Award Of Scholarships To Young Artists In Different Cultural Fields
Scholarship for young artists in classical and folk arts · up to ₹5,000/month · Ministry of Culture
Indian artists aged 18-25 with at least 5 years of training can apply for a central government scholarship to pursue advanced study in classical music, dance, theatre, visual arts, or folk arts under a recognized guru. Each scholar receives ₹5,000 per month for two years to cover living, travel, and tuition expenses. Apply online via the CSMS portal through the Ministry of Culture website at indiaculture.gov.in.
About This Scheme
Indian artists aged 18-25 with at least 5 years of training can apply for a central government scholarship to pursue advanced study in classical music, dance, theatre, visual arts, or folk arts under a recognized guru. Each scholar receives ₹5,000 per month for two years to cover living, travel, and tuition expenses. Apply online via the CSMS portal through the Ministry of Culture website at indiaculture.gov.in.
Full official description
The scheme “Award of Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields” was launched by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. This scheme seeks to give assistance to young artists of outstanding promise for advanced training within India in the field of Indian Classical Music, Indian Classical Dance, Theatre, Mime, Visual art, Folk, Traditional and Indigenous Arts, and Light Classical Music. Subjects/Fields in which Scholarships can be awarded:
Indian Classical Music - Classical Hindustani Music (Vocal and Instrumental), Classical Carnatic Music (Vocal & Instrumental, etc.)
Indian Classical Dance/ Dance Music - Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Odissi Dance/ Music, Manipuri Dance/ Music, Thangta, Gaudiya Nritya, Chhau Dance/ Music, Sattriya dance.
Theatre - Any specialized aspect of theatre art, including acting, direction, etc., but excluding playwriting and research. Mime.
Visual Arts - Graphics, Sculpture, Painting, Creative Photography, Pottery & Ceramics, etc.
Folk, Traditional, and Indigenous Arts - Puppetry, Folk Theatre, Folk dances, Folk Songs, Folk Music, etc.
Light Classical Music -
a) Thumri, Dadra, Tappa, Qawali, Ghazal, b) Light Classical music based on Carnatic Style, etc. c) Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Geeti, Atulprasad. Terms of Scholarship:
The nature of training will be determined in each case after taking into consideration the previous training and background of the scholar. Normally, it will be in the nature of advanced training under a Guru/Master or in a recognized institution.
The Scholar will be required to undergo a rigorous training. Such training will include minimum of three hours a day for practice alone apart from the time spent for acquiring knowledge of the theory of the subject/field concerned and also an appreciation of the related disciplines.
Benefits
- ₹5,000 per month stipend for 2 years
- Covers living expenses, travel, books, art materials, and tuition fees
- 400 scholarships awarded per cycle
💡 Why Startups Should Care
Not startup-relevant. But CultureTech startups building platforms for Indian classical arts — knowing there are government-funded young artists looking for monetisation and visibility is a useful market insight.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be an Indian national
- Age 18–25 years as of April 1 of the application year (no age relaxation)
- Must have completed at least 5 years of training with a guru or recognized institution
- Must already have a reasonable level of proficiency in the chosen art form (not a beginner)
- Must have adequate general education to support advanced training
- Eligible fields: Indian Classical Music, Classical Dance, Theatre, Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, pottery), Folk/Traditional Arts, Light Classical Music
How to Apply
- Check the Ministry of Culture's official website for the annual scholarship call.
- Apply online with your artistic portfolio and age proof.
- A panel of experts evaluates applications and shortlists candidates.
- Selected scholars receive monthly payments for a two-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Award of Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields” scheme?
Under the scheme, assistance is provided to young artists of outstanding promise for advanced training within India in the field of Indian Classical Music, Indian Classical Dance, Theatre, Mime, Visual art, Folk, Traditional and Indigenous Arts, and Light Classical Music.
Which ministry has started the scheme?
Ministry of Culture, Government of India
Is this Central Sector Scheme?
Yes, this is a Central Sector Scheme.
What are the benefits of the scheme?
Under the scheme, each scholar will be paid [?]5000/- per month for a period of two years to cover his/ her living expenses on travel, books, art material, or other equipment and tuition or training charges, if any.
What is the total number of scholarships?
The total number of scholarships is 400.
What should the minimum educational qualification be required for applying under the scheme?
A candidate having a degree of proficiency in the concerned field is eligible to apply under the scheme.
Who is eligible to apply under the scheme?
A candidate of Indian Nationals who has adequate general education to pursue their training effectively is eligible to apply under the scheme.
What is the age criterion for an applicant to apply under the scheme?
The candidate's age should not be less than 18 years and not more than 25 years as of 1st April of the year in which the application is being made. Age relaxation is not permissible.
Is there any training experience required to apply under the scheme?
Yes, the candidate should have undergone a minimum of 5 years of training with their Guru/Institutes.
How will the nature of training be determined?
The nature of training will be determined in each case after taking into consideration the previous training and background of the scholar. Normally, it will be in the nature of advanced training under a Guru/Master or in a recognized institution.
How can an applicant apply under the scheme?
The applicant may apply through online mode. Applicants are required to submit online applications on the CSMS Portal which is made available on the website of the Ministry of Culture & CCRT. https://indiaculture.gov.in/
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Age proof (18-25 years)
- Artistic portfolio or performance documentation
- Recommendation letter from a recognised artist or guru
- Bank account details
- Aadhaar card