI) and Secure Blink (AI cybersecurity). Ensuring safe and trusted AI, India has established the IndiaAI Safety Institute to coordinate efforts on responsible AI. Projects under this initiative include AI bias mitigation, machine unlearning, and watermarking, as per the statement A strong legal framework that addresses AI-related risks like disinformation, deepfakes, and data misuse, such as the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (2023), IT Act (2000), and IT Rules (2021), supports the tech initiatives. A techno-legal approach underpins India's regulation, combining legislation with government-funded R&D on deepfake detection, privacy, and cybersecurity tools, according to the written reply. India's hosting of the 2026 summit further solidifies its position as a global leader in the development of AI that is inclusive, moral, and driven by innovation.


India Today
2 hours ago
- India Today
IIT Bombay launches website for Joint Admission Test Masters 2026, opens Sept 5
IIT Bombay, which is the organising institute for JAM 2026, has launched the official website for the Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM) can now visit for all related updates and admission JAM Online Application Processing System (JOAPS) will be active from September 5, 2025, allowing eligible students to apply for postgraduate science programmes offered across India's premier TO IIT POSTGRADUATE SCIENCE COURSES JAM is a national-level entrance examination for admission into various postgraduate courses, including MSc, Joint MSc-PhD, MSc-PhD dual degree, and other PG science degrees at top Indian per the JAM 2026 announcement, a total of 89 postgraduate programmes will be offered across 22 IITs for the 2026-27 academic year, covering more than 3,000 BASED ON INSTITUTE-SPECIFIC CRITERIACandidates who qualify in JAM 2026 will be eligible for consideration across participating institutes. However, admission is subject to the specific eligibility criteria (MEQ) of the admitting institute.A note on the official website states: 'The Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM) has set the benchmark for undergraduate science education in the country for the past two decades.'The exam remains a pivotal route for students aiming to pursue advanced education in pure sciences from top technical institutes in India.- Ends


NDTV
2 hours ago
- NDTV
ISRO Successfully Launches NISAR, World's Most Expensive Earth Imaging Satellite
The world's most expensive civilian Earth imaging satellite, NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar Satellite), has lifted off from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh and has been successfully injected into its orbit. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle GSLV-F16 rocket carrying the $1.3-billion satellite, which is a collaboration between Indian space agency ISRO and its US counterpart NASA, lifted off at 5.40 pm on Wednesday. This is the first such collaboration between the two space agencies. GSLV-F16/NISAR Liftoff And we have liftoff! GSLV-F16 has successfully launched with NISAR onboard. Livestreaming Link: For more information: #NISAR #GSLVF16 #ISRO #NASA — ISRO (@isro) July 30, 2025 "Liftoff. And we have liftoff! GSLV-F16 has successfully launched with NISAR onboard," ISRO's handle posted on X. Speaking to NDTV earlier, ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan said the launch would be a big step forward in India assuming a leadership role in satellite technology. "From that humble beginning (the launch of India's first satellite, Aryabhata, with Russia's support, in 1975) when India relied on other nations for satellite technology, we are now gradually occupying a leadership role... Today, two great countries have built an important satellite together, and I'm extremely happy that it will be launched by our vehicle from Indian soil," Mr Narayanan said. After the launch, the ISRO chairman said, "I am extremely happy. NISAR has been successfully and precisely injected into its intended orbit." NISAR, which weights 2,392 kg, will be injected into a Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit - the first time a GSLV is doing so. Usually, PSLVs (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles) are used to inject satellites into such orbits. The satellite, which has been in development for over a decade and is expected to have a mission life of five years, will orbit the Earth once every 97 minutes and send images of Earth's land surface, as well as some portions of the ocean's surface, every 12 days. The unique Earth imaging satellite is a technological marvel and would be a game-changer in saving lives by being able to predict natural disasters and give warnings. Its dual-band radar - L-band from NASA and S-band from ISRO - will allow scientists to monitor the Earth with unprecedented precision.