Research Grant For In-Service Faculty Members 2026
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) offers the Star College Scheme to boost critical thinking and hands-on experimental Read More... learning in science for undergraduate students. Read less
Details
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has rolled out the 'Star College Scheme' to significantly improve science education at the undergraduate level. The main goal is to sharpen students' critical thinking and provide them with practical 'hands-on' experience in laboratories. This initiative aims to inspire more young minds to pursue higher education in science.
What Is This Scheme?
The Star College Scheme identifies colleges with the potential to excel in science education. It provides them with academic and physical infrastructure support to achieve excellence in teaching. The scheme also offers students unique exposure to experimental science. It's a nationwide program envisioned to have a Star College in every district, fostering scientific temper across India.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This scheme is designed for undergraduate colleges across India, particularly those looking to enhance their science departments. It aims to support institutions that can offer strong science programs and are committed to improving the learning experience for their students. Both government-aided and government colleges can be considered for this support.
Why This Scheme Is Important
The Star College Scheme is crucial for building a strong foundation in science for India's youth. By upgrading infrastructure, encouraging practical learning, and providing exposure to research and industry, it prepares students for future careers in science. The scheme also focuses on faculty development and curriculum improvement, ensuring a high standard of science education nationwide.
Objective
Benefits
- The quantum of support under the scheme is ₹ 10,00,000.
- The grant can be utilized for purchasing items like minor equipment, consumables, contingencies, fieldwork, travel, etc.
- The grant cannot be used for international travel, purchasing furniture items, or for appointing a project assistant or research fellow.
- The quantum of funds under these heads can be decided by the recipient depending on his / her needs.
- The items/equipment purchased from this grant shall be the property of the University.
- Initially, 50% of the grant will be released on receipt of the joining report (Annexure-I).
- The next installment of 25% of the research grant shall be paid on submission of the utilization certificate (Annexure-II) of the first installment.
- The final installment of 25% of the research grant shall be released on a reimbursement basis on submitting the claims and utilization certificate of the second installment.
Sources and references
Who Can Apply?
Colleges must meet the following criteria to be considered:
- Offer at least 4-5 undergraduate courses in basic sciences (like Botany, Zoology, Applied Life Science, Microbiology, Physiology/Biochemistry, Biotechnology) and 1-2 applied courses or PG diploma courses.
- Possess adequate in-house faculty expertise in each science department.
- Have independent laboratories suitable for the sanctioned student strength.
- Provide lecture halls with sufficient capacity for the sanctioned student strength.
- Ensure basic infrastructure, including laboratory and library facilities, LCD/overhead projectors, and computers with internet access.
- The college must be government-aided, government-owned, or autonomous, and recognised under Section 2(f)/12(B) of the UGC Act, 1956.
- Colleges previously not recommended can re-apply after making necessary revisions. Those whose support was discontinued must wait for a two-year cooling period before reapplying.
- Colleges already supported under this scheme can apply for additional departments only after completing one full cycle of support (3 years).
How To Apply
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) announces calls for applications annually. Interested colleges should keep an eye on the official DBT website for announcements regarding the 'Star College Scheme'. Details about the submission process, including any specific formats or online portals, will be provided in these announcements.
Key Contact Information for Assistance:
- Adviser: Dr. Anamika Gambhir, Sc. F, Division Head, Human Resource Development / Infrastructure and Women Programme. Tel: 011-24363665, Email: [email protected]
- 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: [email protected]
- Attached Officer: Dr. Abhishek Kumar Mehta, Sc. C, Department of Biotechnology, Room No. 534, 5th Floor, Block 3, CGO Complex, New Delhi-110003. Tel: 011-24360295, Email: [email protected]
For general scheme terms and conditions, you can refer to: Scheme Terms & Conditions.
Required Documents
- A valid certificate confirming recognition under Section 2(f) & 12(b) of the UGC Act.
- For colleges located in rural areas, a Rural Area Certificate issued by a competent authority (not the college principal) is mandatory. The certificate should be in Hindi or English.
FAQ’s
How are colleges classified as 'Urban' or 'Rural' for this scheme?
Colleges are categorized as 'Urban' or 'Rural' based on their physical location since the 2018-19 cycle. This helps ensure benefits reach colleges across the country, regardless of their location. If applying under the 'Rural' category, a specific certificate from a competent local authority is required. Applications without this certificate will not be considered.
Can a college add new departments to its support request while the scheme is already running?
Colleges that wish to add new departments must first complete the initial three-year cycle of support with the departments that were originally approved for the grant.
What are the main goals of the Star College Scheme?
The scheme aims to boost science education by strengthening academic and physical infrastructure. It focuses on enhancing teaching and learning through hands-on experiments and summer schools, promoting collaboration between institutions, training faculty, upgrading lab equipment, and exposing students to research and industry.
What kind of support does the DBT provide to colleges receiving the Star College grant?
DBT offers significant financial assistance for infrastructure and recurring expenses. Beyond funding, colleges benefit from guidance through Advisory Committee Meetings, mentoring from established institutions, and Task Force Meetings. They also learn from peer institutions during these interactions.
When can colleges expect the announcement for the Star College Scheme applications?
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) typically announces the call for applications for the Star College Scheme annually for both urban and rural colleges. These announcements are published on the official DBT website.
Are there specific benefits for students participating in the Star College Scheme?
Yes, students benefit greatly through hands-on practical training, engagement in minor research projects, and participation in summer research programs. The scheme also facilitates visits to industries and research labs, uses of IT in learning, and provides opportunities to interact with eminent scientists.
What are the advantages for faculty under this scheme?
Faculty members can enhance their skills through improvement programs and summer courses. The scheme encourages curriculum updates for more practical work and promotes better communication of research to students. Students also provide feedback on teaching and lab environments, contributing to faculty development.
How can aspiring colleges get guidance or mentorship before applying?
Colleges aiming to apply for the Star College grant can connect with nearby institutions already supported under the scheme for guidance. DBT also organizes workshops and outreach events across the country. A list of supported colleges with contact details is often available on the DBT website.
What is the role of the Coordinator for the Star College Scheme?
The Coordinator acts as the main point of contact between the college and DBT. They are responsible for coordinating the scheme's activities within the college and liaising with DBT. The scheme encourages energetic faculty to take on this role, fostering networking and overall scheme management. Changes in the Coordinator are generally not entertained unless due to long-term unavailability.
Where can I find a list of colleges that have received support through this scheme?
You can find a list of colleges currently supported under the DBT-Star College Scheme, often broken down by State/UT, on the official DBT India website. A direct link is usually provided, for example: State/UT Wise List of Colleges.
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