CCRAS launches SPARK 4.0 to empower Ayurveda students with research training and foster a new generation of evidence-based Ayurveda
What’s New in SPARK 4.0
The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has announced its fourth-edition programme, SPARK 4.0 (2025–26), aimed at cultivating research interest among Ayurveda undergraduates. Through this initiative, 300 Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) students will each receive a Ayurveda research studentship of ₹50,000 over a two-month period. The registration window opened on 15 October 2025, and applications close on 15 November 2025.
About CCRAS
CCRAS is India’s premier national body under the Ministry of AYUSH tasked with promoting, coordinating and conducting scientific research in Ayurveda. The organisation focuses on both classical and modern methodologies to validate traditional practices, build the evidence base for Ayurvedic interventions, and integrate holistic health approaches into mainstream wellness. Through programmes like SPARK, CCRAS is actively working to build research capacity and integrate young talent into the AYUSH research ecosystem.
How the Studentship Works
- The scheme is open to BAMS undergraduates enrolled in colleges recognised by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM).
- Selected students will receive ₹25,000 per month for two months, completing a short-term research project under a faculty mentor.
- Institutions are expected to provide the required infrastructure, mentorship and academic oversight.
- At the end of the project, students must submit a report and will receive a certificate of completion from CCRAS.
- Previous editions have seen strong participation — 591 students from 289 institutions across 20 states have benefited so far.
Why This Matters for Ayurveda Research
Launching SPARK 4.0 underscores CCRAS’s commitment to bridging the gap between traditional Ayurvedic knowledge and scientific inquiry. By engaging young undergraduates early in research, the programme aims to:
- Foster a generation of Ayurveda professionals with strong analytical and research-oriented mindsets.
- Strengthen institutional research culture at Ayurveda colleges nationwide.
- Accelerate evidence-based practice, making Ayurvedic therapies more credible and integrative in modern health contexts.
What Students & Institutions Should Know
- For students: prepare a clear, realistic research proposal aligned with Ayurveda and feasible within two months. Secure faculty mentorship and institutional support before applying.
- For institutions: identify capable mentors, allocate research facilities and encourage students to engage with data collection, analysis and presentation. The application window demands timely readiness and coordination.
Also Read- Hadjod Herb: Nature’s Secret for Healthier and Stronger Bones
Building a Stronger Ayurveda Research Ecosystem
With SPARK 4.0, CCRAS is taking a strategic step to shift Ayurveda from descriptive tradition to structured research model. When young practitioners embrace inquiry, it paves the way for real-world validation of treatments, improved clinical protocols, modernized curricula and stronger global recognition of India’s traditional systems.
About The Author
