Question: What is Star College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate Level?

Answer: sTo strengthen the academic and

**Eligibility:** Ministry Of Science And TechnologyStar College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training At Undergraduate
LevelCollegeResearchStudentTrainingDetailsThe 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. ï»¿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.ï»¿ObjectivesTo strengthen the academic and
physical infrastructure for achieving excellence in teaching and training. To enhance the quality of the learning and teaching process to stimulate original
thinking through â€˜hands-onâ€™ exposure to experimental work and participation in summer schools.To promote networking and strengthen ties with
neighboring institutions and other laboratories.To conduct specialized training programs for faculty improvement for optimizing technical capabilities.To
increase capabilities of core instrumentation resources by procuring new equipment and upgrading existing facilities.To provide access and exposure to
students to research laboratories and industries in the country.To help in devising standard curricula and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) / kits for
practicals.To provide better library facilities to students and teachers.BenefitsNature of Financial AssistanceOne-time non-recurring grant of â‚¹10,00,000
per science department, recurring grant of â‚¹3,00,000 per science department per year for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory annual review, and
â‚¹1,00,000, â‚¹2,00,000 and â‚¹3,00,000 subject to their departments for mentoring and monitoring per college and â‚¹1,00,000 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 â‚¹1,00,000. For the purchase of equipment costing more than one lakh and up to three lakhs, prior approval of DBT is required.ï»¿For
StudentsStudent 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.Any other relevant additional
information.ï»¿For FacultyFaculty 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.ï»¿Expected Outcomesï»¿Annual Outcomes1. Increase in
the number of practicals being conducted individually by the students.2. Introduction of â€œhands-on trainingâ€​ 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.ï»¿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.EligibilityFor CollegesMinimum 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.Adequate in-house faculty expertise in each science
department.Independent laboratories for practicals to accommodate sanctioned student strength. Lecture halls/rooms for theory classes with minimum
capacity for sanctioned student strength.Basic infrastructure and facilities in laboratories and library, LCD / overhead projection facilities, Computers with
internet access. To apply, the college must be Government or Government aided, autonomous included under Section 2(f)/12(B) of the UGC Act 1956.
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. 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.Application ProcessOnlineStep 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 â€˜Eâ€™ Star College Scheme, HRD Division, Department of Biotechnology,
Ministry of Science and Technology, Block- 3, 5th Floor, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003ï»¿Mode of SelectionApplications will be
invited through advertisement on the DBT website, direct correspondence with potential colleges, nominations by vice-chancellors, etc. in a specified
format. 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.ï»¿Parameters to Measure
SuccessThe DBT will measure the progress of star colleges by following parameters:Substantial increase in the proportion of 'hands-on' experimental work
by students.Increased access of undergraduate students to laboratory and bioinformatics infrastructure.Improvement in access to sciences-related
journals.Summer schools.Percentage of students pursuing PG science education.Measure effectiveness on the basis of feedback from students, faculty, and
employers of students.Documents RequiredA valid 2(f) & 12(b) CertificateApplicants from Rural Areas must submit a Rural Area Certificate as per
format.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhen 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 â€˜Urbanâ€™ And â€˜Ruralâ€™ 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.inIs 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 â€˜handsâ€“onâ€™ 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.pdfWhere
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.pdfSources And
ReferencesGuidelinesAdvertisementState/UT Wise List Of Ongoing Colleges SupportedTerms & ConditionsFAQsOkWas this helpful?News and
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visit CancelApply NowMinistry Of Science And TechnologyStar College Scheme For Strengthening Of Science Education And Training
At Undergraduate LevelCollegeResearchStudentTrainingDetailsBenefitsEligibilityApplication ProcessDocuments RequiredFrequently Asked
QuestionsThe 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. ï»¿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.ï»¿ObjectivesTo strengthen the academic and physical infrastructure for
achieving excellence in teaching and training. To enhance the quality of the learning and teaching process to stimulate original thinking through â€˜hands-
onâ€™ exposure to experimental work and participation in summer schools.To promote networking and strengthen ties with neighboring institutions and
other laboratories.To conduct specialized training programs for faculty improvement for optimizing technical capabilities.To increase capabilities of core
instrumentation resources by procuring new equipment and upgrading existing facilities.To provide access and exposure to students to research laboratories
and industries in the country.To help in devising standard curricula and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) / kits for practicals.To provide better library
facilities to students and teachers.OkWas this helpful?ShareNews and UpdatesNo new news and updates availableÂ©2024Powered byDigital India
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