(1) A review of Government effort in the fields of creative arts revealed that while academicians , scientists had scope for independent work both in an institutional frame-work through fellowships instituted by the University Grants Commission , Council of Scientific and Industrial Research , there was no scheme which provides similar facilities and opportunities in the fields of creative arts or for revival of some of our traditional forms of art. A milieu of freedom supported by financial security could perhaps provide the much needed cogeniality of atmosphere for further works in this field. It is also observed that although there are schemes to cover the age group of 10-14 years (Cultural Talent Research Scholarships Scheme) and the age group of 18-25 years (Scheme of Scholarships for Young artistes in Different Cultural Fields), there were no schemes which would provide the basic financial support either for very advanced training or individual creative effort for revival of some of our traditional forms of arts. The scheme of awarding fellowships to outstanding persons in various creative fields of culture is intended to fill this gap. The scheme would also cover artists in rural / tribal areas.

(2) The fellowship are awarded for undertaking research oriented projects.           The applicant should provide evidence of his / her capabilities in undertaking the project.

(3) The Fellowships are not intended for providing training, conducting workshops, seminars or documenting memoirs / or writing autobiographies / fiction etc.

(a) Senior/Junior Fellowships in the Field of Performing, Literary and Plastic Arts.

1. Performing Arts (Music/Dance/Theatre and Puppetry)
2. Literary Arts (Travelogue/History & Theory of Literature)
3. Plastic Arts (Graphics/Sculpture/Painting/Photography)

(b) Senior/Junior Fellowships in the New Areas related to Culture.

In the 'New Areas related to Culture'. projects are sought in the following fields:-

1. Indology
2. Epigraphy
3. Sociology of Culture
4. Cultural Economics
5. Structural and Engineering Aspects of Monuments
6. Numismatics
7. Scientific and Technical aspects of Conservation
8. Management aspects of Art and Heritage
9. Studies relating to application of Science and technology in areas related to culture and creativity.

the objective is to encourage analytical application of new research techniques, technological and management principles to contemporary issues in areas related to arts and culture. General and theoretical macro-studies will not be considered. The proposal should be innovative and application oriented and preferably inter-disciplinary in nature.

This scheme shall be known as the 'Scheme for the award of fellowships to outstanding persons in the field of culture.

The number of fellowships is at present 250 each year. These are of two types, namely, senior and junior fellowship. The number of senior fellowships will be 125 of the value of Rs.15000/-each per month for the artists in the age group of 40 years and above. The Number of junior fellowship will be 125 and these will be of the value of Rs.7500/-each per month for the artists in the age group of 25-40 years. Age will be reckoned as on 1st April of the year.

In addition, there could be a one time grant up to maximum of Rs.20,000/- or 50% of the cost of publication, whichever is less, for publication of selected Project documents. This will be restricted to 20% of the awardees.

Applicant for senior Fellowship should not be the recipient of pension from this Department under the Scheme for grant of financial assistance to artists in indigent circumstances.

An applicant should not have availed of the same fellowship earlier. However an applicant who had been awarded a Junior Fellowship can apply for a senior Fellowship, provided 5 years have elapsed after the closing of the earlier project.

Graduation is the minimum educational qualification for eligibility.

Applicants who are employed will have to apply through the proper channel. They will have to take study leave for two years. The first installment of the fellowship in such cases will be released only on receiving proof of sanctioning of leave.

Under the Senior and Junior Fellowships, the awardees will submit a six-monthly project report. In cases where such reports are not received timely, the department may withhold further releases to the defaulters.

The selected candidates will have to undertake academic or application oriented research work on projects for which they have been awarded Fellowships. They will complete their Projects within two years and submit the same to this Department. Extension of time by financial liability to the Government.

A mid-term review/assessment of performance in each case will be carried out after one year and further continuance of Fellowship will depend on such review/assessment.

1. Application for award of Fellowship will be invited every year through advertisement in the enclosed format.

2.  The application should be accompanied by a detailed project proposal on the subject.

3.   If the applicants are employed in Central/State Government Departments/ Institutions, they will have to take leave for a period of 2 years for the period of Fellowship. They should submit their fellowship applications through the head of Department/Institution/Undertaking/University etc. with the written assurance that in case the fellowship is sanctioned, the candidate will be granted leave for the duration of Fellowship. The first installment of the Fellowship will be released on proof of production of proof of leave sanctioned in addition to other conditions as applicable.

4.  An Expert-Committee comprising experts in different fields will be constituted by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, which would in the first stage examine all applications and  shortlist the most meritorious among them for an interview.

5. Short listed candidates will be called for an interview by the Expert Committee who will then select the most meritorious candidates for the Fellowship.

All awards sanctioned under the scheme shall be disbursed by the central Government directly.