The Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research scheme, introduced by the Ministry of Culture (MoC), aims to revitalize cultural institutions across the country by engaging scholars and academicians. The scheme encourages these scholars to affiliate themselves with institutions under the Ministry of Culture or other identified institutions to work on research projects of mutual interest. Through this initiative, scholars are expected to unlock unexplored resources, create academic excellence, and enrich cultural institutions with fresh perspectives and creative insights.
Nodal Institutions
The scheme covers institutions under the Ministry of Culture and other cultural institutions with resources such as manuscripts, artifacts, books, records, and more. These institutions are categorized into four groups:
- Group A: Archaeology, Antiquities, Museums & Galleries.
- Group B: Archives, Libraries, and General Scholarship.
- Group C: Anthropology & Sociology.
- Group D: Crafts, Performing/Visual/Literary Arts.
Scope and Objectives
The scheme focuses on enabling cultural institutions to engage scholars of outstanding merit for research projects that benefit the institution. Scholars are encouraged to utilize the resources of nodal institutions to conduct original research and add value to the institution’s objectives.
Duration and Number of Scholarships
- Duration: Up to two years with a possible extension of one year in exceptional cases.
- Number of Scholarships: Up to 25 scholarships per year.
- Each institution can host 1–2 scholars annually, subject to approval from the Ministry of Culture.
Benefits
- Honorarium: ₹50,000 per month or equivalent pay if the scholar is associated with a university or government organization.
- Contingency Grant: Up to ₹10,000 per month on an actual basis for Non-MoC institution scholars.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Scholars not residing in the city of the affiliated institution are eligible for HRA up to 30% of the honorarium.
- Settling Allowance: ₹1,00,000 for moving belongings to and from the institution location.
- Travel Allowance: Economy-class airfare for joining and leaving the institution.
- Infrastructural Support: Scholars will be provided with research facilities such as computers, library access, and workspaces at the nodal institution.
Eligibility
- Academic Background:
- The applicant must have a proven academic record with at least one publication (book or research paper in a reputed journal).
- Minimum two years of research/teaching experience is required.
- Research Area:
- Scholars must select a nodal institution based on their research expertise and use its resources for their study.
- Research work may include cataloging resources, identifying unexplored materials, and archiving.
- Young Artists/Performers:
- Young artists and performers working in relevant cultural fields are also eligible.
Application Process
Offline Process:
- Advertisement: The Ministry of Culture or participating institutions will advertise the scheme in leading newspapers and online.
- Eligibility Check: Ensure the applicant meets all eligibility criteria and research requirements.
- Application Submission:
- Submit the completed application form to the nodal institution of choice, along with supporting documents such as academic credentials, publication details, and a research proposal.
- Attach a declaration confirming the scholar’s commitment to completing the tenure of the scholarship.
- Selection Process:
- Applications are initially screened by the Institution Level Search-cum-Screening Committee (ILSSC).
- Shortlisted candidates are recommended to the National Selection Committee (NSC) for final selection.
- The selection process prioritizes proposals with relevance, institutional benefit, and the scholar’s credentials.
Documents Required
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card.
- Passport-Sized Photograph.
- Educational Certificates.
- Publication Details: List of books, research papers, or other publications.
- Synopsis of proposed research work.
- Caste Certificate (if applicable).
- Disability Certificate (if applicable).
- No Objection Certificate (NoC) for applicants employed in Central/State Government organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the aim of the Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research?
By enlisting scholars into creative research work that will ultimately benefit cultural institutions and push up cultural excellence, this scholarship resuscitates scholars.
2. Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include those scholars with a minimum of two years of experience in either teaching or research work and whose academic records are strong with a minimum of one published work. Also eligible to apply are young performers and artists.
3. How many scholarships are disbursed annually?
The program awards 25 scholarships every year.
4. What is the tenure of the scholarship?
The award is for two years, though in some cases it is extended for one more year.
5. What is the monthly honorarium?
The scholars are paid an honorarium of ₹50,000/-per month or equivalent in compensation from the government agencies and academic institutions.
6. Do the students get HRA?
Depending upon their place and association, scholars may be eligible to receive up to 30% of their honorarium in HRA.
7. How is the scholarship application procedure?
According to the guidelines in the advertisement, applicants are required to submit their application in person to the nodal institution of their choice.
8. Can a candidate apply for more than one scholarship?
A scholar who has earlier received a Tagore National Scholarship is not allowed to apply for it again.
9. What fields of study are supported?
The research should enhance the cultural corpus of the institution and be in consonance with the nodal institution’s goals and resources.