The Central Sanskrit University (CSU) and the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division, Ministry of Education, invite applications for admission to the Setubandha Scholar Scheme 2026-27. This scheme offers a joint integrated M.Sc., Ph.D. programme in Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) with an intake of 50 students. The program aims to bridge traditional Guru, Śiṣya and Gurukula learning with structured university curricula and research.
Key Details
Selected scholars will undergo an M.Sc. in Indian Knowledge Systems with research orientation before formal Ph.D. registration, which requires successful completion of the M.Sc. stage and meeting eligibility criteria under UGC and CSU regulations. The program is full-time with mandatory physical attendance at CSU-designated study centers and relocation if directed. Exit with an M.Sc. degree after two years is possible if performance is unsatisfactory.
Eligibility and Selection
Applicants must be students of traditional Bharatiya Vidyā/Shastra or Kalā, with at least five years of study under a traditional Guru or Gurukula involving apprenticeship-style instruction, residency with the Guru or in the same premises, and study of primary texts and commentaries. Age limit is 32 years as of the application deadline, with possible relaxations.
A mandatory signed certificate from the Guru or Gurukula in a prescribed format must be submitted. Applicants currently pursuing formal academic programs like Shastri or Acharya may apply if they meet traditional learning requirements. Formal degrees do not affect eligibility or selection weightage.
Central UniversityCentral Sanskrit UniversityNew Delhi, DelhiAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1970View detailsJNUNAAC A++
NIRF #2 (2025)Jawaharlal Nehru UniversityNew Delhi, DelhiAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1969View detailsJMINAAC A++
NIRF #4 (2025)Jamia Millia IslamiaNew Delhi, DelhiAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1920View detailsDUNAAC A+
NIRF #5 (2025)University of DelhiNew Delhi, DelhiAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1922View detailsIGNOUNAAC A++
Central UniversityIndira Gandhi National Open UniversityNew Delhi, DelhiAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PGEst. 1985View detailsSLBSN
Central UniversityShri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit UniversityNew Delhi, DelhiAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1962View detailsSAU
Central UniversitySouth Asian UniversityNew Delhi, DelhiAdmission: Own Entrance, NET/JRFEst. 2010View detailsAreas of Study
The scheme covers the Eighteen Vidyāsthānas (areas of knowledge) such as Veda, Vyākaraṇam, Jyotiṣa, Vedānta, Pūrvamīmāṃsā, Nyāya, Ayurveda, Rājanīti, and related disciplines. It also includes the Sixty-four Kalās, which encompass skills from culinary arts and martial skills to performing arts, fine arts, home decor, fashion, engineering, and crafts. Applicants from any of these areas must fulfill the traditional learning requirements.
Application and Examination
Applications must be submitted online through the official portal during the specified admission window, accompanied by the signed certificate and other supporting documents. Eligible candidates will be published, followed by an Entrance Examination consisting of written and oral (viva voce) tests to assess knowledge in the traditional subject, basic modern mathematics, and mental ability.
Details about syllabus, examination scheme, centres, schedule, and instructions will be released separately. The selection committee’s decisions are final under CSU rules.
Scholarship and Financial Support
Scholarships start at Rs. 40,000 per month for the first year (M.Sc. stage) and increase up to Rs. 75,000 during the third year of the Ph.D. stage, along with annual contingency grants (Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 2,00,000) for academic and research expenses. Scholarship is subject to attendance, conduct, academic progress, and renewal conditions. Unauthorized absences and discontinuations can lead to deductions or cessation. Scholars are not permitted to receive other scholarships or monetary benefits simultaneously.
Fee Structure (M.Sc. Stage)
The annual fee totals Rs. 1,600 for admission fees and deposits, and semester fees vary by category. For example, first and third semester fees are Rs. 3,600 for UR/OBC-NCL/EWS and Rs. 2,850 for SC/ST/CW categories. Detailed Ph.D. stage fees will be notified later.
Academic Progress and Mentoring
CSU and IKS Division provide mentoring support. Scholars must submit quarterly and annual progress reports and participate in mentoring workshops. Teaching assignments and development of communication and publication skills are expected.
Other Conditions
Applicants must comply with CSU rules and standards, attendance requirements, and academic integrity policies. All certificates and claims will be verified. Updates and notifications will be published only on the CSU official website. For queries, contact 011-28520976 or email setubandha@sanskrit.ac.in.
