NCISM Launches SPARK 5.0 & Ayurshodh 2026 for Ayurveda

Prof. Maneesha Kothekar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), officially launched CCRAS SPARK 5.0 and the second circular for CCRAS Ayurshodh 2026. Organised by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), these national schemes encourage undergraduate BAMS students to pursue research, while rewarding scholarly excellence, scientific communication, and clinical innovation.

Together, these flagship programs nurture young talent, strengthen evidence-based methodologies, and promote transformative approaches across Ayurvedic health sciences.

CCRAS SPARK 5.0: Studentship Programme for Ayurveda Research

CCRAS rolled out the fifth edition of the Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research (SPARK 5.0) for the 2026–27 academic year. The program introduces undergraduate Ayurveda scholars to rigorous research methods through mentored, short-term independent projects.

SPARK 5.0 aims to cultivate analytical thinking, build practical skills, and motivate BAMS students to pursue research careers in traditional medicine.

Key Highlights & Timeline of CCRAS SPARK 5.0

• Total Grants Offered: 300 studentships nationwide.
• Financial Fellowship: ₹50,000 per selected student.
• Eligibility Criteria: 3rd-year, 4th-year, and professional-year BAMS students.
• Eligible Institutions: BAMS colleges and universities recognized by NCISM or the Government of India.
• Registration Opening Date: October 15, 2026.
• Application Deadline: November 15, 2026.
• Official Portal: spark.ccras.org.in

Through this initiative, CCRAS gives aspiring researchers hands-on experience in clinical trial design and scientific validation.

CCRAS Ayurshodh 2026: National Research Recognitions

CCRAS Ayurshodh honors outstanding scientific contributions and innovation in Ayurveda. The second official circular details the award categories and prize money sponsored by Shree Dhootapapeshwar Limited.

Award Categories:

1. CCRAS-Prabodh (3MT): Recognizes students and scholars who present complex research findings concisely in a Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) format.
2. CCRAS-Prakash: Honors scholarly excellence through high-impact publications of original research, expanding quality literature in Ayurveda.
3. CCRAS-Navonmesha: Rewards breakthrough innovations, including hardware prototypes, process improvements, novel formulations, and modern research methodologies.

Important Date: The grand finals of CCRAS Ayurshodh 2026 will take place on December 11, 2026. Further details are available at ayurshodh.ccras.org.in.

Key Dignitaries at the Launch Ceremony

The launch ceremony featured several prominent leaders in traditional medicine and industry:

• Prof. (Vaidya) Rabinarayan Acharya – Director General, CCRAS
• Dr. Ranjit Puranik – MD & CEO, Shree Dhootapapeshwar Limited
• Presidents of various NCISM boards and institute directors from across India.

Significance for the Ayurveda Research Ecosystem

Combining undergraduate research grants with national awards builds a strong foundation for traditional medicine. SPARK 5.0 provides early financial support and mentorship, while Ayurshodh 2026 offers national recognition for scientific achievements. These initiatives reinforce evidence-based Ayurveda and help modernize Indian traditional medicine.