In a bustling hall in New Delhi, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCIISM) announced two initiatives that promise to reshape the landscape of Ayurvedic research. Spark 5.0, a student scholarship program, and Ayurshodh 2026, a research awards platform, were unveiled in a ceremony attended by key figures from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CCRAS) and industry partner Dutapeeshwar Limited.
NCIISM, the apex body that governs the study and practice of Indian systems of medicine, has long championed the integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific rigor. By launching Spark 5.0 and Ayurshodh 2026, the commission signals a renewed commitment to fostering research talent and recognizing innovative contributions within Ayurveda.
Spark 5.0 will begin in the 2026‑27 academic year and offers 300 scholarships, each worth ₹50,000, to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAM&S) program. The funds are intended to support research projects, enhance analytical skills, and spark interest in academic careers. Registration opens on 15 October 2026, with applications closing on 15 November 2026.
The culmination of Ayurshodh 2026 will take place on 11 December 2026.
Prospective scholars must be in their third, fourth, or final year of BAM&S to qualify. Successful applicants will receive the scholarship at the start of the 2026‑27 academic year, providing them with both financial backing and institutional support.
Ayurshodh 2026 serves as a platform to recognize and encourage research contributions in Ayurveda. The program features three award categories: CCRAS‑Prabodh for thesis presentations, CCRAS‑Prakash for publications based on original research, and CCRAS‑Navonmesh for innovative prototypes and research methods. The awards aim to highlight excellence across the spectrum of Ayurvedic inquiry.
The culmination of Ayurshodh 2026 will take place on 11 December 2026. The event, sponsored by Dutapeeshwar Limited, will bring together scholars, researchers, and industry leaders. Attendees include CCRAS Director General Prof. Robinarayan Acharya, Dutapeeshwar Limited's MD and CEO Dr. Ranjeet Puranik, and NCIISM Chairperson Prof. Manisha Kotharkar, who emphasized the initiative’s mission: "The aim is to promote research among students and strengthen the Ayurveda research ecosystem."
By combining financial incentives with a structured awards system, Spark 5.0 and Ayurshodh 2026 create a pipeline that nurtures talent from the classroom to the laboratory. The scholarship program addresses the gap in research funding for young Ayurvedic students, while the awards platform provides a visible benchmark for excellence. Together, they lay the groundwork for a vibrant, evidence‑based Ayurveda that can engage with global health conversations.
As the 2026‑27 academic year approaches, students across India will be poised to apply for Spark 5.0, and researchers will be preparing their submissions for Ayurshodh 2026. The NCIISM’s dual strategy signals a broader shift toward institutionalizing research within Ayurveda, ensuring that traditional wisdom is examined, refined, and shared through rigorous scientific inquiry.