NCERT PRAYAAS 2026–27 – ₹50,000 Research Grant for School Students
The Department of Education in Science and Mathematics (DESM), National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), has invited applications for PRAYAAS 2026–27 – Promotion of Research Attitude among Young and Aspiring Students.
🔬 What is NCERT PRAYAAS?
PRAYAAS is an NCERT initiative designed to develop research attitude, scientific inquiry and problem-solving abilities among school students. Students undertake research projects with support from a school teacher and an expert from a Higher Educational Institution (HEI).
⭐ Program Highlights
- Research Grant: ₹50,000 per selected project
- Duration: One-year research programme
- Mentorship: Guidance from HEI experts
- Approach: Real-world problem solving
- Area: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics
👩🎓 Who Can Participate?
- Students studying in Classes VIII to XI
- Students from eligible schools may participate
- A single student or a team may participate as allowed under the official guidelines
- A school teacher acts as the PRAYAAS guide
- An expert from a Higher Educational Institution provides research mentorship
⏳ Application Deadline / Last Date
NCERT has officially extended the last date for submission of applications under PRAYAAS 2026–27 up to 31 August 2026.
Students, schools, teachers and HEI mentors intending to participate should complete the proposal and submission process before the closing date.
✅ Eligibility
- Students: Must be studying in Classes VIII to XI.
- School Guide: Eligible PGT/TGT or equivalent teacher teaching relevant Science/Mathematics subjects.
- HEI Expert: An expert from an eligible Higher Educational Institution or technical institution in a science/technology discipline.
- Applicants should follow the team structure, proposal format and institutional requirements given in the official NCERT guidelines.
💰 ₹50,000 Research Grant
Each selected research proposal is eligible for a total grant of ₹50,000.
Under the official 2026–27 guidelines, the grant is distributed among the participating student(s), school and HEI to facilitate completion of the research project.
