The Star College Scheme was initiated by DBT in 2008 to support colleges and universities offering undergraduate education to improve science teaching across the country. This Scheme was launched for improving critical thinking and encouraging ‘hands on’ experimental science at undergraduate level in basic science subjects. On a larger perspective, the scheme was initiated envisioning that it shall encourage more students to take up higher education in science. Through this scheme the Department identifies colleges with potential for excellence and provides support for developing infrastructure for academics and laboratory activities. This support is in turn expected to invigorate teaching and provide unique exposure of students to experimental science. Starting with a meagre 30 colleges in 2008,  this pan India scheme has supported science departments in more than 300 colleges all over the country till date.

                In a huge country like India, equitable percolation of the benefits of any pan India scheme is a challenge and the Star College scheme is no exception. As a result, applicant colleges have been categorized into ‘Rural’ (with a special focus on Aspirational districts since 2019-20) and ‘Urban’ categories based on the geographic location of the college since 2018-19. This was done to ensure that access to better facilities on account of geographical location should not be a deterrent for securing this highly competitive grant. This has created a tremendous interest among colleges from rural areas too which has resulted in exponential increase in number of colleges applying from Tier II, Tier III cities and rural areas.

     Term and conditions under Star College Scheme 

     Guidelines of Star College Scheme