Sarkari Yojana
Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level
About Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) runs the “Star College Scheme for Strengthening of Science Education and Training at Undergraduate Level” to sharpen critical thinking and ‘hands-on’ experimental work among undergraduate science students, with the broader goal of drawing more students towards higher education in science. DBT identifies colleges that show ambition and potential for excellence and equips them with academic and physical infrastructure needed for outstanding teaching and distinctive exposure to experimental science. Star College is a pan-India scheme envisioning a Star College in every district; accordingly, the Department engages with State Governments to identify suitable colleges for support. Over the past 9 years, DBT has supported more than 200 undergraduate colleges nationwide. Beyond funding, colleges gain considerably from the guidance offered through Advisory Committee Meetings, mentoring, Task Force Meetings, and peer learning with other participating colleges. > Objectives
1. To strengthen academic and physical infrastructure in pursuit of excellence in teaching and training. 1. To improve the quality of learning and teaching so as to spark original thinking through ‘hands-on’ experimental exposure and participation in summer schools. 1. To build networks and closer ties with neighbouring institutions and other laboratories. 1. To run specialised faculty-improvement training programmes that sharpen technical capability. 1. To expand core instrumentation capacity by procuring new equipment and upgrading existing facilities. 1. To give students access and exposure to research laboratories and industries across the country. 1. To help develop standard curricula and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)/kits for practical work. 1. To improve library facilities available to students and teachers.
Scheme Overview
Central Government
Ministry Of Science And Technology
Individual, Institution
Scheme Details
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
For Colleges
The college must offer a minimum of 4-5…
The college must offer a minimum of 4-5 undergraduate courses in basic sciences such as botany, zoology, applied life science, microbiology, physiology/biochemistry, biotechnology, etc., plus 1-2 applied courses/PG diploma courses.
It must have adequate in-house faculty expertise within…
It must have adequate in-house faculty expertise within each science department.
It must have independent practical laboratories large enough…
It must have independent practical laboratories large enough for the sanctioned student strength.
It must have lecture halls/rooms for theory classes…
It must have lecture halls/rooms for theory classes with capacity for the sanctioned student strength.
It must have basic infrastructure and facilities in…
It must have basic infrastructure and facilities in its laboratories and library, LCD/overhead projection equipment, and computers with internet access.
To apply, the college must be a Government…
To apply, the college must be a Government or Government-aided or autonomous institution covered under Section 2(f)/12(B) of the UGC Act 1956.
Colleges not recommended for support may reapply to…
Colleges not recommended for support may reapply to DBT with suitable modifications and revisions, while those whose support is discontinued after a funding round may reapply only after a two-year cooling-off period.
Colleges already supported under the scheme can apply…
Colleges already supported under the scheme can apply for an additional department once they complete one full cycle, i.e. 3 years, of ongoing support.
Benefits Provided
Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level provides the following benefits to eligible applicants:
Nature of Financial Assistance
A one-time non-recurring grant of ₹10,00,000 per science department is provided, along with a recurring grant of ₹3,00,000 per science department per year for three years (subject to a satisfactory annual review), ₹1,00,000, ₹2,00,000 and ₹3,00,000 per college for mentoring and monitoring of departments, and ₹1,00,000 per year under the contingency head.
The scheme supports buying multiple units of routine equipment needed for UG science practicals, within a ceiling of ₹1,00,000; equipment costing above one lakh and up to three lakhs needs DBT's prior approval.
For Students
Practical training is introduced as prescribed in the…
Practical training is introduced as prescribed in the curriculum.
Conceptual clarity is built by involving students in…
Conceptual clarity is built by involving students in minor projects, done individually or in groups of up to 4 students.
'Hands-on' training techniques are added to reinforce concepts…
'Hands-on' training techniques are added to reinforce concepts otherwise taught only theoretically.
Summer training is offered, preferably by engaging students…
Summer training is offered, preferably by engaging students in research projects.
Visits are arranged to nearby industries, research institutions,…
Visits are arranged to nearby industries, research institutions, or places of academic value.
IT is used in classroom, laboratory, and library…
IT is used in classroom, laboratory, and library activities.
Lectures by eminent scientists and career-counselling sessions are…
Lectures by eminent scientists and career-counselling sessions are organised to make students aware of career paths in science.
Any other relevant additional support may be provided
Any other relevant additional support may be provided. For Faculty
A faculty improvement programme is run
A faculty improvement programme is run.
Faculty take part in summer courses to upgrade…
Faculty take part in summer courses to upgrade the skills needed to train students.
Curricula are revised to include more 'hands-on' laboratory…
Curricula are revised to include more 'hands-on' laboratory work.
Greater emphasis is placed on communicating research and…
Greater emphasis is placed on communicating research and the research process to students.
An internal review process, run by students, is…
An internal review process, run by students, is introduced to assess implementation of the various
activities under the Star College Scheme
activities under the Star College Scheme.
Student feedback is collected on faculty competence, adequacy…
Student feedback is collected on faculty competence, adequacy of the teaching/laboratory environment, and any additional needs. Expected Outcomes Annual Outcomes
A rise in the number of practicals individually…
A rise in the number of practicals individually conducted by students.
Introduction of "hands-on training" to build conceptual clarity…
Introduction of "hands-on training" to build conceptual clarity for topics previously taught only theoretically.
Involvement of students in minor research projects
Involvement of students in minor research projects.
Faculty development programmes and laboratory staff training programmes
Faculty development programmes and laboratory staff training programmes.
Student participation in scientific writing and journal club…
Student participation in scientific writing and journal club activities. Consolidated outcome after the sanctioned tenure (3 years)
A rise in admission cut-off percentages and a…
A rise in admission cut-off percentages and a fall in student dropout rates.
Growth in faculty-generated resources, such as extramural research…
Growth in faculty-generated resources, such as extramural research grants from other funding agencies, that reinforce the Star College Scheme's efforts.
The number of colleges or schools from underprivileged…
The number of colleges or schools from underprivileged areas that have been mentored.
The number of colleges mentored to write grant…
The number of colleges mentored to write grant proposals for Star Scheme support, and the outcomes of those efforts.
SOPs developed and lab manuals created, uploaded on…
SOPs developed and lab manuals created, uploaded on the website or submitted to DBT.
Documents Required
Applicants should keep the following documents ready before starting the application:
A current 2(f) and 12(b) certification
A current 2(f) and 12(b) certification.
Candidates from rural areas must submit a Rural…
Candidates from rural areas must submit a Rural Area Certificate in the specified format.
How to Apply
Online Application
Applicants can apply for Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level through the online application process outlined below.
Application Portal: Open Application Portal ↗
Applications are invited online through the Epromis Portal…
Applications are invited online through the Epromis Portal (see the advertisement for details).
A duly signed and stamped hard copy of…
A duly signed and stamped hard copy of the proposal submitted through EproMIS should also be sent to: Dr. Garima Gupta, Scientist 'E', Star College Scheme, HRD Division, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Block-3, 5th Floor, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 Mode of Selection 1. Applications are invited through advertisements on the DBT website, direct correspondence with potential colleges, nominations by vice-chancellors, and similar channels, in a specified format. 2. Regional needs, women's colleges, and autonomous colleges, among other factors, are taken into account. Applications are screened by the Task Force, with a site visit undertaken where necessary before a final decision; the Task Force's decision is final. Parameters to Measure Success DBT tracks the progress of Star Colleges using the following parameters: 1. A substantial rise in the share of 'hands-on' experimental work done by students. 2. Greater undergraduate access to laboratory and bioinformatics 3. infrastructure. 4. Better access to science-related journals. 5. Summer schools conducted. 6. The percentage of students going on to pursue postgraduate science education. 7. Effectiveness assessed through feedback gathered from students, faculty, and the employers of students.
Official Application & Website
Verify the latest eligibility, dates and instructions before applying.