Star College Scheme 2026: Strengthening Science Education at UG Level
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Quick answer
The Star College Scheme 2026 provides financial support to Indian UG science departments for infrastructure, faculty training and student research. Eligible colleges must be government or aided and meet basic criteria. Apply online via the DBT Epromis portal.
At a glance
| Main benefit | ₹10,00,000 one‑time grant |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Science And Technology |
| Level | Central Government |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
The Star College Scheme for Strengthening of Science Education and Training at Undergraduate Level is a central programme launched by the Department of Biotechnology. It aims to improve critical thinking and hands‑on experimental work for science students by providing financial assistance to science departments, enhancing faculty skills, and creating opportunities for students to engage in research and industry visits. The scheme supports infrastructure development, faculty training, and student projects, thereby encouraging more students to pursue higher education in science.
Benefits
- One‑time grant of ₹10,00,000 per science department
- Recurring grant of ₹3,00,000 per science department per year for 3 years
- ₹1,00,000, ₹2,00,000 and ₹3,00,000 for mentoring and monitoring per college
- ₹1,00,000 per year under contingency head
- Purchase of routine equipment up to ₹1,00,000
- Equipment costing >₹1,00,000 and ≤₹3,00,000 requires DBT approval
- Student training via practicals in curriculum
- Minor projects for students in groups of up to 4
- Hands‑on training to strengthen concepts
- Summer training via research projects
- Visits to industries, research institutions
- Use of IT in classroom, lab, library
- Lectures by eminent scientists and career counseling
Who can apply (eligibility)
- College must offer minimum 4-5 UG basic science courses and 1-2 applied courses
- Adequate in‑house faculty expertise in each science department
- Independent laboratories for practicals to accommodate sanctioned student strength
- Lecture halls with minimum capacity for sanctioned student strength
- Basic infrastructure in labs and library, LCD/overhead projection, computers with internet
- College must be Government or Government aided, autonomous under Section 2(f)/12(B) of UGC Act 1956
- Colleges not recommended can re‑apply after modifications; discontinued colleges can re‑apply after 2‑year cooling period
- Colleges already supported can apply for additional department after one cycle of 3 years
Documents required
- Valid 2(f) & 12(b) Certificate
- Rural Area Certificate for rural colleges
How to apply
- 1Log in to the DBT Epromis portal and fill the application form.
- 2Upload required documents and submit online.
- 3Send a signed and stamped hardcopy of the proposal to Dr. Garima Gupta at the specified address.
- 4Await selection and site visit if required.
Frequently asked questions
When is the call announced?+
Announced annually and advertised on the DBT website.
What are Urban and Rural categories?+
Colleges are categorized based on physical location; rural colleges must attach certificate.
Can a college request addition of new departments during ongoing tenure?+
Must complete one cycle of 3 years before adding new departments.
Who can be a coordinator?+
Young energetic faculty; coordinator change not entertained unless >6 months personal issue.
Is there guidance during tenure?+
Yes, contact Dr. Anamika Gambhir, Dr. Garima Gupta, Dr. Abhishek Kumar Mehta.
Is there mentoring mechanism?+
Yes, separate fund for mentoring; contact neighboring Star College.
What are the objectives?+
Strengthen infrastructure, enhance learning, promote networking, conduct training, increase instrumentation, provide exposure, devise SOPs.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)