Why in news?
The Ministry of Ayush announced the fourth edition of the Studentship Programme for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK‑4.0), to be conducted in 2025–26. Registrations for the programme opened in mid‑October 2025. SPARK offers BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery) undergraduates the opportunity to undertake research projects under experienced mentors.
How the programme began
To promote evidence‑based Ayurveda, the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences launched SPARK in 2022. The first three editions provided short‑term studentships for over 590 students from 289 institutions. Participants conducted studies on medicinal plants, formulation development and clinical observations, contributing to a growing body of published research.
Key features of SPARK‑4.0
- Research studentship: Each selected student receives a stipend of ₹25,000 per month for two months (₹50,000 total) to conduct a project.
- Supervised projects: Students design their research under the guidance of senior faculty at recognised Ayurveda colleges or research institutes.
- Inter‑disciplinary exposure: Topics range from classical formulations and toxicology to pharmacology and integration with modern biomedical techniques.
- Capacity building: The programme includes workshops on research methodology, data analysis and scientific writing, helping students gain confidence in publishing.
Significance
India’s traditional medicine systems are drawing global attention. By nurturing research aptitude among undergraduates, SPARK strengthens the scientific foundations of Ayurveda and encourages young practitioners to innovate. The knowledge generated can inform policy, standardise therapies and support the integration of Ayurveda into mainstream healthcare.