List of Top Arts Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities for Indian Students
Here is the list of top Arts scholarship and fellowship opportunities for Indian students, offering financial aid, research support, and skill development to help advance careers in the arts.
Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields (SYA)
The Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields scheme, launched by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, aims to provide support to talented young artists. It offers assistance for advanced training within India in areas such as Indian classical music, classical dance, theatre, mime, visual arts, folk, traditional and indigenous arts and light classical music.
Award of Senior/Junior Fellowships to Outstanding Persons in the Field of Culture
The Scheme for Award of Senior/Junior Fellowships to Outstanding Persons in the Fields of Culture launched by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, aims to provide support and opportunities to artists engaged in creative arts or the revival of traditional art forms. This scheme also extends to artists from rural and tribal areas, with fellowships awarded for undertaking research-focused projects.
Lalit Kala Akademi Scholarship
The Lalit Kala Akademi annually awards scholarships to promising young artists. The scheme aims to provide them with a dedicated workspace to refine their skills, explore creative techniques and develop innovative ideas in the field of visual arts.
Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships & Awards
The Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards, over seventy years old, honor excellence in music, dance, and drama, including Hindustani and Carnatic music, recognizing the nation’s top performers, gurus, and scholars.
Sahitya Kala Parishad Scholarship
Top Arts Scholarship and Fellowship – Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for any top arts scholarship and fellowship it is mandatory to check the eligibility criteria. Only candidates who fulfill the eligibility criteria can apply for the scholarship or fellowship.
Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields (SYA)
- Must be an Indian national.
- Should have sufficient general education for effective training.
- Must demonstrate strong commitment to pursue the training.
- Should already have proficiency in the chosen field (not for beginners).
- Minimum 5 years of training with current/previous guru or institute (Certificate required).
- Should have adequate knowledge of related arts/disciplines.
- Age must be between 18–25 years as of April 1 of the application year (no relaxation).
Award of Senior/Junior Fellowships to Outstanding Persons in the Field of Culture
- Should not be receiving a pension from the Ministry of Culture under the financial assistance scheme for artistes.
- Must not have previously availed the same senior fellowship.
- Junior fellowship recipients can apply for senior fellowship only after 5 years from project completion.
- Minimum qualification: Graduation in the relevant field/area.
- Age considered as on April 1 of the year.
Lalit Kala Akademi Scholarship
- Minimum age: 21 years
- Maximum age: 35 years
- Skill level: High proficiency expected
- Training requirement: At least 5 years of formal training under a guru or from a recognized Institute.
- Certification: Certificates must be submitted, signed by both present and former instructors.
- Purpose of certificates: To verify the duration and authenticity of training.
Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships
- Open to all individuals irrespective of nationality, race, caste, religion, creed, or gender.
- Associations, institutions, or organizations are not eligible.
- Minimum age: 50 years for Akademi Ratna; 35 years for Akademi Puraskar.
- Deceased persons are not eligible, except in cases of posthumous conferment approved after the General Council’s decision.
- Previous award recipients are not eligible for the same or any other category in subsequent years.
- Akademi Ratna recipients are not eligible for Akademi Puraskar at any stage.
- Members of the general council are not eligible during their tenure.
- Joint awards may be given to two or more artists engaged in a shared artistic pursuit.
- Awards recognize sustained and significant contributions over time, not a single work.
- Any form of canvassing will lead to disqualification.
Sahitya Kala Parishad Scholarship
- Any Delhi-resident artist with potential, experience, or expertise in performing or plastic arts is eligible to apply.
- Reputed and registered NGOs and established cultural institutions in Delhi with a proven record of promoting arts can also apply.
- Applications along with a detailed bio-data should be submitted to the Secretary, Sahitya Kala Parishad or in response to advertisements published in newspapers.
Top Arts Scholarship and Fellowship – Benefits
The financial award provided by arts scholarship and fellowship varies. Here are the benefits offered by some of the top art scholarships and fellowship in India.
Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields (SYA)
Monthly stipend of ₹5,000 for 2 years to cover living, travel, books, art materials, equipment, and training costs.
Award of Senior/Junior Fellowships to Outstanding Persons in the Field of Culture
- Total Fellowships: Up to 400 per year (200 junior + 200 senior)
- Senior Fellowship: ₹20,000/month for artistes above 40 years
- Junior Fellowship: ₹10,000/month for artistes aged 25–40 years
- One-time grant up to ₹20,000 or 50% of publication cost (whichever is less) for selected project publications, limited to 20% of awardees
Lalit Kala Akademi Scholarship
The Akademi awards up to 75 scholarships each year, with selected scholars receiving a monthly stipend of ₹20,000 for a duration of twelve months (one year).
Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships & Awards
- Monthly honorarium of ₹10,000 for life, with a 10% increase every three years.
- One-time purse money of ₹3,00,000.
- Citation, Angavastram and Tamrapatra issued under the Akademi’s seal and Chairman’s signature.
- Medical insurance covers up to ₹1,00,000 per annum.
Akademi Ratna (Scholarship)
- Cash award of ₹1,00,000
- Citation, Angavastram, and Tamrapatra issued under the Akademi’s seal and Chairman’s signature.
- Medical insurance covers up to ₹1,00,000 per annum.
Sahitya Kala Parishad Scholarship
- Scholarship for Young Artists: ₹4,000 per month for 60 artists for advanced training in music and dance.
- Fellowship for Research in Arts: ₹12,000 per month for 5 artists engaged in research work.
- Financial Assistance to Aged Artists: ₹4,000 per month for 10 senior/aged artists.
- Support to Cultural Institutions: Financial assistance in the form of artist remuneration and venue booking charges.
Top Arts Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities for Indian Students – Application Links
| Scholarship | Application Link |
| Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields (SYA) | Click Here |
| Award of Senior/Junior Fellowships to Outstanding Persons in the Field of Culture | Click Here |
| Lalit Kala Akademi Scholarship | Click Here |
| Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships & Awards | Click Here |
| Sahitya Kala Parishad Scholarship | Click Here |
FAQs
What types of arts disciplines are eligible for arts scholarships?
Scholarships cover a wide range of disciplines, including music, dance, theatre, mime, visual arts, folk, traditional and indigenous arts, as well as creative research projects. They allow students across India to develop their skills and pursue advanced training in their chosen art form.
Can I apply if I have already received training abroad?
Yes, prior training abroad is acceptable but applicants must meet the scholarship’s eligibility criteria and provide proof of previous training or experience in the arts.
Are there age restrictions for arts scholarships in India?
The age restrictions depend on the scholarship you are applying for. Most scholarships have an age limit of 18-35 years. On the other hand the generic age limit for scholarship is 30-50 years.
Do I need a recommendation or reference letter for application?
Yes, many scholarships require recommendation letters from gurus, mentors or recognized institutions to validate your skills, training and commitment to the chosen field of arts.
Can scholarship funds be used for materials or equipment?
Yes, most arts scholarships allow funding to cover tuition, living expenses, travel, research, and essential art materials or equipment necessary for skill development and creative projects.