Opportunities for Scholars and Practitioners
Introduction
The Ministry of Ayush, through the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), offers Research Fellowships to encourage scholars, doctors, and scientists to pursue high-quality research in Ayurveda.
These fellowships promote innovation, bridge traditional knowledge with modern science, and help India build a strong pool of Ayurveda researchers contributing to national and global health.
In simple words — it’s a government-supported opportunity for students and professionals to research Ayurveda scientifically and build a career in Ayush sciences.
Objective of Ayurveda Research Fellowships
- To support young researchers and Ayurveda postgraduates in developing new scientific studies.
- To encourage evidence-based research in Ayurvedic pharmacology, clinical medicine, and public health.
- To facilitate collaboration between modern scientists and Ayurveda practitioners.
- To generate validated data for the integration of Ayurveda with mainstream healthcare.
🎯 Types of Fellowships under Ministry of Ayush / CCRAS
| Type of Fellowship | Target Group | Purpose / Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) | Postgraduates (MD/MS Ayurveda, M.Sc. Biotech, Botany, Pharmacology, etc.) | To conduct project-based research at CCRAS institutes and universities |
| Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) | Graduates / Postgraduates in Ayurveda, Life Sciences, Chemistry | To assist in research projects and gain training in research methodology |
| Research Associateship (RA) | Ph.D. holders in Ayurveda or Allied Sciences | To lead independent projects or collaborate in advanced studies |
| Ph.D. Fellowship in Ayurveda | Registered Ph.D. scholars in recognized universities | To support Ph.D. research aligned with CCRAS or Ayush missions |
| Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) | Ph.D. completed within last 5 years | To encourage advanced, independent research in priority areas of Ayurveda |
Areas of Research Covered
Research Fellows can choose from a wide range of themes under Ayurveda and integrative health sciences:
- Clinical studies on Ayurvedic formulations
- Drug standardization, quality control, and pharmacology
- Ayurveda-based public health models
- Medicinal plant research and cultivation technology
- Digital documentation of Ayurvedic manuscripts and knowledge
- Artificial intelligence and data analytics in Ayurveda
- Integrative approaches for chronic diseases
🩺 Institutions Offering Research Fellowships
Fellows are placed at leading CCRAS and Ayush institutions across India, including:
- Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI) – New Delhi, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Lucknow
- National Research Institute for Ayurveda – Jaipur & Thiruvananthapuram
- Regional Ayurveda Research Institutes (RARIs) in Ahmedabad, Patna, Itanagar, Jammu, Vijayawada, Jhansi, etc.
- National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) – Jaipur
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU) – Faculty of Ayurveda
- Gujarat Ayurved University – Jamnagar
- All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) – New Delhi
Fellowship Benefits
| Category | Monthly Fellowship (Approx.) | Duration | Other Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| JRF | ₹31,000 + HRA | Up to 2 years | Training in project & lab work |
| SRF | ₹35,000 + HRA | 3 years (extendable) | Exposure to publication & project leadership |
| RA | ₹47,000 + HRA | 2 years | Leading independent projects |
| Ph.D. Fellowship | ₹36,000–42,000 + contingency | 3 years | Research materials, conference travel |
| ₹55,000 + contingency | 2 years | Independent research with mentorship |
(Figures as per recent CCRAS/ICMR scales; subject to change based on government notifications.)
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be an Indian citizen with relevant educational qualification (BAMS, MD/MS, M.Sc., Ph.D.)
- Should have research aptitude and knowledge of Ayurvedic fundamentals
- Age limit (varies):
- JRF – up to 28 years
- SRF – up to 35 years
- RA – up to 40 years
- Relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST/OBC/PH/Female candidates
- For PDF/Ph.D. fellowships, candidate must be enrolled or affiliated with recognized institutes
How to Apply
| Step | Process | Where to Check |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Visit official websites for notifications | https://ccras.nic.in & https://ayush.gov.in |
| 2️⃣ | Read advertisement carefully | Fellowship guidelines, eligibility, and documents required |
| 3️⃣ | Submit online/offline application | Through prescribed format within deadline |
| 4️⃣ | Shortlisting & Interview | Based on qualifications and research proposal |
| 5️⃣ | Joining & Orientation | Selected candidates join at CCRAS institute or partnered university |
Documents required:
- Educational certificates
- CV & research proposal
- ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN)
- Caste/Category certificate (if applicable)
- NOC (if employed)
Selection Criteria
Candidates are evaluated on:
- Academic excellence
- Research proposal quality
- Relevance to Ayurveda development
- Interview performance
- Alignment with CCRAS priority areas
Final selection is approved by a panel of senior scientists and subject experts from CCRAS and the Ministry of Ayush.
Key Government Programs Linked to Fellowships
- Ayush Research & Development Scheme (R&D)
- Ayush Clinical Research Program (ACRP)
- Ayush Grid – Digital Health Mission
- Interdisciplinary Research Collaboration (with ICMR, CSIR, DST, DBT)
Training & Skill Development
Selected fellows receive:
- Research Methodology training
- Statistical analysis and data management
- Scientific writing and publication guidance
- Exposure to field surveys and clinical trials
- Access to Ayurveda drug standardization labs and herbariums
Where to Get Updates
- CCRAS Official Portal: https://ccras.nic.in/opportunities/fellowships
- Ministry of Ayush: https://ayush.gov.in
- Research Journals:
Impact of Fellowship Program
- Encouraged over 2,000+ research scholars in the last decade.
- Led to publication of 500+ research papers and patents on Ayurvedic formulations.
- Strengthened India’s position as a global leader in traditional medicine research.
- Many fellows now serve as professors, scientists, and policymakers in Ayush institutions.
Conclusion
The Ayurveda Research Fellowship Programme is more than a scholarship — it’s a bridge between ancient knowledge and modern discovery.
By nurturing young minds, CCRAS ensures that Ayurveda continues to grow as a science, offering new hope for health and healing in India and beyond.