CCRAS Launches SPARK–4.0 to Foster Young Ayurveda Researchers

300 BAMS students to receive ₹50,000 studentships under the flagship research initiative

The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, has announced SPARK–4.0 (2025–26)—the fourth edition of its flagship Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK). This national initiative continues CCRAS’s mission to nurture a new generation of Ayurveda researchers by cultivating scientific curiosity and research aptitude among undergraduate students.

The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS)

Under this edition, 300 Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) students from institutions recognized by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) will be awarded a studentship of ₹50,000 each—disbursed as ₹25,000 per month over two months. Applications open on October 15, 2025, and the submission deadline is November 15, 2025.

Highlighting the importance of the program, Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS, stated that SPARK represents the Council’s commitment to advancing Ayurveda through scientific engagement and youth participation. “The program has successfully inspired hundreds of students to take their first step into research, bridging classical Ayurvedic knowledge with modern scientific inquiry,” he said.

Since its inception, SPARK has steadily grown in popularity among Ayurveda undergraduates. So far, 591 students from 289 Ayurveda colleges across 20 states have benefited from this initiative, demonstrating its wide national reach and growing relevance in shaping the research landscape of traditional medicine.

SPARK provides a national platform for undergraduate students to undertake short-term, independent research projects under the mentorship of qualified faculty. It offers hands-on experience in research methodology, experimental design, and data analysis, allowing students to gain early exposure to the fundamentals of scientific investigation. Beyond research training, the program encourages critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deeper appreciation of evidence-based approaches within the Ayurvedic system.

Institutions participating in SPARK are encouraged to actively support the selected students by providing research facilities, academic supervision, and logistical assistance during the two-month project period. Upon successful completion and evaluation of their research projects, each student will receive a certificate of accomplishment from CCRAS.

The SPARK–4.0 cycle marks another significant step in CCRAS’s long-term vision to strengthen India’s research ecosystem in Ayurveda and the broader Ayush sector. By empowering students to blend traditional wisdom with scientific rigor, the Council aims to build a robust pipeline of future researchers and practitioners capable of global leadership in evidence-based Ayurvedic science.

With SPARK–4.0, CCRAS reaffirms that innovation and heritage are not opposing forces but complementary pillars of India’s evolving healthcare narrative—one where ancient knowledge meets modern discovery.

For more information and registration details, students can visit the official program portal: https://spark.ccras.org.in/.