All about FITM AYUSH Research Fellowship Scheme – Complete Guide for aspiring students
Read on to know about Forum on Indian Traditional Medicine (FITM) AYUSH Research Fellowship Eligibility, Financial Support, Application Process and Documentation required
In recent years, Indian Traditional Medicine (ITM) systems have gained popular recognition worldwide—not only for their rich history but also for their potential contribution to modern well-being, sustainable livelihoods, and global trade. Recognizing this potential, the Forum on Indian Traditional Medicine (FITM) under the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, launched the FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowship Scheme.
Let’s break down the scheme in detail from objectives and eligibility to benefits, application process, and career impact.
- What is the FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowship Scheme?
- Objectives of the FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowship Scheme
- Eligibility Criteria for the FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowship Scheme
- Financial Support Provided
- How to Apply for the FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowship Scheme
- Selection Process
- Importance of the FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowship Scheme
- Tips to Prepare a Winning Application
- FAQs
What Is the FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowship Scheme?
The FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowship is a unique project that helps researchers study Indian Traditional Medicines (ITMs). It looks at how ITMs work in the real world, like their policies, how they affect society and the economy. This project is all about research that’s not based in the clinics. It works on what we know from old medicine and sees how it fits with today’s economy, society, and the world.
The Forum on Indian Traditional Medicine (FITM) and the Ministry of AYUSH are running the show. FITM is like a special group that talks about and researches traditional medicine. The Ministry of AYUSH is in charge of Ayurveda, Yoga, and other similar practices. The fellowship studies more than just healthcare. It also looks at how ITM products and services make money. It’s open to researchers from different backgrounds, not just those studying AYUSH. People from social sciences, management, IT, and other fields can also join and help India’s traditional medicine get better and more modern.
Objectives of the FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowship Scheme
The FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowship Scheme isn’t just about giving stipends; it’s a plan to help India become a leader in traditional medicine around the world.
One big goal is to get different fields working together. Researchers use ideas from economics, sociology, tech, government, and business to make Indian Traditional Medicine studies better.
Another important thing is learning more about the non-clinical side of things. The major chunk of research on AYUSH focuses on whether it works, but this fellowship also looks at important things like making supply chains better, creating marketing plans, making it easier to get online, and changing rules.
By paying for these projects, the scheme aims to make the whole system that supports AYUSH stronger. It also wants to help spread the word about AYUSH worldwide, which goes hand-in-hand with what the Ministry of AYUSH is already doing to make Indian Traditional Medicines more popular globally.
Eligibility Criteria for the FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowship Scheme
The fellowship has clear eligibility requirements for both doctoral and postdoctoral applicants.
- Academic Qualifications
- Doctoral Fellowship – Must be a full-time PhD scholar registered at a UGC-recognized Indian university or institution.
- Postdoctoral Fellowship – Must have completed a PhD at the time of application.
- Age Limit
- Doctoral applicants: ≤ 30 years
- Postdoctoral applicants: ≤ 35 years
- Relaxation of up to 5 years is available for SC/ST, OBC, women, and Persons with Disabilities (PwD).
- Research Domain
- Applicants can be from AYUSH or non-AYUSH backgrounds.
- However, the research must be aligned with ITM themes and focus on non-clinical aspects such as:
- Economic analysis
- Digital innovations
- International trade
- Policy reforms
- Social impact assessments
- Management strategies
Financial Support Provided
One of the most attractive aspects of the FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowship Scheme is its generous funding.
Fellowship Type Duration Annual Amount Disbursement Mode Doctoral 2 years Up to ₹5 lakh Quarterly Postdoctoral 1 year Up to ₹7.5 lakh Quarterly Note:
The award is all-inclusive—no additional allowances (such as contingency or travel) are provided.
Funding covers research-related expenses, field visits, data collection, and living costs.How to Apply for the FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowship Scheme
Applications for the fellowship are accepted online through the RIS/FITM website or the Ministry of AYUSH portal when the call for proposals is announced.
Application Steps:
- Visit the official website – fitm.ris.org.in or the Ministry of AYUSH portal.
- Read the fellowship guidelines carefully to ensure eligibility.
- Prepare your research proposal in the prescribed format, focusing on:
- Background and rationale
- Research objectives
- Methodology
- Expected outcomes
- Policy relevance
- Fill out the application form online and upload required documents.
- Submit before the deadline—late or incomplete applications are usually rejected.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare and submit the following:
- Completed application form
- Research proposal (as per FITM guidelines)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- PhD registration certificate (for doctoral applicants) or PhD degree (for postdoctoral applicants)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Published papers (if any)
- Reference letters (optional but highly recommended)
Selection Process
Initial Screening – Proposals are checked for eligibility and thematic relevance.
Shortlisting – Based on academic credentials, research potential, and policy impact.
Interview (if conducted) – The FITM Fellowship Committee may call shortlisted candidates for an online or in-person interview.
Final Decision – Selected candidates receive an award letter valid for one month. If the fellowship is not accepted within that time, the offer lapses.Importance of the FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowship Scheme
The FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowship Scheme plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian Traditional Medicine by focusing on its policy and socio-economic dimensions.
Moving beyond clinical research, it highlights the structural and systemic aspects of AYUSH, social inclusivity, and global competitiveness.
The research supported under this scheme directly contributes to policy recommendations for the Ministry of AYUSH, trade bodies, and industry stakeholders, fostering regulatory modernization and sustainable growth.
By prioritizing themes like trade, IT, and management, the fellowship also encourages international collaborations, boosting export potential and enhancing global awareness of India’s traditional medicine systems.
Tips to Prepare a Winning Application
Focus on policy relevance – Clearly state how your research will impact policy or practice.
Be innovative – Offer fresh perspectives on value chains, trade, or technology in ITMs.
Show feasibility – Demonstrate a realistic timeline and methodology.
Highlight interdisciplinarity – Link your field of expertise to AYUSH in a meaningful way.
Proofread – A clear, error-free proposal creates a strong impression.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can scholars from non-AYUSH backgrounds apply?
Ans. Yes. Applicants from fields like economics, IT, sociology, or management can apply if their research proposal aligns with ITM themes.Q2. Is the fellowship renewable?
Ans. No. Doctoral fellowships are fixed for 2 years, and postdoctoral fellowships for 1 year—no extensions are allowed.Q3. What happens if progress is unsatisfactory?
Ans. The fellowship may be terminated if quarterly progress reports or final outputs are delayed or fail to meet quality standards.Q4. Are there thematic restrictions?
Ans. Yes. Research must be on non-clinical aspects—purely clinical or pharmacological studies are not funded.Conclusion
The FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowship Scheme is not just financial support—it’s an invitation to be part of a transformative research movement that connects India’s ancient medical traditions with modern socio-economic realities. By focusing on policy, economics, technology, and social impact, the scheme is preparing a generation of scholars who can guide the future growth and global outreach of Indian Traditional Medicine systems.
If you are passionate about blending tradition with innovation, and your research ideas can strengthen the policy and economic backbone of AYUSH, this fellowship could be your career turning point opportunity.
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