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Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level

7.5/10

The Dept. of Biotechnology has launched "Star College Scheme for Strengthening of Science Education and Training at Undergraduate Level" for improving critical thinking and 'hands-on' experimental work at the undergraduate (college) level in sciences.

Central Composite

States / UT: All India

Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Science And Technology

Nodal department: Department Of Biotechnology

Scheme for: Infra

Scheme profile

Categories: Education & Learning

Sub-categories: Universities and higher education

Target beneficiaries: Individual, Institution

Tags: College, Student, Training, Research

Details

The Dept. of Biotechnology (DBT) has launched a scheme "Star College Scheme for Strengthening of Science Education and Training at Undergraduate Level" for improving critical thinking and 'hands-on' experimental work at the undergraduate (college) level in sciences. It is expected to encourage, more students to take up higher education in science. DBT will identify colleges with ambition and potential for excellence and provide academic and physical infrastructure for achieving excellence in teaching and unique exposure of students to experimental science.
The Star College Scheme is a pan-India Scheme that envisages a Star College in every district of the country, thus the Department shall exert dialogues with the State Government and identify colleges that can be considered for support under this Scheme. DBT has supported over 200 undergraduate colleges across the country in the past 9 years. Apart from financial support, colleges benefit tremendously from guidance received in Advisory Committee Meetings, mentoring, Task Force Meetings, and learning from peers in other colleges.

Objectives

  1. To strengthen the academic and physical infrastructure for achieving excellence in teaching and training.
  2. To enhance the quality of the learning and teaching process to stimulate original thinking through ‘hands-on’ exposure to experimental work and participation in summer schools.
  3. To promote networking and strengthen ties with neighboring institutions and other laboratories.
  4. To conduct specialized training programs for faculty improvement for optimizing technical capabilities.
  5. To increase capabilities of core instrumentation resources by procuring new equipment and upgrading existing facilities.
  6. To provide access and exposure to students to research laboratories and industries in the country.
  7. To help in devising standard curricula and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) / kits for practicals.
  8. To provide better library facilities to students and teachers.

Benefits

  • Nature of Financial Assistance
  • One-time non-recurring grant of ₹10,00,000 per science department, recurring grant of ₹3,00,000 per science department per year for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory annual review, and ₹1,00,000, ₹2,00,000 and ₹3,00,000 subject to their departments for mentoring and monitoring per college and ₹1,00,000 per year under contingency head will be provided
  • The scheme encourages the purchase of multiple copies of routine equipment required for science practicals in UG courses within a ceiling of ₹1,00,000. For the purchase of equipment costing more than one lakh and up to three lakhs, prior approval of DBT is required. For Students 1. Student training via the introduction of practicals, prescribed in the curriculum. 1. Introduction of conceptual clarity via engaging students in minor projects, either singly or in groups of students not exceeding 4 in number. 1. Inclusion of techniques for 'hands-on' training to strengthen concepts taught otherwise via theoretical approach. 1. Summer training preferably via engaging students in research projects. 1. Visits to neighboring industries, research institutions, or places of academic value. 1. Use of IT in classroom, laboratory, and library activities. 1. Organizing lectures by eminent scientists, and career counseling lectures specifically for creating awareness among students about their future career options in science. 1. Any other relevant additional information. For Faculty 1. Faculty improvement program. 1. Participation in summer courses for skill upgradation to be able to train students. 1. Curriculum change to ensure more, 'hands-on' laboratory work. 1. Greater emphasis on communicating research and research process to students. 1. Introduce an internal review process by students regarding the implementation of various 1. activities under the Star College Scheme. 1. Feedback from students regarding the competence of faculty, adequacy of teaching/laboratory environment, and additional needs, if any. Expected Outcomes Annual Outcomes 1. Increase in the number of practicals being conducted individually by the students. 2. Introduction of “hands-on training” to enhance conceptual clarity for topics taught previously by theoretical approach. 3. Engaging students in minor research projects. 4. Faculty development programs and laboratory staff training programs. 5. Involvement of students in scientific writing and journal club activities. Consolidated outcome after the sanctioned tenure (3 years) 1. Increase in the admission cut-off percentage and decrease in the dropout rates of students. 2. Increase in the faculty generated resources viz extramural research grants from other funding agencies to strengthen the Star College Scheme efforts. 3. Number of colleges or schools mentored from underprivileged areas. 4. Number of colleges mentored to write grants for Star Scheme support and their outcome. 5. SOPs developed, lab manuals created and uploaded on the website, or submitted to DBT

Nature of Financial Assistance

  • One-time non-recurring grant of ₹10,00,000 per science department, recurring grant of ₹3,00,000 per science department per year for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory annual review, and ₹1,00,000, ₹2,00,000 and ₹3,00,000 subject to their departments for mentoring and monitoring per college and ₹1,00,000 per year under contingency head will be provided.
  • The scheme encourages the purchase of multiple copies of routine equipment required for science practicals in UG courses within a ceiling of ₹1,00,000. For the purchase of equipment costing more than one lakh and up to three lakhs, prior approval of DBT is required.

For Students

  1. Student training via the introduction of practicals, prescribed in the curriculum.
  2. Introduction of conceptual clarity via engaging students in minor projects, either singly or in groups of students not exceeding 4 in number.
  3. Inclusion of techniques for 'hands-on' training to strengthen concepts taught otherwise via theoretical approach.
  4. Summer training preferably via engaging students in research projects.
  5. Visits to neighboring industries, research institutions, or places of academic value.
  6. Use of IT in classroom, laboratory, and library activities.
  7. Organizing lectures by eminent scientists, and career counseling lectures specifically for creating awareness among students about their future career options in science.
  8. Any other relevant additional information.

For Faculty

  1. Faculty improvement program.
  2. Participation in summer courses for skill upgradation to be able to train students.
  3. Curriculum change to ensure more, 'hands-on' laboratory work.
  4. Greater emphasis on communicating research and research process to students.
  5. Introduce an internal review process by students regarding the implementation of various
  6. activities under the Star College Scheme.
  7. Feedback from students regarding the competence of faculty, adequacy of teaching/laboratory environment, and additional needs, if any.

Expected Outcomes

Annual Outcomes

  1. Increase in the number of practicals being conducted individually by the students.
  2. Introduction of “hands-on training” to enhance conceptual clarity for topics taught previously by theoretical approach.
  3. Engaging students in minor research projects.
  4. Faculty development programs and laboratory staff training programs.
  5. Involvement of students in scientific writing and journal club activities.

Consolidated outcome after the sanctioned tenure (3 years)

  1. Increase in the admission cut-off percentage and decrease in the dropout rates of students.
  2. Increase in the faculty generated resources viz extramural research grants from other funding agencies to strengthen the Star College Scheme efforts.
  3. Number of colleges or schools mentored from underprivileged areas.
  4. Number of colleges mentored to write grants for Star Scheme support and their outcome.
  5. SOPs developed, lab manuals created and uploaded on the website, or submitted to DBT.

Eligibility

For Colleges

  1. Minimum 4-5 UG courses in basic science such as botany, zoology, applied life science, microbiology, physiology/biochemistry, biotechnology etc. and 1-2 applied course/PG diploma courses.
  2. Adequate in-house faculty expertise in each science department.
  3. Independent laboratories for practicals to accommodate sanctioned student strength.
  4. Lecture halls/rooms for theory classes with minimum capacity for sanctioned student strength.
  5. Basic infrastructure and facilities in laboratories and library, LCD / overhead projection facilities, Computers with internet access.
  6. To apply, the college must be Government or Government aided, autonomous included under Section 2(f)/12(B) of the UGC Act 1956.
  7. Colleges that have been not recommended for support can re-apply to DBT for financial support with appropriate modifications and revisions while those that get discontinued after a round of support are eligible for re-applying only after a cooling period of two years.
  8. The colleges who have already been supported under this scheme can apply for additional dept. after completion of one cycle i.e. 3 years of ongoing support.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

7.5
/ 10
Public Benefit Score
Accessibility 7.0/10 Good
Rural usefulness 7.0/10 Good
Application complexity 4.0/10 Moderate
Financial impact 9.5/10 Good
Literacy barrier 7.0/10 Challenging
Women inclusivity 7.0/10 Good
Awareness 7.5/10 Good
Implementation reliability 8.0/10 Good
Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens
  • Accessibility7.0
  • Financial impact9.5
  • Rural utility7.0
  • Awareness7.5
  • Simplicity6.0
  • Inclusivity7.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The scheme aims to enhance science education at the undergraduate level across India, focusing on improving infrastructure and hands-on training.

Key challenges addressed

  • Lack of practical exposure in science education
  • Insufficient academic infrastructure in colleges

Most beneficial for

  • Undergraduate science students
  • Colleges in rural and underprivileged areas

Likely challenges

  • Complex application process for colleges
  • Need for adequate infrastructure and faculty expertise

Practical insights for citizens

The scheme has potential but requires strong local engagement and support.

Rural challenges

  • Limited access to digital resources
  • Need for local administrative support

Digital challenges

  • Dependence on internet access for application
  • Potential lack of digital literacy among some applicants

Implementation bottlenecks

  • Need for continuous monitoring and support
  • Potential delays in fund disbursement

Awareness challenges

  • Limited outreach to rural colleges
  • Need for better communication of benefits

Application analysis

Application mode
Online portal
Documents burden
Moderate, requires proposal submission
Verification complexity
Moderate, involves site visits
Office dependency
Low, primarily online
DBT dependency
High, relies on DBT for approval
CSC support
Limited, primarily online
Estimated citizen effort
Moderate, requires proposal preparation and submission

Estimated beneficiary reach

  • Rural / urban reach Moderate
  • Gender reach Inclusive
  • Target income group Low to middle-income groups
  • Occupation reach Students and educational institutions

Benefit analysis

Benefit type
Composite
Benefit frequency
One-time and recurring grants over three years
Benefit practicality
High, as it provides significant financial support for infrastructure
Financial meaningfulness
High, with substantial grants available for eligible colleges
Long-term impact
Positive, expected to improve science education and student outcomes

Plain-language guidance

The Star College Scheme supports colleges to improve science education by providing financial assistance for infrastructure and training. It aims to enhance practical learning for students.

Who should apply
Colleges with undergraduate science programs seeking to improve their facilities.
Who may struggle
Colleges with limited infrastructure or digital access may find the application challenging.
Best application route
Apply via the Epromis Portal with necessary documentation.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Online

Step 1: The applications are invited online via Epromis Portal (please refer to the advertisement).
Step 2: The duly signed and stamped hardcopy version of the proposal submitted via EproMIS may 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 will be invited through advertisement on the DBT website, direct correspondence with potential colleges, nominations by vice-chancellors, etc. in a specified format.
  2. Consideration will be given to regional requirements, women's colleges, autonomous colleges, etc. Applications will be screened by the task Force and a site visit, if required, will be undertaken to arrive at the final decision. The decision of the Task Force will be final.

Parameters to Measure Success

The DBT will measure the progress of star colleges by following parameters:

  1. Substantial increase in the proportion of 'hands-on' experimental work by students.
  2. Increased access of undergraduate students to laboratory and bioinformatics
  3. infrastructure.
  4. Improvement in access to sciences-related journals.
  5. Summer schools.
  6. Percentage of students pursuing PG science education.
  7. Measure effectiveness on the basis of feedback from students, faculty, and employers of students.

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

When Is The Call For DBT Star College Scheme Announced?

The call for the DBT-Star College scheme for both Urban and Rural categories is announced annually and is advertised on the DBT website.

What Are The ‘Urban’ And ‘Rural’ Categories Of Colleges?

DBT is focused on the equitable percolation of benefits of the Star College Scheme throughout the country and is committed to ensuring that geographical location and access to means of communication and technology should not be a deterrent for securing this highly competitive grant. Therefore, since 2018-19 Colleges have been categorized into Urban and Rural categories based on the physical location of the college. Colleges applying under the Rural category should mandatorily attach a certificate (with the application) from competent authority (local administration and not the Principal of the College) either in Hindi or English stating that the college is located in a Rural area, failing which applications shall not be considered further.

Can A College Request Addition Of New Departments During The Ongoing Tenure Of Support?

Colleges requesting the addition of new departments should first complete one cycle of support i.e. 3 years with the departments that the grant was recommended for.

Who Can Be A Coordinator For A Star College Scheme?

The Star College Scheme encourages young and energetic faculty of a College to assume greater responsibilities besides their routine roles and functions. A Coordinator should be active, engage in networking with other Departments seeking support under the DBT-Star College Scheme, and should be involved with the overall functioning of the scheme in respective Colleges. The Coordinator for the Star College Scheme shall be responsible for the coordination between the Colleges and DBT; thus the change of coordinator shall not be entertained during the entire duration of the support unless there is some personal issue due to which the coordinator is not available, for the duration of more than six months at a stretch.

Is There Any Guidance Provided By DBT During The Tenure Of Support?

For any assistance, recipients of the DBT-Star College grant / Co-ordinators may contact: Adviser: Dr. Anamika Gambhir, Sc. F, Division Head, Human Resource Development / Infrastructure and Women Programme Tel: 011-24363665 Email: anamika@dbt.nic.in Programme Officer: Dr. Garima Gupta, Sc. E, Department of Biotechnology, Room No. 510, 5th Floor, Block 3, CGO Complex, New Delhi-110003 Tel: 011-24369385 Email: garima.g@nic.in Attached Officer: Dr. Abhishek Kumar Mehta, Sc. C, of Biotechnology, Room No. 534, 5th Floor, Block 3, CGO Complex, New Delhi-110003 Tel: 011-24360295 Email: ak.mehta@dbt.nic.in

Is There A Mechanism For Mentoring Colleges Aspiring For Support Under The DBT Star College Scheme?

Each College supported under the DBT-Star College scheme is envisaged to promote networking and strengthen ties with neighboring institutions and a separate fund is provided for mentoring activities. A College aspiring to apply for a Star College grant may get in touch with the neighboring Star College. A list of Colleges supported under the DBT-Star College The scheme with contact details of the coordinators is provided below. Additionally, DBT also conducts workshops and outreach activities periodically throughout the country. Details are provided on the Twitter handle of DBT.

What Are The Objectives Of This Scheme?

The following are the objectives of this scheme: 1. To strengthen the academic and physical infrastructure for achieving excellence in teaching and training. 2. To enhance the quality of the learning and teaching process to stimulate original thinking through 'hands-on' exposure to experimental work and participation in summer schools. 3. To promote networking and strengthen ties with neighboring institutions and other laboratories. 4. To conduct specialized training programs for faculty improvement for optimizing technical capabilities. 5. To increase the capabilities of core instrumentation resources by procuring new equipment and upgrading of existing facilities. 6. To provide access and exposure to students to research laboratories and industries in the country. 7. To help in devising standard curricula and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) / kits for practicals.

What Benefits Do The Students Have In This Scheme?

For Students, there are the following benefits: Student training via the introduction of practicals, prescribed in the curriculum.Introduction of conceptual clarity via engaging students in minor projects, either singly or in groups of students not exceeding 4 in number. Inclusion of techniques for 'hands-on' training to strengthen concepts taught otherwise via theoretical approach. Summer training preferably via engaging students in research projects. Visits to neighboring industries, research institutions, or places of academic value. Use of IT in classroom, laboratory, and library activities. Organizing lectures by eminent scientists, and career counseling lectures specifically for creating awareness among students about their future career options in science.

What Benefits Do The Faculties Have In This Scheme?

For Faculties, there are the following benefits: Faculty improvement program. Participation in summer courses for skill upgradation to be able to train students. Curriculum change to ensure more, 'hands-on' laboratory work.Greater emphasis on communicating research and research process to students. Introduce an internal review process by students regarding the implementation of various activities under the Star College Scheme. Feedback from students regarding the competence of faculty, adequacy of teaching/laboratory environment, and additional needs, if any.

Where Can I Find The State/UT Wise List Of Colleges Supported Through This Scheme?

The State/UT Wise List Of Colleges Supported through this Scheme can be found at this link - https://dbtindia.gov.in/sites/default/files/uploadfiles/List%20of%20ongoing%20colleges%20supported%20under%20Star%20College%20Scheme.pdf

Where Can I Find The Link To The Scheme Terms & Conditions?

The Scheme Terms & Conditions can be found at this link - https://dbtindia.gov.in/sites/default/files/Terms%20%26%20Conditions%20of%20Star%20College%20Scheme.pdf

References

Guidelines
https://dbt.gov.in/storage/media/nAAkBsiX1sQUd4NajXDKgtYGMoLxUTaEHZ1K8Lm4.pdf
Website
https://dbt.gov.in/scientific-directorates/technology-capacity-partnerships/starcollegeprogramme
Scheme Details
https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/programme-schemes/human-resource-and-development/star-college-scheme

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level?
Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level is a government welfare initiative designed to support Infra, Individual, Institution through benefits related to Education & Learning, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level?
Eligibility for Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level?
Benefits under Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level?
Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level is managed by Department Of Biotechnology and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level?
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level?
Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level?
Applications for Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level?
Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is income certificate required for Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level?
Income certificate requirements may vary depending on beneficiary category, subsidy eligibility, and financial assistance criteria defined under Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level.
Is Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level a central government scheme?
Yes, Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
Can students apply for Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level?
Eligible students studying in recognised institutions may apply for Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level depending on educational qualification, category, income limit, and academic eligibility.
Is scholarship amount provided under Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level?
Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level may provide scholarship assistance, tuition support, educational reimbursement, or financial aid for eligible students.
Can CSC centres help users apply for Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level?
Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level?
Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level?
Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level in All India?
Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level applications?
Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.