DBT’s star college scheme for Indian UG educational institutes open now

New Delhi: The Department of Biotechnology has invited applications from colleges of all the states and union territories of India offering undergraduate education in Sciences under ‘STAR COLLEGE’ Scheme to brand and nurture excellence in UG Science education. The program emphasizes holistic improvement of science education at undergraduate level with special emphasis on practical training to students.

The initiative provides support for improving knowledge and skills of teachers in basic sciences and specialized techniques; access to specialized infrastructure to students; assurance of consumables, reagents and chemicals for students; substantial hands-on experience in designing and conducting practicals to ensure critical thinking; and access to books and journals including e-journal facilities.

The program does not envisage initiating new UG courses in biotechnology.The aim is to improve practical training in existing science courses like Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Physics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Mathematics, Electronics, Computer Science etc. Subjects like Mass Communication, Geography, Economics, Management, Statistics can be included, provided these departments are able to weave their proposal with other science departments and suitably justify their collaboration for benefit of undergraduate science education.

As per the circular from the DBT, proposals should clearly highlight additional practicals (as per prescribed curriculum, which could not be done due to lack equipment or consumables) proposed to be conducted in existing courses by all participating departments, student projects (interdisciplinary/interdepartmental), visits to be undertaken by students to National Laboratories and industries and faculty improvement programs, etc.

The Colleges, supported under the Scheme can also apply for addition of new departments not included earlier. Colleges supported under the strengthening component would be evaluated (on completion of three years) for upgradation to Star Status, continuation at existing level or discontinuation.

The last date for submission of proposals is 15th July, 2017. The proposals from remote areas can be sent upto 31st July, 2017. Click here for Advertisement 2017
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