The Kuvempu Fellowship is a prestigious financial assistance program offered by the Kuvempu Bhasha Bharathi Pradhikara (KBBP), Government of Karnataka. Instituted in the name of Rashtrakavi Kuvempu, one of the greatest literary figures of Karnataka, this fellowship aims to promote Kannada language, literature, culture, and research.
Applications are now invited from eligible and interested candidates for the Senior and Junior Kuvempu Fellowship 2026. Scholars, researchers, translators, and independent academics working in Kannada studies can benefit from this scheme.
This article provides complete and detailed information about eligibility, fellowship amount, guidelines, required documents, application procedure, last date, and official address for submission.
About Kuvempu Fellowship
The Kuvempu Fellowship is designed to encourage serious academic and creative engagement with Kannada language and literature, particularly focusing on:
- Works of Kuvempu
- Kuvempu’s philosophy, ideology, and thoughts
- Translation of Kuvempu’s literary works
- Kannada language studies
- Cultural studies and research
- Independent and university-based research projects
The fellowship is awarded after a selection process, and the amount is released only after successful completion and evaluation of the approved project.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to individuals who are actively involved in research or academic work related to Kannada language and literature. This includes:
- Research scholars in Kannada language and literature
- PhD scholars and Post-Doctoral researchers
- Independent researchers and translators
- Scholars working in linguistics, translation studies, cultural studies, and literary criticism
- Academicians with research proposals related to Kuvempu or Kannada studies
Age Limit
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Maximum age: 35 years
Applicants must fall within this age range as on the date specified in the notification.
Fellowship Amount
The Kuvempu Fellowship is offered under two categories:
1. Senior Fellowship
- Fellowship Amount: ₹3,00,000 (Three Lakh Rupees)
2. Junior Fellowship
- Fellowship Amount: ₹2,00,000 (Two Lakh Rupees)
👉 The fellowship amount is paid only after successful completion and approval of the project.
👉 No installment or interim payment will be made during the project period.
Important Guidelines and Instructions
Applicants must strictly follow the instructions issued by Kuvempu Bhasha Bharathi Pradhikara. Key guidelines are listed below:
1. Research Proposal Requirement
- Applicants must submit a minimum 5-page detailed research proposal.
- The proposal should be related to:
- Kuvempu’s literary works
- Kuvempu’s ideology and philosophy
- Translation of Kuvempu’s writings
- Research connected to Kannada language, literature, or culture
2. Interview Process
- If shortlisted, candidates must attend an interview.
- At the time of interview, applicants must produce original documents along with attested photocopies.
Required Documents for Interview
Applicants must submit the following documents if called for an interview:
- Age Proof
- SSLC Certificate or equivalent document
- Educational Certificates
- All relevant academic qualification certificates
- Caste Certificate
- Applicable only for SC/ST candidates
- Notarized Affidavit
- A notarized certificate stating that the applicant has not received financial assistance from any other institution, department, or university for the same research project.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC)
- If the applicant is employed or receiving any scholarship/fellowship, a written confirmation from the employer or research guide stating no objection to availing the Kuvempu Fellowship.
Funding Restrictions
- Applicants must not receive funding from any other department, university, or institution for the same project.
- If it is found that the candidate has received financial assistance elsewhere, the fellowship will be cancelled immediately.
Project Completion Rules
- The project must be completed within the time frame prescribed by the Pradhikara.
- Fellows must deliver two academic lectures at places specified by the authority.
- Progress reports must be submitted every three months.
- If satisfactory progress is not shown within the first three months, the fellowship will be terminated.
Translation and Research Conditions
- Translation projects must be independently carried out by the fellow.
- Research projects must be original and independent.
- In case of copyrighted material:
- Permission from the original author or copyright holder is mandatory.
- The Pradhikara may attempt to obtain permission, but if permission is denied, the authority will not be held responsible.
- If permission is not obtained, the fellowship will be cancelled.
Submission of Final Project
- After completion, the final project report / thesis / translated text must be:
- Typed using Nudi Kannada Unicode software
- Submitted in both hard copy and soft copy
- Submitted within the prescribed deadline
Evaluation and Payment of Fellowship
- The submitted work will be evaluated by an expert committee.
- The fellowship amount will be released only after favorable recommendation from the committee.
- If the project is found unsatisfactory, no payment will be made.
- No partial or advance payment is allowed at any stage.
Copyright and Publication Rights
- All rights related to the submitted project will remain with Kuvempu Bhasha Bharathi Pradhikara.
- The authority reserves the right to publish the work.
- No additional royalty or remuneration will be paid for publication.
Last Date to Apply
📅 Application Deadline:
31 January 2026 (by 5:00 PM)
- Applications received after the deadline will be rejected without consideration.
- Incomplete applications will also be rejected.
How to Download Application Form
Interested candidates can download the official application form by visiting the official website of Kuvempu Bhasha Bharathi Pradhikara.
👉 Click on the “Download Now” option available on the website to access the application form.
How to Apply – Submission Procedure
- Download the application form from the official website.
- Fill in all details carefully and accurately.
- Attach all required documents.
- Sign the application.
- Send the completed hard copy of the application by Post or Courier.
Address for Application Submission
Applications must be sent to the following address:
The Registrar
Kuvempu Bhasha Bharathi Pradhikara
Kalagrama, Mallathahalli
Jnana Bharathi Post
Bengaluru – 560056
Karnataka
📌 Applications must reach the above address on or before 31 January 2026, 5:00 PM.
Official Website
For official notifications, application forms, and updates, visit the Kuvempu Bhasha Bharathi Pradhikara official website.
Conclusion
The Kuvempu Fellowship 2026 is an excellent opportunity for young scholars and researchers passionate about Kannada language, literature, and Kuvempu’s legacy. With a generous fellowship amount of up to ₹3 lakh, this program provides both financial support and academic recognition.
Eligible candidates are advised to prepare a strong research proposal and apply well before the deadline.
