Cultural Talent Scholarship Scheme 2026–27 – Apply Now for School Students (650 Scholarships Available)

The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) is inviting applications for the Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme 2026–27. This national-level scheme aims to support exceptionally talented children in the age group of 10 to 14 years, based on prescribed eligibility criteria. India is home to a wide variety of art forms, and this scholarship is designed to nurture and promote young talent in different cultural disciplines. As the number of scholarships is limited, only highly talented and deserving students are encouraged to apply.

Table of Contents

• Cultural Talent Scholarship 2026 – Overview

• Scholarship Distribution

• Duration of Scholarship

• Scholarship Amount

• Eligibility Criteria

• Selection Process

• Application Process

• Important Dates

• Prospectus & Application Link

Applicants must download the application form in PDF format from the official website: https://ccrtindia.gov.in/ The last date for submission of the completed application form to CCRT, New Delhi is 31 May 2026. Candidates are advised to carefully fill and submit the application before the deadline.

Cultural Talent Scholarship 2026 – Overview (Quick Summary)

Scholarship Distribution

• General & Other Categories: 375 Students

• Traditional Artist Families (TAF): 125 Students

• Tribal Culture / Scheduled Tribe (ST): 100 Students

• Differently Abled (Divyang): 20 Students

• Creative Writing / Literary Arts: 30 Students

Duration of Scholarship

• The scholarship is initially awarded for 2 years and is renewable every 2 years.

• It continues until:

  • Completion of the first university degree, or

  • The student reaches 20 years of age (whichever is earlier).

• Renewal is subject to satisfactory performance and timely submission of half-yearly progress reports.

• Failure to submit reports may lead to discontinuation without prior notice.

• The scholarship will be effective from the date specified by CCRT or from the date of admission to the approved course/Guru, whichever is later.

Scholarship Amount

• ₹3,600 per year as scholarship amount

• Tuition fee reimbursement up to ₹9,000 per year for specialized training

Eligibility Criteria

• Students aged 10 to 14 years studying in recognized schools are eligible.

• Eligible Date of Birth range: 01 July 2012 to 30 June 2016 (both inclusive).

• Preference will be given to candidates whose parent/guardian monthly income is below ₹8,000.

• However, talent and potential will be the primary selection criteria.

Selection Process

• Written Test

• Interview

How to Apply

• Candidates can apply for only one art form. Multiple applications will be rejected.

Important Instructions:

• ST Category: Attach self-attested ST certificate

• Divyang Category: Attach disability certificate

• Traditional Artist Family (TAF): Submit details of at least 3 generations of artistic background

• Creative Writing: Submit 3 original works (poems, stories, essays, etc.) certified by school

• Painting / Arts: Submit 3 original artworks or photographs (for crafts/sculpture)

• Performing Arts: Submit training certificate + 3 performance photographs

Application Submission

Application forms can be:

• Downloaded from: https://ccrtindia.gov.in/

• Or collected from CCRT offices (New Delhi & Regional Centres)

Completed applications must be submitted to CCRT, New Delhi or respective regional centres.

Important Dates

Cultural Talent Scholarship 2026 – Prospectus & Application Links