The scheme covers performing arts, literary arts, plastic and visual arts, traditional and Indigenous arts, and research in culture and heritage. Junior fellowships are for applicants aged 25–40 and pay INR 10,000 per month; senior fellowships are for applicants over 40 and pay INR 20,000 per month. Projects run for two years, with a possible time-only extension of up to three months and a mid-term review after one year. Applicants who previously held the same fellowship cannot apply again; former junior fellows may seek a senior fellowship after five years.