Good news for Ayurveda students with an interest in research. The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, has opened registrations for SPARK 5.0, offering 300 studentships of Rs 50,000 each to eligible BAMS students. The programme was launched on October 14 by Prof. Maneesha Kothekar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), and applications are open until November 15, 2026.
Alongside SPARK 5.0, the second circular for CCRAS Ayurshodh 2026, a national research recognition programme, was also released.
What Is CCRAS SPARK?
SPARK stands for Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken. The 2026-27 edition is the fifth. The idea is to introduce undergraduate Ayurveda students to research methods early in their studies, through short-term, independent research projects. Each selected student receives a studentship of Rs 50,000 to carry out the project.
According to the Ministry of Ayush, the programme aims to build research aptitude, analytical thinking and early interest in research as a career among BAMS students. For many students, it is the first chance to design a study, collect data and write up findings under guidance.
SPARK 5.0 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organised by | Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush |
| Edition | SPARK 5.0 (2026-27) |
| Number of studentships | 300 |
| Amount | Rs 50,000 per studentship |
| Eligible students | BAMS students in third, fourth or professional years |
| Eligible institutions | NCISM or Government of India-recognised colleges and universities |
| Registration opens | October 15, 2026 |
| Last date to apply | November 15, 2026 |
| Official portal | spark.ccras.org.in |
Who Can Apply
Only BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) students in their third, fourth or professional years can apply. They must be studying at colleges or universities recognised by NCISM or the Government of India. First- and second-year BAMS students are not eligible this time, and the scheme is not open to students of other medical streams.
How to Apply for SPARK 5.0
- Visit the official CCRAS SPARK portal at spark.ccras.org.in.
- Register using your basic details and a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Read the SPARK 5.0 scheme document and FAQs carefully to understand the rules.
- Prepare a short research proposal on your chosen topic, ideally after discussing it with a faculty guide at your college.
- Fill in the application form, upload the required documents, including any attestation from your institution, and submit before November 15, 2026.
- Keep a copy of the submitted application for future reference.
Students should check the official portal for the final list of documents and the exact format of the proposal, as these are set out in the scheme guidelines.
CCRAS Ayurshodh 2026: Three Categories
The second circular of CCRAS Ayurshodh 2026 was released at the same event. Ayurshodh is a platform to recognise research contributions in Ayurveda, and it has three categories:
- CCRAS-Prabodh 3MT – communicating research through three-minute thesis presentations.
- CCRAS-Prakash – recognising scholarly publications based on original research.
- CCRAS-Navonmesha – recognising innovative prototypes, new solutions, process innovations and fresh research methods.
The prize money is sponsored by Shree Dhootapapeshwar Limited, and the finals of Ayurshodh are scheduled for December 11, 2026.
The launch was attended by CCRAS Director General Prof. (Vaidya) Rabinarayan Acharya, Dr. Ranjit Puranik, MD and CEO of Shree Dhootapapeshwar Limited, presidents of various NCISM boards and heads of CCRAS institutes from across the country.
Why It Matters for Students
Research experience is increasingly important for Ayurveda graduates who want to pursue postgraduate studies, academic careers or jobs in research councils and the growing wellness and herbal products sector. A funded project at the undergraduate stage gives students a head start and something concrete to show on their CV. With only 300 seats nationwide, competition is likely to be strong, so a clear, practical proposal will matter.
What Happens Next
Applications close on November 15, 2026. After that, CCRAS will review the proposals and announce the selected students, who will then carry out their projects during the 2026-27 cycle. Students are advised to apply early rather than waiting for the last day, when the portal may see heavy traffic.
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