CCRAS SPARK 5.0 and CCRAS Ayurshodh 2026
Why in News?
CCRAS SPARK 5.0 and CCRAS Ayurshodh 2026 are recently in the news because they were officially launched on 14 October 2026 by Prof. Manisha Kothekar, the Chairperson of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM). These initiatives by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) aim to strengthen the research and innovation ecosystem in Ayurveda.
CCRAS SPARK 5.0
- Full form: Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK).
- Edition: Fifth edition, for the academic batch 2026–27.
- Implementing body: Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of AYUSH ecosystem.
- Objective: Introduce BAMS undergraduates to research methodology through short-term independent projects and build research aptitude, analytical thinking, and interest in research careers.
- Studentships: 300 studentships are offered.
- Financial support: ₹50,000 per selected student; the portal describes it as ₹25,000 per month for two months, paid after completion and approval of the final report.pib.gov+1
- Eligible students: BAMS students in the third/fourth professional years at NCISM or Government of India-recognised Ayurveda colleges/universities.
- Guide requirement: Research must be done in the student’s own college under a regular full-time faculty guide; a guide may supervise a maximum of two students.
- College quota: A college can forward proposals up to 10% of its annual undergraduate intake capacity.
- Application mode: Fully online through the SPARK portal; physical or email submissions are not accepted.
Important Dates: SPARK 5.0
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification | 15 October 2026 |
| Registration and proposal submission | 15 October–16 November 2026 |
| Proposal screening | 18 November–15 December 2026 |
| CCRAS review | 16–31 December 2026 |
| Final evaluation | 1–7 January 2027 |
| Selected-students announcement | 15 January 2027 |
| Project completion and final report | By 31 May 2027, 5:00 PM |
| Awardee announcement | 30 July 2027 |
CCRAS Ayurshodh 2026
- Purpose: A national recognition platform for research contributions in Ayurveda, covering research communication, publications, and innovation.
- New update: The second circular has been issued, detailing awards and prize money.
- Sponsor: Prize money is sponsored by Shree Dhootapapeshwar Limited.
- Finals date: 11 December 2026.
Three Ayurshodh Categories
- CCRAS-Prabodh 3MT: Research communication through a three-minute thesis presentation.
- CCRAS-Prakash: Scholarly achievements through publications based on original research.
- CCRAS-Navonmesha: Innovative prototypes, novel solutions, process innovations, and transformative research methodologies.
