Opportunity for Students Having Non-Formal Education to Study in IITs – New Government Directives
Introduction
India’s higher education landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, one that embraces the deep wisdom of its ancient traditions while meeting the needs of modern academic rigor. The recent announcement by the Government of India to open up the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to students from non-formal educational backgrounds—especially those trained in traditional gurukuls—marks a monumental change in how the country perceives and nurtures knowledge. This initiative is not only inclusive but also deeply symbolic of India’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while fostering scientific progress.
Under this visionary initiative titled Setubandha Vidwan Yojana, the government aims to bring scholars of traditional knowledge—often sidelined due to lack of formal degrees—into the mainstream research ecosystem. By recognizing the value of learning obtained in gurukuls and integrating it into institutions like the IITs, the Ministry of Education is reimagining education as a bridge between tradition and innovation.
What is Setubandha Vidwan Yojana?
The Setubandha Vidwan Yojana is the first national-level programme designed to bridge the gap between traditional, non-formal education and formal scientific research. Implemented by the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division of the Ministry of Education and operated through the Central Sanskrit University (CSU), this initiative seeks to formally integrate gurukul-trained scholars into the mainstream academic and research frameworks of India.
With fellowships reaching up to ₹65,000 per month, the program spans 18 interdisciplinary fields, including:
- Ayurveda
- Yoga
- Sanskrit linguistics
- Political theory
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Cognitive science
- Health sciences
- Strategic studies
- Architecture
- Philosophy
- And more
This is more than just a scholarship program—it is a social reformation. By removing the barrier of conventional degrees and emphasizing demonstrated knowledge, the government is promoting the idea that traditional wisdom holds immense potential for modern applications in science, policy, and technology.
Eligibility Criteria and Fellowship Benefits
Unlike most academic programs, eligibility for this fellowship does not require conventional schooling or degrees. Instead, the criteria include:
- Minimum of five years of rigorous study in a recognized gurukul or traditional setting.
- Demonstrated excellence in Shastras or traditional knowledge systems.
- The maximum age limit for applicants is 32 years.
There are two categories of fellowships available:
Category 1: Equivalent to Postgraduate Level
- Monthly fellowship of ₹40,000
- Annual research grant of ₹1 lakh
Category 2: Equivalent to Ph.D. Level
- Monthly fellowship of ₹65,000
- Annual research grant of ₹2 lakh
These financial benefits are designed to empower scholars to conduct independent, cutting-edge research while staying rooted in their traditional disciplines.
Purpose and Vision of the Initiative
The primary goal of Setubandha Vidwan Yojana is to formalize the recognition of India’s ancient knowledge traditions and integrate them into India’s globally respected IIT research ecosystem. The program represents:
- A national acknowledgment of the scholarly rigor found in non-formal systems like gurukuls.
- A platform to merge traditional knowledge with modern science for holistic development.
- A deliberate move to nurture cross-disciplinary research rooted in cultural heritage.
According to Prof. Srinivasa Varakhedi, Vice Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University, this move introduces “a new path of research, recognition, and respect” for students coming from the gurukul tradition. The ultimate aim is to mainstream Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) and ensure they are not lost in the wave of Western academic models.
Recognized Fields of Study
The initiative identifies and supports research in 18 fields, some of which include:
- Avinvikshiki Vidya – A blend of philosophy and cognitive science
- Ganita-Bhautiki-Jyotish Vidya – Mathematics, physics, and astronomy
- Bhishajya and Arogya Vidya – Ayurveda and health sciences
- Rajadharma – Indigenous governance systems
- Vastu and Shilpa – Architecture and design
Such diversity not only encourages scholars to deepen their traditional knowledge but also offers them the tools to interpret and present their findings in a contemporary academic context.
The Policy Context: National Education Policy 2020
The announcement of Setubandha Vidwan Yojana aligns perfectly with the vision outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. One of NEP’s core tenets is to integrate Indian Knowledge Systems into mainstream education by:
- Revamping curriculum and pedagogy to include indigenous traditions.
- Promoting multidisciplinary education that respects cultural roots.
- Encouraging research based on India’s intellectual and spiritual heritage.
In this context, Setubandha becomes the practical embodiment of NEP 2020—offering real opportunities for students trained in India’s traditional systems to thrive in modern scientific institutions like IITs.
Significance of This Shift in Education
This new direction holds deep significance for the educational and cultural landscape of India:
1. Democratizing Education
By recognizing learning that occurs outside formal settings, the government is leveling the playing field. This initiative validates the hard work of students in gurukuls who have otherwise been excluded from higher education opportunities due to lack of formal degrees.
2. Preserving Indigenous Knowledge
India has one of the richest knowledge traditions in the world. This program ensures that such knowledge does not die out but rather evolves in harmony with contemporary needs.
3. Encouraging Multidisciplinary Innovation
Blending the intuitive insights of ancient traditions with the empirical rigor of modern science can lead to breakthrough innovations—particularly in areas like Ayurveda, climate resilience, and mental health.
Challenges Ahead
While the initiative is bold and progressive, it also comes with challenges that must be addressed:
- Standardizing the recognition of non-formal education across different gurukuls.
- Developing evaluation metrics that respect both traditional and modern academic norms.
- Training faculty at IITs to work with scholars from diverse learning backgrounds.
- Ensuring sustained funding and mentorship for such scholars.
However, these challenges can be overcome with thoughtful planning and continuous feedback from participating institutions and scholars.
Voices from Academia
Prof. Madan Mohan Jha, Dean of Academics at CSU, noted that the scheme “would provide mainstream recognition to gurukul-trained scholars and help integrate the Indian Knowledge Tradition into contemporary education.”
This is a clear acknowledgment that India is ready to not only preserve its intellectual heritage but also bring it to the forefront of global academic discussions.
Conclusion: A New Era of Inclusive Education
The Setubandha Vidwan Yojana isn’t just a policy; it’s a declaration that knowledge—irrespective of where and how it’s acquired—deserves recognition and a platform to flourish. With the gates of IITs now open to gurukul-trained scholars, India is taking a decisive step toward becoming an educational superpower that respects both its past and future.
For countless students across the country, this initiative is a ray of hope. It says: “If you have knowledge, you belong.”
Disclaimer
This blog has been written for informational purposes only and reflects publicly available data and opinions about the Setubandha Vidwan Yojana scheme launched by the Government of India. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, but readers are advised to visit the official portals of the Ministry of Education and the Central Sanskrit University for the latest and most authentic details regarding eligibility, application procedures, deadlines, and selection criteria.
www.merijobs.in is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with the government or any of its official bodies. We do not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor for any loss or inconvenience caused as a result of reliance on the information provided in this blog. Aspirants are strongly encouraged to cross-check all details with official sources before making any decisions related to their career or education.
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