Details

Are you an undergraduate student in agriculture or related fields and looking to gain practical experience and become a job creator? The Student READY (Rural Entrepreneurship Awareness Development Yojana) program might be exactly what you need. Launched to provide vital hands-on training and foster an entrepreneurial spirit, this scheme is designed to transform graduates into confident professionals ready for the real world.

What is the Student READY Yojana?

The Student READY program is a crucial part of undergraduate education in agriculture and allied sciences. It offers students a comprehensive year of experiential learning. The goal is to move beyond classroom theory and immerse students in practical, real-life scenarios. This helps them build confidence, acquire valuable skills, and understand indigenous agricultural knowledge. By the end of the program, students are better prepared for self-employment and contributing to the agricultural sector.

Who is this Scheme For?

This program is specifically for undergraduate students enrolled in agriculture and allied science courses. It's designed for those pursuing degrees in fields such as Agriculture, Agriculture Engineering, Bio-Technology, Dairy Technology, Fisheries, Food Technology, Forestry, Horticulture, Community Science (formerly Home Science), and Sericulture.

Why is Student READY Important?

In today's evolving agricultural landscape, graduates need more than just academic knowledge. The Student READY Yojana bridges this gap by focusing on:

Entrepreneurship: Encouraging students to start their own ventures, becoming job creators.
Skill Development: Providing hands-on training in practical agricultural techniques and business models.
Rural Exposure: Familiarizing students with village life and farmer challenges through the Rural Awareness Works Experience (RAWE) component.
Industry Readiness: Offering internships and in-plant training to understand industrial processes and requirements.
Problem-Solving: Equipping students with the skills to identify and solve agricultural problems through project work.

Objective

The Student READY Yojana aims to equip undergraduate students in agriculture and allied fields with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge for self-employment and rural development.

Benefits

The Fellowship consists of -(i) An honorarium of Rs. 10,000/- (Rupees Ten thousand per day) for full-day interaction with the Faculty/ Students of the host institute and nearby located institutions up to a maximum of five days in a single trip.(ii) Actual expenses on travel by train / air/ car etc.(iii) In Online Mode: An institution is allowed to host only 5 online sessions/talks with only 1 (one) DCP assigned to your institution by AICTE. A session will be a minimum of 2 hours followed by 1 hour of interaction.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the Student READY program, you must meet the following criteria:

Be a current undergraduate student enrolled in courses at State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), Deemed Universities (DUs), Central Agricultural University (CAU), or Central Universities (CUs) under the National Agricultural Research and Education System (NARES).
Your course must be accredited by the National Agricultural Education Accreditation Board (NAEAB) of ICAR, New Delhi.
Maintain good academic standing and conduct, as certified by your College/University/Institution Head.
Attend the program regularly without prior permission for absence from the Competent Authority.
Refrain from participating in any agitations or strikes.
Not engage in any form of employment, including part-time jobs, or receive any other financial assistance for such activities during the program period.

How to Apply

The Student READY program is integrated into the undergraduate curriculum. Specific application procedures are managed by the respective agricultural universities. Typically, universities will manage the selection and nomination process for their students based on the scheme's guidelines.

For detailed information and specific application steps, students should consult their respective colleges or university departments. The official website for ICAR can provide further details:

https://icar.org.in

Required Documentation (for Universities)

Universities intending to implement the Student READY program and claim funds need to submit specific documents to ICAR:

Submission of Demand/Proposal as per the prescribed format.
Utilization Certificate (UC)/Audited Utilization Certificate (AUC) for the previous financial year.
Details of students participating in the program, in the prescribed format.
College-wise & Head-wise expenditure statement in Annexure.
Details of any unspent balance refunded.

Official Sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding program implementation and financial reporting, refer to official ICAR guidelines.

FAQ’s

What is the total stipend amount students receive under the Student READY program?

Students receive a total stipend of Rs. 3,000/- per month. This amount comprises Rs. 2,500/- from ICAR and Rs. 500/- as a State Share, and it is provided for a maximum duration of six months.

Can a student get the stipend if they leave the program midway?

No, the stipend will be terminated if a student withdraws from the course before its completion. You must complete the program to receive the full stipend.

Who is eligible to participate in the Student READY Yojana?

Eligibility is for undergraduate students in accredited agriculture and allied science courses at SAUs, DUs, CAU, or CUs under NARES. Students must have good conduct and academic records, and cannot be involved in strikes or hold other jobs during the program.

What additional support is provided besides the monthly stipend?

Besides the monthly stipend, an amount of Rs. 500/- per student per month is provided by ICAR to cover operational expenses. This includes faculty expenses, contingency funds, POL, and medicines needed for the program activities.

Where can I find more information or the official website for the Student READY program?

You can find more details and program updates on the official website of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at https://icar.org.in.

What happens if a student switches their university or course during the program?

If a student changes their discipline or university without valid reasons and prior permission from the Competent Authority, their stipend will not be paid.

How is the stipend disbursed to the students?

The stipend is transferred by the university directly into the student's Aadhaar-linked bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). ICAR does not pay any student directly.

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