Gurukul scholars seek grant for research at IITs

Central Sanskrit University (CSU), New Delhi, has received nearly 370 applications for 50 scholarships under the Setubandha Scholar Scheme launched in collaboration with the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) division of the Union education ministry to enable Gurukul-trained scholars to pursue research at premier Indian Institute of Technology (IITs).

- Sanjay Maurya

Under the scheme, selected candidates, eligible even without formal academic certificates, can earn recognised postgraduate and doctoral qualifications. They will also receive monthly scholarships of ₹40,000 to ₹75,000, an annual contingency grant of ₹1-2 lakh, dual mentorship from CSU and IIT faculty, and access to advanced research facilities and workshops. While the scholars will conduct their research in IIT laboratories under dual mentorship, the final degrees will be conferred by CSU.

Aimed at "recognising and supporting scholars trained in traditional Gurukul systems", the scheme on its portal says that it facilitates their "integration into mainstream academia" through PG and PhD degrees and it "bridges traditional Indian knowledge systems with modern academic frameworks".