NPC Students Internship Program 2026

This scholarship aims to enrich India's cultural institutions by funding scholars and academicians for research projects that Read More... explore and revitalize their unique resources. Read less

Details

Are you a scholar, academician, artist, or performer passionate about India's rich cultural heritage? The Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research might be your perfect opportunity to dive deep into the treasures of our nation's cultural institutions.

What Is This Scheme?

The Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research is an initiative by the Ministry of Culture. Its main goal is to breathe new life into cultural institutions across India, including those under the Ministry of Culture and other identified bodies. It encourages bright minds like you to work closely with these institutions on research projects that are both interesting and beneficial to the institution itself.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is designed for scholars, academicians, artists, and performers who have a strong academic background, a proven record of publication or performance, and a desire to explore and contribute to India's cultural wealth. You'll be working with institutions that house valuable resources like manuscripts, artifacts, and archives.

Why This Scheme Is Important

By bringing scholars and institutions together, this scheme fosters innovation and academic excellence. It helps uncover hidden cultural gems, preserve our heritage, and create new knowledge. The research conducted under this scholarship is expected to enrich the institution's collection and understanding, adding a fresh creative and academic perspective.

Objective

This scholarship aims to enrich India's cultural institutions by funding scholars and academicians for research projects that explore and revitalize their unique resources.

Benefits

CertificateThe interns will be issued an internship completion certificate upon successful completion and submission of the full project report.Logistics & SupportNPC shall provide them with working space with an internet facility and other necessities as deemed fit by the concerned reporting authorities.NOTE:The Interns will be required to bring their own laptops.Boarding & LodgingThe Interns will be required to make their own arrangements towards transportation.RemunerationThe selected interns shall not be entitled to any financial remuneration/stipend during their internship period.No payment towards a stipend, transportation etc. shall be paid to the interns by NPC.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria

Academic & Experience Requirements: You should have a strong academic record, at least one published work (a book or a research paper in a reputable journal), and a minimum of 2 years of research or teaching experience.
For Artists & Performers: Young artists and performers are also encouraged to apply.
Nodal Institution Affiliation: You must identify and select a Nodal Institution from the list provided in Appendix B based on your research interests.
Research Focus: Your research project should ideally use the resources available at the chosen Nodal Institution. This could involve identifying and cataloging sources, or even suggesting new resources the institution could acquire. The guidelines for preparing your research proposal are in Appendix A.
Project Benefit: The core idea is that your research should benefit the Nodal Institution by helping to uncover and utilize its unique collections. While you can use resources from other institutions, the primary focus must be on the chosen Nodal Institution's resources.
Institution Collaboration: If your research spans multiple institutions, a Tripartite MoU might be signed between you, the Nodal Institution, and a Co-institution, detailing intellectual property, publication, and facility sharing. However, financial accounting will remain with the Nodal Institution.
Outcome Value: The project's outcome must add value to the existing knowledge of the institution and the subject area.

How to Apply for the Scholarship

Ready to apply? Here’s how:

Prepare Your Application: Draft your application and research proposal strictly following the guidelines provided in the official scheme document.
Choose Your Nodal Institution: Select a Nodal Institution from the list that best suits your research area and interests.
Submit Your Application: Submit your completed application form to the Nodal Institution of your choice.

Official Guidelines Link: For detailed guidelines, please refer to: Scheme Guidelines

Required Documents for Application

Make sure you have these documents ready when you apply:

Identity Proof (e.g., Aadhaar Card)
Passport-size Photograph
Copies of Educational Qualification Certificates
Caste Certificate (if applicable)
Disability Certificate (if applicable)
Details of your Publications, presentations, performances, or any awards and recognitions.
A detailed write-up or synopsis of your proposed research work.
A brief explanation of how your proposed research project will benefit the Nodal Institution.
No Objection Certificate (NOC) if you are a regular Central/State Government employee.
Any other document that may be specifically requested.

FAQ’s

What is the Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research?

This scholarship is designed to energize cultural institutions across India. It supports scholars and academicians by allowing them to conduct research projects using the unique resources of these institutions, fostering mutual interest and enriching our cultural heritage.

What kind of support can scholars expect from the nodal institution?

Nodal institutions will provide essential infrastructural support to scholars. This includes access to computers, internet connectivity, a dedicated workspace within the institution, and library facilities, ensuring a conducive environment for research.

Can artists and performers apply for this scholarship?

Yes, absolutely! The scheme is open to young artists and performers, encouraging a diverse range of creative individuals to explore and contribute to cultural research.

How many scholarships are awarded each year?

The scheme aims to grant up to 25 scholarships annually. Each nodal institution can receive one or a maximum of two scholarships per year, though the Ministry of Culture has the discretion to adjust these numbers.

What is the monthly scholarship amount?

Eligible scholars will receive an honorarium of ₹50,000 per month. If you are already employed by a university, college, research institute, or government body, you will continue to receive your current pay, including grade pay, from your parent organization.

What is the duration of this scholarship?

The Tagore Scholarship is typically granted for a period of up to 2 years. In special cases, with institutional recommendation and assessment of work quality, an extension for one more year might be considered, or the duration could be slightly reduced. However, no remuneration is provided during an extension period.

Can I apply if I have already received a Tagore National Scholarship before?

No, once a candidate has been awarded a Tagore National Scholarship, they are not eligible to reapply for it again.

What is the purpose of the contingency grant?

The contingency grant, up to ₹10,000 per month, is provided to scholars under Non-MoC institutions to cover actual research-related expenses. This helps in covering costs associated with the research project, subject to verification by the nodal institution.

Will I get help with accommodation costs?

Yes, if you are not a local resident and need to rent accommodation, you are entitled to a House Rent Allowance (HRA) of up to 30% of your honorarium. Reimbursement details differ slightly for MoC and Non-MoC institutions.

What is the main objective of this scholarship?

The primary goal is to help identified cultural institutions engage scholars of high merit to research and unlock their potentially untapped resources. Each scholar is attached to a 'Nodal Institution' for monitoring and responsibility.

How does the application process work?

Applicants need to prepare their application and research proposal as per the prescribed guidelines and submit it to a Nodal Institution of their choice, based on their area of research.