Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme 20025 – 26 Applications Open

The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) has invited applications for the Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme (CTSSS) 2025-26, a unique initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing exceptional talent in various cultural fields among children. The scheme provides specialized training facilities to children aged 10 to 14 years, who are either enrolled in recognized schools or come from families engaged in traditional performing arts.

This scholarship is designed to support training in a wide range of cultural disciplines such as traditional dance forms, drama, painting, sculpture, crafts, music, and literary arts, thereby preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage.

SCHOLARSHIP TENURE AND RENEWAL

The Cultural Talent Search Scholarship is initially granted for a period of two years, and is renewable every two years up to the completion of the first year of graduation or until the candidate reaches the age of 20 years, whichever comes earlier. Continuation of the scholarship is based on satisfactory academic and artistic performance.

NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS AND CATEGORIES

Each year, a total of 650 scholarships are awarded under various categories:

• 375 Scholarships for General and Other Categories
• 125 Scholarships for children from Traditional Artist Families
• 100 Scholarships for children from Tribal Communities/ Scheduled Tribes (ST)
• 20 Scholarships for Differently Abled (Divyang) children
• 30 Scholarships for Creative Writing and Literary Arts

SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS

Selected students receive:

• A scholarship amount of ₹3,600 per year
• Reimbursement of actual tuition fees for specialized training, up to ₹9,000 per year

This financial support enables talented children to receive professional guidance and grow in their respective cultural fields without financial constraints.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Children whose date of birth falls between 1st August 2011 and 30th June 2015 (inclusive of both dates), be attending a recognised school or belonging to a family practising traditional performing arts, have a monthly family income below ₹8,000  are eligible to apply for the 2025-26 scholarship cycle.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

The last date to submit the application for the Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme is 30th June 2025. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply in time and ensure they provide all necessary documents to support their application.

This scheme is a valuable opportunity for young cultural enthusiasts to hone their skills and carry forward India’s artistic traditions with pride and excellence.

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