The Department of Biotechnology has launched Star College Scheme with the aim of strengthening life science and biotechnology education and training at the undergraduate level. The purpose is to improve critical thinking and ‘ hands-on’ experimental work in the cutting-edge technologies needed for modern biological studies at the undergraduate (college) level in life sciences and as a result of such experiences, more students will take up life science as a career. DBT has identified colleges with ambition and potential for excellence and provides academic and physical infrastructure for achieving excellence in teaching and unique exposure of students to experimental science.  The scheme gives a much-needed boost to young scholars and faculty at the undergraduate level, especially in semi-urban areas that include far-off cities and towns. The students get an opportunity to excel in their careers in life sciences and biotechnology.

Objectives of the Scheme

• To 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 hands-on exposure to experimental work.
• To promote networking and strengthen ties with neighboring institutions and other laboratories
• To conduct specialized training programmes for faculty improvement
• 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 provide a better library facility to students and teachers.

Nature of Financial Assistance:

• One-time non-recurring grant of Rs. 10.00 lakhs per science department,
• Recurring grant of Rs.3 lakhs per science department.
• 1.00 lakh, Rs. 2.00 lakhs and Rs. 3.00 lakhs subject to their departments for mentoring and monitoring per college
• 1.00 lakh per year under the contingency head will be provided.
• The scheme encourages the purchase of multiple copies grant of Rs. 3.00 lakhs per science department per year for a period of three years of routine equipment required for science practicals in UG courses.

Beneficiary Departments

• Department of Chemistry
• Department of Physics
• Department of Physiology
• Department of Mathematics
• Department of Zoology