The “Tagore National Fellowship for Cultural Research” has been launched to encourage scholars, researchers, and academicians to engage in high-quality cultural research. By affiliating with cultural institutions under the Ministry of Culture and other identified institutions, the scheme aims to explore untapped resources, fostering academic excellence and creative contributions to the nation’s cultural heritage.
Key Objectives
- To revitalize cultural institutions by involving distinguished researchers.
- To promote in-depth academic studies that use resources from the cultural institutions under the Ministry of Culture.
- To encourage research work that enriches cultural institutions with academic and creative excellence.
- To make cultural resources widely accessible for national and international scholars.
Scope of the Scheme
- The fellowship covers Indian and foreign nationals who meet the eligibility criteria.
- It focuses on unraveling the unexplored cultural resources of Nodal Institutions (MoC or non-MoC institutions).
- Research topics must align with the institutions’ goals and cultural resources, ensuring meaningful contributions to the cultural sector.
Nodal Institutions
Institutions participating in the scheme are classified into four groups based on their area of specialization:
- Group A: Archaeology, Antiquities, Museums & Galleries.
- Group B: Archives, Libraries, and General Fellowship.
- Group C: Anthropology & Sociology.
- Group D: Crafts, Performing, Visual, and Literary Arts.
Benefits
Honorarium: Fellows from academic/government setups in India receive their current pay, including allowances. Non-academic/foreign applicants and retired scholars receive a fixed honorarium of ₹80,000 per month.
Contingency Grant: Reimbursement of research-related expenses, including academic trips, research assistants, etc., up to ₹2.50 lakhs annually.
Accommodation: House Rent Allowance (HRA) of up to 30% of the honorarium is available to non-resident fellows.
Settling Allowance: Lump sum grants of ₹1 lakh are provided for packing, transportation, and relocation to and from the research location.
Infrastructure Support:
- Access to computers, libraries, research materials, and workspace is provided by the host institution.
- Additional support for presenting research at conferences, with a reimbursement ceiling of ₹1 lakh per year.
Eligibility Criteria
- Scholars with outstanding academic or professional credentials and a significant body of work.
- Minimum of five years of experience in research, teaching, or performance in relevant fields.
- A strong reputation in the relevant area of study, supported by a portfolio of publications and contributions.
- Open to both Indian and foreign nationals (up to one-third of the annual fellowships may be awarded to foreign nationals).
- Once awarded, a candidate cannot reapply for this fellowship.
Fellowship Duration
- Fellowships are awarded for up to two years.
- In exceptional cases, an extension of up to one year may be granted, but without remuneration.
Application Process
Offline Application:
- Advertisement: The fellowship is advertised in national and regional newspapers and on the Ministry of Culture website.
- Submission: Eligible candidates must submit their applications to one of the Nodal Institutions.
- Documents: Applications must include a research proposal, academic credentials, and other required documents.
Selection Process:
- Shortlisting: Applications are reviewed by an Institution Level Search-cum-Screening Committee (ILSSC).
- Evaluation: Shortlisted candidates are further evaluated by a National Selection Committee (NSC).
- Criteria: Selection is based on relevance to institutional resources, candidate credentials, and the project’s potential contribution.
Documents Required
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card or equivalent.
- Photograph: Recent passport-size photograph.
- Academic Certificates: Proof of qualifications and achievements.
- Details of Publications: List of books, papers, and contributions.
- Research Proposal: A detailed project synopsis aligned with institutional goals.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): For applicants employed in government/academic institutions.
- Declaration: Commitment to completing the project if selected.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for the Tagore National Fellowship?
Scholars with significant contributions and academic credentials in cultural research. - What is the duration of the fellowship?
Up to two years, with an optional one-year extension in exceptional cases. - What financial benefits are offered under this scheme?
An honorarium, contingency grants, HRA, and settling allowance. - Are foreign nationals eligible to apply?
Yes, up to one-third of the fellowships are open to foreign nationals. - Can the fellowship be renewed?
No, a candidate can only receive the fellowship once. - How are research topics selected?
Topics must align with the Nodal Institution’s resources and objectives. - What is the application procedure?
Applicants must submit their application offline to one of the participating Nodal Institutions.