Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) has announced 650 fresh scholarships for outstanding talented children under the Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme (CTSS) for the year 2026-27. The scheme aims to provide specialized training in various cultural fields such as music, dance, drama, painting, sculpture, crafts, and literary arts. The detailed notification and application form are available for download at the official website www.ccrtindia.gov.in.
CCRT Cultural Talent Search Scholarship 2026-27
The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, invites applications for the award of scholarships under the Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme (CTSS) for the academic year 2026-27. The scheme is designed to identify and nurture exceptionally talented children in the age group of 10 to 14 years, with special emphasis on rare and dying art forms. A total of 650 fresh scholarships will be awarded, subject to the availability of funds.
CCRT Notification 2026 Out
A detailed official notification has been released by CCRT, outlining the scholarship distribution, eligibility criteria, and application instructions. The scheme provides financial support to talented students studying in recognized schools or belonging to families practicing traditional performing arts.
Check Official Notification PDF
The total of 650 scholarships will be distributed across the following categories:
| Category | Number of Scholarships |
|---|---|
| General Categories & Others | 375 |
| Tribal Culture / Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 100 |
| Traditional Artist Families (TAF) | 125 |
| Differently Abled (Divyang) | 20 |
| Creative Writing / Literary Arts | 30 |
| Total | 650 |
Important Dates
The complete schedule for the CCRT Cultural Talent Search Scholarship 2026-27 has been announced. Candidates must adhere to these dates to avoid rejection.
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | Already Released |
| Application Process Start Date | Already Started |
| Last Date to Submit Application | Sunday, 31st May, 2026 |
| Regional Level Interviews/Tests | Expected from July 2026 onwards |
CCRT Scholarship 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must carefully verify the eligibility criteria regarding age, training, and income.
Age Criteria (Crucial)
- Children born between 01.07.2012 and 30.06.2016 (both days inclusive) are eligible.
- This corresponds to the age group of 10 to 14 years as of the cutoff dates.
Training Requirement
- The applicant must have received a minimum of three (03) years of training in the applied art form from a Guru/Institution.
- Exception: This condition is not applicable for Creative Writing/Literary Arts.
Monthly Income Preference
- Preference will be given to children whose parents’/guardians’ total monthly income is less than ₹8,000.
- However, the criteria of talent and potential will be the primary consideration for all candidates.
Other Conditions
- Only one art form per applicant is allowed. Applying in more than one subject will lead to rejection of all applications.
- Only three (03) students per Guru/Institution will be considered.
CCRT Scholarship 2026-27 Value & Benefits
Selected scholars will receive the following financial benefits:
| Benefit Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Scholarship Value | ₹3,600 per year |
| Tuition Fee Reimbursement | Actual fee paid, subject to a ceiling of ₹9,000 per year |
| Total Potential Benefit | Up to ₹12,600 per year |
- All payments are made directly to the bank account of the authorized parent/guardian via the PFMS portal.
- The scholarship is initially for two years and can be renewed every two years until the completion of the first university degree or up to age 20 years, whichever is earlier.
How to Apply?
Candidates should follow the steps below to apply. The application process is offline only.
Download the Application Form: Visit the official CCRT website at www.ccrtindia.gov.in and download the application form for CTSS 2026-27. Alternatively, a photocopy of the form can also be used.
Fill the Form: Fill in all details in block capitals as required. Ensure only one art form is selected.
Attach Documents: Attach a recent photograph of the child, self-attested copies of the following:
- Date of Birth Certificate (from Registrar or competent authority, certified by school Principal).
- Caste Certificate (if applying under ST category).
- Disability Certificate (if applying under Divyang category).
- Proof of original work (for Creative Writing/Literary Arts).
- Three (03) specimens of latest original artwork (for Painting/Crafts/Sculpture) or three postcard-size photographs (for Performing Arts).
Get Certificates Signed: The form must be certified by:
- The Principal/Headmaster of the child’s school (certifying date of birth and class).
- The Guru/Teacher (certifying training details, bio-data, and that not more than three students are recommended).
Submit by Post: Send the completely filled application form along with all documents and specimens to the following address before or on 31st May, 2026:
Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT)
15 A, Sector-7, Dwarka,
New Delhi – 110075
Note: CCRT will not be responsible for any postal delay. Incomplete applications or those received after the last date will be rejected without any correspondence.
CCRT Scholarship 2026 Selection Process
The selection process for the CCRT Cultural Talent Search Scholarship is as follows:
Scrutiny of Applications: All eligible applications are scrutinized by the Central Selection Committee.
Call for Interview/Test: Only recommended candidates will be informed by post about the date, time, and venue of the interview/test (expected to be held at the regional level from July 2026 onwards). The schedule will also be displayed on the CCRT website.
Evaluation: Children appearing for the interview/test will be assessed on a scale of 1 to 10 marks by each Expert Committee Member.
Final Selection: Scholarships are awarded strictly on the basis of the total marks obtained in order of merit, subject to the number of scholarships available for that year.
FAQs
How many fresh scholarships are awarded under CCRT Cultural Talent Search Scholarship 2026-27?
A total of 650 fresh scholarships are awarded every year, subject to the availability of funds.
What is the age requirement for the CCRT scholarship 2026-27?
Children born between 01st July 2012 and 30th June 2016 (both days inclusive) are eligible to apply.
What is the last date to apply for the CCRT Cultural Talent Search Scholarship?
The last date for submission of the complete application form is Sunday, 31st May, 2026.
What is the scholarship amount provided by CCRT?
The scholarship provides ₹3,600 per year along with tuition fee reimbursement up to ₹9,000 per year, totaling up to ₹12,600 annually.
Where can I download the CCRT Scholarship application form?
The application form can be downloaded from the official CCRT website: www.ccrtindia.gov.in.
