Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme 2026-27 – Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Scholarship Name | Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme |
| Implementing Body | Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Culture, Government of India |
| Target Group | Talented children aged 10 to 14 years |
| Total Scholarships | 650 fresh scholarships |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹3,600 per year + tuition fee reimbursement up to ₹9,000 per year |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Last Date | May 31, 2026 |
| Official Website | https://ccrtindia.gov.in/ |
Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme 2026-27 – Eligibility Criteria
In order to apply for CTSSS, every student must ensure that they fulfill a certain criteria that deems them fit for the scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria for CTSSS 2026-27
| Criteria | Details |
| Age | Applicants must be in the age group of 10 to 14 years. For 2026-27, children born between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2016, both dates inclusive, are eligible. |
| Education | The applicant must be studying in a recognised school. |
| Eligible Background | Children from recognised schools or families practising traditional performing arts can apply. |
| Art Forms | Music, Dance, Drama, Painting, Sculpture, Crafts, Creative Writing/Literary Arts and other cultural fields. |
| Training Requirement | Minimum 3 years of training in the art form is required, except for applicants applying under Creative Writing/Literary Arts. |
| Income Preference | Preference is given to children whose parents’/guardians’ monthly income is below ₹8,000, but talent and potential remain the key selection criteria. |
| One Art Form Rule | Applicants can apply for only one art form. Applying for more than one art form may lead to rejection. |
Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme 2026-27 – Benefits
Selected students receive annual financial support to continue their cultural training. Apart from the yearly scholarship amount, CCRT also reimburses the tuition fee paid to the Guru or Teacher, subject to the prescribed ceiling.
CTSSS 2026-27 – Benefits Breakdown
| Benefit | Amount |
| Annual scholarship amount | ₹3,600 per year |
| Tuition fee reimbursement paid to Guru/Teacher | Up to ₹9,000 per year |
| Total possible annual support | Up to ₹12,600 per year |
CTSSS 2026-27 – Category-wise Scholarship Distribution Breakdown
Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme 2026-27 – Duration of Scholarship
The scholarship is generally awarded initially for two years and may be renewed every two years, subject to satisfactory progress. It can continue until the awardee completes the first university degree stage of education or reaches the age of 20 years, whichever is earlier.
Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme 2026-27 – Documents Required
The requirements mentioned below are reflected in the application-related reporting and CCRT scheme/application details.
Documents Required for CTSSS 2026-27
| Applicant Category / Art Form | Documents / Specimens Required |
| All applicants | Filled application form, recent photograph, date of birth certificate, school certification |
| ST category applicants | Valid Scheduled Tribe certificate |
| Divyang applicants | Disability certificate |
| Traditional Artist Family category | Brief write-up showing at least three generations of contribution to an art form |
| Creative Writing/Literary Arts | Three latest original works such as poems, stories, prose, plays or essays, certified by the Principal/Headmaster |
| Painting | Three latest original paintings; photographs of paintings are not considered |
| Crafts/Sculpture | Three photographs of latest original art objects, certified by Guru/Teacher |
| Performing Arts | Certificate of training from Guru and three postcard-size photographs taken during performance/training |
Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme 2026-27 – Application Process
Step 1 – Visit the official website of the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT).
Step 2 – Go to the notice section for the Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme 2026-27.
Step 4 – Read all the instructions carefully before filling out the form.
Step 5 – Fill in the application form with correct personal, academic, family income and art-form-related details.
Step 6 – Select only one art form while applying.
Step 7 – Attach the required documents, certificates and art-form-specific samples/proofs.
Step 8 – Get the application form certified by the school Principal/Headmaster and Guru/Teacher, wherever applicable.
Step 9 – Send the completed application form by post to the prescribed CCRT address before the deadline.
Please note – Applicants must ensure that the form reaches the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), 15-A, Sector-7, Dwarka, New Delhi – 110075 on or before May 31, 2026, as late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme 2026-27 – Selection Process
The selection process is based on the applicant’s talent, training, potential and performance in the interview/test, wherever conducted. Here’s a detailed overview of the selection process –
CTSSS 2026-27 – Selection Process Overview
| Stage | Details |
| Application Scrutiny | Applications are checked by the Central Selection Committee. |
| Shortlisting | Only shortlisted candidates are informed. |
| Interview/Test | Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview/test at regional level. |
| Final Selection | Selection is based on merit, talent, potential and available scholarships. |
Please note – Shortlisted candidates will be informed by post about the date, time and venue of the interviews/tests, and that the Central Selection Committee’s decision is final.
Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme 2026-27 – FAQs
What is the CCRT Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme 2026-27?
The Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme 2026-27 is a national-level scholarship scheme by CCRT to support talented children in cultural fields such as music, dance, drama, painting, sculpture, crafts and literary activities.
Who can apply for the CCRT scholarship?
Children aged 10 to 14 years who are studying in recognised schools and have talent in cultural fields can apply for the CTSSS scholarship.
What is the last date to apply?
The last date to submit the application form for the Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme is May 31, 2026. Applicants must ensure that the form reaches the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), 15-A, Sector-7, Dwarka, New Delhi – 110075 well before the aforementioned deadline.
How many scholarships are available under the CCRT Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme 2026-27?
A total of 650 fresh scholarships are divided across different categories, including 375 general scholarships, 125 for children from traditional artist families, 100 for Tribal Culture/ST applicants, 30 for Creative Writing/Literary Arts, and 20 for Divyang/Differently Abled children.
Is the application process for CTSSS online or offline?
The application process for the Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme is offline. Applicants must send the completed form by post.