Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research: The Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research is an important initiative undertaken by the Government of India to promote academic excellence in the field of cultural studies. The Ministry of Culture implements a scheme namely, ‘Scheme of Scholarship and Fellowship for Promotion of Art and Culture’, which consists of three components. They are as under:
- Award of Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields
- Award of Senior/Junior Fellowships to Outstanding Persons in the Fields of Culture
- Tagore National Fellowship for Cultural Research
The scholarship is a part of the ‘Tagore National Fellowship for Cultural Research’ that aims to revitalise cultural institutions across India by encouraging scholars and academicians to undertake research projects that align with the objectives of these institutions. Through this scheme, institutions and scholars collaborate, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits both the researcher’s academic pursuits and the institution’s cultural and intellectual heritage.
Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research: Objectives
The Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research has been introduced to invigorate and revitalise the various institutions under the Ministry of Culture (MoC) and other identified cultural institutions in the country, by encouraging scholars and academicians to affiliate themselves with these institutions to work on projects of mutual interest. With a view to infuse fresh knowledge capital into the institutions, the scheme expects these scholars/academicians to select specific resources of the institutions to use in their projects and take up research works that are related to the main objectives of these institutions.
The Tagore National Scholarship empowers cultural institutions by funding scholars to unlock the hidden treasures within their collections. The scholars are encouraged to delve into the rich repositories of manuscripts, artefacts, books, and more, conducting groundbreaking research that aligns with the institution’s goals.
Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research: Eligibility Criteria
- The scholarship is open to young artists and performers willing to conduct original research.
- The applicants must have a strong academic background, with at least one publication (a book or a research paper in reputable journals) and a minimum of two years of research or teaching experience.
- The applicants must choose a nodal institution from the specified list based on their expertise and interests. Research proposals should ideally utilise the institution’s resources and may involve cataloguing or archiving new sources.
Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research: Areas of Research and Eligible Projects
The scholars selected for the Tagore National Scholarship will focus on research directly benefiting their nodal institutions. This research should primarily utilise the institution’s cultural resources, though scholars may access resources from other institutions when necessary.
For research involving multiple institutions, a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed to address issues like intellectual property, publication rights, and credit sharing. The nodal institution will manage accounting.
The final research project must significantly enhance the nodal institution’s knowledge base and add value to its existing resources.
Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research: Nodal Institutions
The Tagore National Scholarship supports a diverse array of cultural institutions, including those under the Ministry of Culture and independent organisations. These institutions are categorised into four groups based on their areas of specialisation. They collectively provide a wealth of resources, such as manuscripts, artefacts, and publications, for scholarly research.
Group A: Archaeology, Antiquities, Museums & Galleries
This group consists of institutions focused on historical artefacts, museums, galleries, and archaeological sites, where scholars can engage in research related to cultural heritage preservation.
Group B: Archives, Libraries, and General Scholarship
The scholars interested in historical archives, libraries, and written records can select institutions from this group. The resources available here often span centuries and provide a wealth of material for research on general scholarship.
Group C: Anthropology & Sociology
The institutions classified under this group focus on anthropological and sociological studies, providing scholars with opportunities to explore diverse cultural practices, societal structures, and human behaviours.
Group D: Crafts, Performing/Visual/Literary Arts
The scholars inclined towards the arts, including performing arts, visual arts, and literary arts, will find institutions in this group particularly resourceful for their research.
Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research: Scope
The Tagore National Scholarship goes beyond conventional academic research. It aims to unearth hidden treasures within cultural institutions, encouraging scholars to explore underutilised resources. Each institution selected for the scholarship serves as a “Nodal Institution” ensuring effective coordination and accountability. This system allows institutions to closely monitor the progress and quality of the research projects, fostering a collaborative and productive environment.
Duration of the Scholarship
The Tagore National Scholarship provides scholars with a maximum of two years to conduct their research. In exceptional circumstances, institutions may request an extension up to one year, pending approval from the National Steering Committee (NSC). It may be pointed out that no additional remuneration or allowances will be granted during the extension period. The scholarship tenure officially commences on the scholar’s first day at the institution.
Number of Scholarships
The Ministry of Culture annually awards up to 25 scholarships. Each participating institution is eligible for one or two scholarships per year. In exceptional circumstances, the Ministry may allocate additional scholarships based on the institution’s specific needs.
| Guidelines for the Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research |
Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research: Administration and Monitoring
The Ministry of Culture, in consultation with the participating institutions, determines the total number of scholarships on the basis of multiple criteria. They are as under:
- Size of the institution’s unexplored resources
- Existing infrastructure and facilities
- The institution’s past achievements in research and publications
- The need for research in specific areas
- Capacity to guide scholars effectively
The Ministry will allocate up to 2% of the total budget for administrative oversight, including monitoring, implementation, and evaluation of the scholarship’s progress. In order to guarantee the highest quality research, consultants or external experts may be engaged.
Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research: Benefits
Honorarium: The selected scholars will receive a monthly honorarium of ₹50,000. However, if the scholar is employed by an Indian university, college, research institute, or government organisation, they will continue to receive their full salary (including grade pay, etc.) from their parent organisation.
(Note: The scholar’s parent organisation will continue to make all mandatory contributions, such as Provident Fund as if they were still employed there.)
Contingency Grant: The scholars affiliated with institutions outside the Ministry of Culture (MoC) are eligible for a contingency grant of up to ₹10,000 per month, which will be reimbursed by the MoC based on actual expenses. Depending on the project’s specific requirements and duration, the Inter-Linked Scheme Coordination Committee (ILSCC) or National Steering Committee (NSC) may authorise additional allowances or benefits. The scholars associated with MoC institutions will have their related expenses covered by their respective institutions using grant-in-aid from their administrative division.
Accommodation: The scholars who are not a resident of the city where the participating institution is located and who need to rent accommodation will be eligible for a House Rent Allowance (HRA) of up to 30% of their honorarium.
- For scholars from universities, colleges, research institutes, or government organisations: The HRA will be paid by their respective parent organisations, following their existing policies.
- For scholars affiliated with MoC institutions: Accommodation costs will be covered by the grant-in-aid provided to the institution by the Ministry of Culture.
- For scholars from non-MoC institutions: The Ministry of Culture will reimburse the HRA directly to the scholars upon submission of original rent receipts, verified and forwarded by the participating institution.
Settling Allowance: Outstation scholars are eligible for a lump sum grant of ₹1,00,000 as a settling allowance for moving personal belongings when relocating for the scholarship tenure. An additional allowance of the same amount will be provided upon completion of the scholarship for returning to the original location. On a case-by-case basis, economy airfare will be provided or reimbursed for scholars travelling from their place of residence to the new location and back. Non-MoC institutions will bear these expenses initially and seek reimbursement from the Ministry after submitting certified bills and justifications.
Support for Scholars: The nodal institutions will provide scholars with essential infrastructure, including access to computers, dedicated workspaces, and well-equipped libraries. These institutions will foster a conducive environment for scholarly research. The scholars will also have the opportunity to access rare and original research materials housed at national institutions.
For foreign scholars, the Ministry of Culture will facilitate necessary political and security clearances. Additionally, the scholars may receive financial support up to ₹1,00,000 per annum to present their research findings at relevant academic conferences, subject to meaningful scholarly interaction.
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Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research: Selection Process
Each participating institution will establish an Institution-Level Search-cum-Screening Committee (ILSSC) to review applications. The ILSSC will shortlist candidates on the basis of following criteria:
- Relevance of the proposed study: How well does the research align with the institution’s goals and objectives?
- Potential benefits to the institution: What value will the research add to the institution’s academic or cultural resources?
- Scholar’s credentials and reputation: Does the scholar have a proven track record in the relevant field?
The ILSSC is encouraged to actively seek out qualified scholars and potential research projects, even reaching out to invite proposals if necessary. If no suitable applications are received, the committee is not obligated to recommend any candidates for further consideration.
National Steering Committee Review: Shortlisted applications will then be evaluated by the National Steering Committee (NSC) for each institution. The NSC will make the final selection of scholars.
Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research: Application Process
The Tagore National Scholarship application process is offline. The students who wish to apply can follow the process outlined below.
Step 1: The Ministry of Culture and/or the concerned institution will advertise the Scholarship widely through leading national and regional newspapers, and on their official website, providing all necessary details. Additionally, the information about the scheme will be disseminated through relevant professional associations and forums to ensure maximum publicity.
Step 2: Eligible scholars who can dedicate approximately two years to a research project based on the resources of any of the participating institutions may apply within the prescribed timeline mentioned in the advertisement.
Step 3: The candidates must submit their application, prepared according to the prescribed guidelines of the scheme, to one of the Nodal Institutions of their choice, based on the area of research they propose to undertake.
Step 4: Along with the application form, the candidates should submit a list of publications (if any) and other relevant documents, including a detailed write-up on the proposed research work. Additionally, the applicant must include a declaration stating that if selected, they will complete the full tenure of the scholarship.
(Note: The list of nodal institutions, along with other relevant details of the scheme and the application form, can be found on the websites of the Ministry of Culture and the Prime Minister’s Museum and Library (formerly Nehru Memorial Museum and Library), under the scheme’s section.)
Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research: Required Documents
The following documents need to be submitted in order to apply for the Tagore National Scholarship:
- Identity Proof (e.g., Aadhaar Card)
- Passport-sized photograph
- Qualification certificates
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
- List of Publications (if any), including papers, presentations, performances, awards, recognitions, etc.
- Write-up/Synopsis of the proposed research work
- A short write-up on how the proposed research will benefit the Nodal Institution
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) (if the applicant is a regular Central/State Government employee)
Guidelines for Research Proposal/Synopsis Submission:
Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research Fellows and Scholars should include the following to ensure a comprehensive and well-structured research proposal:
- Research objective clearly stating the primary goal of your research.
- Hypothesis and methodology outlining the research question(s) to be addressed and the methods to be employed.
- Research significance explaining the importance and originality of your research, differentiating it from existing literature.
- Research structure providing a detailed outline of your proposed research, including periodization (timeframe) and chapterisation.
- Focus areas specifying the specific areas or topics that will be the primary focus of your research.
- The research proposal should be between 1,000 and 1,500 words in length.
Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research: Contact Details
Any correspondence related to queries or the submission of six-monthly progress reports should be done via email to the Ministry of Culture or the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library. This is the considered approval mode for communication.
Director, Nehru Memorial Museum & Library
Teen Murti Bhawan, New Delhi-110001
Email ID: aroresearch.nmml@gov.in | Phone Number: (011)-23013152
Section Officer (S & F, Ministry of Culture)
Puratatava Bhawan, 2nd Floor, D-Block, GPO Complex, INA, New Delhi-110023
Email ID: scholar-culture@nic.in | Phone Number: (011)-24642133 (Between 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM)
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Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research: FAQs
What is the Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research?
The Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research is a scheme that aims to revitalise and enhance cultural institutions in India. The program seeks to promote innovative research and preserve cultural heritage by promoting collaborations between scholars and institutions.
Who can apply for the Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research?
The scholars with strong academic backgrounds, including at least one published book or research paper in reputable journals, and two years of experience in research or teaching are eligible to apply under the scheme.
What is the scope of Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research scheme?
The Tagore National Scholarship aims to connect exceptional scholars with cultural institutions across India. By partnering with these institutions, the scholars will have the opportunity to conduct in-depth research on their untapped resources. To streamline the process, one of the participating institutions will serve as the nodal institution for each project, overseeing its progress and providing necessary support to the scholar.
Can the young artists/performers apply for the scholarship?
The Tagore National Scholarship is not exclusive to scholars and academicians. The young artists and performers are also eligible to apply. This allows for a diverse range of perspectives and talents to contribute to cultural research and preservation.
How can an applicant apply for the scheme?
The applicants can submit their completed application form to any of the designated Nodal Institutions. They must adhere to the specific guidelines outlined in the scheme. The choice of Nodal Institution should align with the proposed research area.
Will the scholars be entitled to receive a House Rent Allowance?
Yes, selected scholars will receive a House Rent Allowance (HRA) up to 30% of their honorarium.
What is the monthly stipend meant for the eligible scholar?
The eligible scholars will receive a monthly stipend of ₹50,000. However, if the scholar is affiliated with a University, College, Research Institute, or Government organization in India, they will retain their current salary, including grade pay and other benefits, as if they had remained in their original position.
How much contingency grant will be paid to the eligible students?
Tagore Scholars affiliated with non-MoC institutions will receive a contingency grant of up to ₹10,000 per month. This grant is disbursed on an actual basis and is subject to a maximum ceiling. Additional allowances or benefits may be provided depending on the specific project and its duration. All claims must be verified by the nodal institution.
Can a candidate who has been awarded the Tagore National Fellowship apply for another Fellowship or Scholarship under the same scheme in the future?
No, once a candidate has been awarded the Tagore National Fellowship, they cannot apply again for a Fellowship or Scholarship under this scheme, either at the same or any other institution covered under the scheme. However, this restriction does not apply to Tagore Research Scholars, who can apply for a Fellowship but only after a gap of 3 years.
Who owns the rights to the research work completed under the Tagore National Fellowship/Scholarship, and what happens if the Nodal Institution does not publish the work within a year?
The rights to the research work resulting from the Tagore National Fellowship/Scholarship are owned by the researchers. However, the Ministry of Culture and the respective nodal institution hold the right to upload the approved final reports of the scholars to make them public. If the Nodal Institution does not publish or arrange for co-publishing within one year of the Fellowship/Scholarship’s completion, the Fellow/Scholar is free to publish the work through a private publisher, while acknowledging the contributions of the Ministry of Culture and the Nodal Institution.