The SPARK initiative under the Ministry of Ayush awards ₹50,000 studentships to 300 BAMS undergraduates, promoting scientific inquiry and evidence-based Ayurveda research. It empowers students to integrate traditional knowledge with modern science, strengthening Ayush innovation and health ecosystem.
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The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) announced the fourth edition of the Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK) for 2025–26.
The SPARK program, started in 2022, is an annual studentship initiative that provides financial support and a platform for undergraduate Ayurveda students to conduct short-term research projects.
Target Audience: Undergraduate students pursuing the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree.
Executing Body: The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush.
Number of Studentships: A total of 300 BAMS students will be selected for the program.
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in an Ayurveda college recognized by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM).
Financial Support: Each selected student will receive a studentship grant of ₹50,000; two monthly installments of ₹25,000.
Project Proposal: Interested students submit a short-term, independent research project proposal.
Mentorship: Each student works under the guidance of a faculty mentor from their institution, which provides the necessary research facilities and academic support.
Research Experience: Participants gain practical exposure to key aspects of scientific investigation, including:
Certification: Upon successful completion and approval of their final research report, each student receives a certificate from CCRAS.
The centrally sponsored scheme provides financial assistance to states and Union Territories to improve access to AYUSH services, upgrade educational institutions, enforce quality control of drugs, and support the sustainable availability of medicinal plants.
Mainstreaming AYUSH
Facilities for Ayurvedic treatment have been co-located within healthcare centers, including Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and District Hospitals (DHs).
Ayushman Bharat scheme
Ayurvedic treatments are now covered under government health insurance schemes like Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) and the Ayushman Arogya Mandir scheme.
AYUSH Wellness Centres
Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) has established many AYUSH Wellness Centres across the country, including specialized Ayurvedic centers. Some private AYUSH therapy centers are also empanelled under the scheme.
Medicinal plants
National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB) promotes the development, cultivation, and sustainable management of medicinal plants. A web portal and mobile app, "e-CHARAK," were developed to help farmers market their medicinal herbs.
International cooperation
India has signed numerous memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with other countries to promote Ayurvedic education, research, and training. It also establishes "AYUSH Academic Chairs" in foreign universities to promote Ayurveda globally.
A WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine has been established in Gujarat to conduct scientific research and set global standards for Ayurvedic practices.
Source: PIB
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. With reference to the 'SPARK Initiative,' consider the following statements: 1. It is implemented by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) under the Ministry of Ayush. 2. It aims to provide research studentships to all postgraduate scholars of Ayurveda to undertake short-term research projects. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A) 1 only B) 2 only C) Both 1 and 2 D) Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: D Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: The Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK) is implemented by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), which functions under the Ministry of Ayush. Statement 2 is incorrect: It is exclusively for undergraduate Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) students. The studentship is ₹50,000 total for a two-month period, focused on evidence-based inquiry. |
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