Setubandha Scholar Scheme: Bridging Gurukul Learning and Modern Research with Scholarships up to ₹2 Lakh
The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) division at Central Sanskrit University (CSU), has launched a transformative initiative to integrate India’s traditional Gurukul education with mainstream higher research. The newly introduced Setubandha Scholar Scheme is designed to provide Gurukul-educated students with opportunities to pursue postgraduate and doctoral research in premier institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), backed by scholarships of up to ₹2 lakh per month.
This initiative marks a historic step toward revitalizing Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) and connecting centuries-old wisdom with modern scientific inquiry.
A New Era for Gurukul Students
For centuries, the Gurukul system has nurtured profound scholars of the Vedas, philosophy, astrology, law, and the sciences, often outside the boundaries of modern formal education. While these students possess immense expertise, their pathways to recognized academic degrees and structured research opportunities have been limited.
The Setubandha Scholar Scheme seeks to bridge this gap, providing formal academic recognition, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge research facilities at IITs and other top institutes. Scholars will gain degrees and contribute to expanding India’s knowledge base globally, blending traditional wisdom with contemporary research methodologies.
Scholarships Up to ₹2 Lakh Per Month
One of the highlights of this scheme is its generous financial support:
- Postgraduate (PG) scholars are eligible for monthly scholarships of up to ₹1 lakh.
- PhD candidates can receive up to ₹2 lakh per month, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their academic journey.
- The minimum scholarship amount starts at ₹40,000, allowing broader inclusion of talented candidates.
According to Professor Srinivasa Varkhedi, Vice-Chancellor of CSU, “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.”
Eligibility Criteria and Application Details
The Setubandha Scholar Scheme is tailored for students who have dedicated significant years to learning under the traditional Guru-Shishya (teacher-disciple) system, irrespective of holding formal degrees.
- Age Limit: Applicants must be under 32 years of age.
- Experience: A minimum of five years of study in a Gurukul under a traditional Guru is mandatory.
- Degree Requirement: No prior formal academic degree is required, provided the candidate can demonstrate excellence in classical knowledge and learning.
- Application Deadline: Interested scholars must apply by August 15, 2025, via the official Setubandha portal.
This inclusive approach allows brilliant traditional scholars to step into structured research environments, removing the barriers imposed by conventional educational qualifications.
18 Research Disciplines Under the Scheme
The Setubandha Scholar Scheme offers research opportunities across 18 specialized disciplines that align with Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) and modern academic pursuits:
- Anvikshiki Vidya: Vedic philosophy, cognitive sciences
- Language and Vak Analysis: Linguistics, Sanskrit grammar studies
- History and Civilization Studies: Ancient Indian history, cultural evolution
- Dharmashastra and Secular Law: Religion, societal laws, and ethics
- Politics and Economics: Political theories, strategic studies
- Mathematics, Physics, and Jyotisha: Classical mathematics, physics, astronomy, astrology
- Medicine and Health Sciences: Ayurveda, traditional healing systems
- Substance, Quality, and Combination Science: Ancient chemistry, medicine, nutrition
- Agriculture and Animal Husbandry: Indigenous farming, animal sciences
- Architecture and Construction Science: Vastu Shastra, ancient engineering
- Rasa-Metal Science: Metallurgy, alchemy, chemistry innovations
- Mechanical and New Engineering: Mechanics, proto-engineering, early digital sciences
- Gandharva Vidya: Performing arts, classical theatre, music traditions
- Sculpture and Visual Arts: Iconography, traditional fine arts
- Ornamental and Decorative Arts: Indigenous fashion, interior arts
- Educational and Recreational Studies: Pedagogy, ancient entertainment sciences
- Veda-Vedanga and Philosophy: Core Vedic studies, philosophical discourses
- Dandaniti Vidya: Governance, jurisprudence, statecraft
This wide range ensures that scholars from diverse streams of traditional learning find avenues for advanced research, making IKS an integral part of mainstream academia.
Reviving India’s Ancient Knowledge Systems Globally
Professor Varkhedi emphasized that the scheme is a historic effort to elevate India’s ancient knowledge to international research platforms. By providing these scholars access to world-class laboratories, research mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaborations, the program aims to:
- Modernize ancient wisdom through scientific validation and technological support.
- Encourage innovation rooted in India’s cultural and intellectual heritage.
- Position India as a global hub for alternative knowledge systems and cross-cultural research collaborations.
Top institutions like IITs will bridge traditional Gurukul teachings and modern scientific methods, fostering unique, innovation-driven academic projects.
A Vision for the Future
The Setubandha Scholar Scheme is not just a scholarship program but a nation-building initiative that seeks to restore the respect, relevance, and global recognition of India’s traditional learning systems. By integrating heritage knowledge with cutting-edge research, the scheme could redefine the academic landscape of India, producing scholars who can contribute classical insights and modern solutions to global challenges.
With applications now open, the Ministry of Education invites eligible Gurukul scholars to step forward and become pioneers in a movement that connects ancient wisdom with contemporary science and innovation.
