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

> Nature of Financial Assistance

₹10.0 L · annual

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.

₹1.0 L

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.

Applications 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. Substantial increase in the proportion of 'han