Star College Scheme for Strengthening of Science Education and Training
at Undergraduate Level
The Star College Scheme, funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), is a
prestigious initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of science education in undergraduate
colleges across India. Under this scheme, DBT provides grants to educational institutions to
support initiatives promoting research, education, and infrastructure development in
biotechnology and related fields. The primary focus of the scheme is to strengthen
infrastructure and academic resources in colleges to improve teaching and research in the
field of sciences. And, to improve critical thinking and hands on experimental work at
undergraduate level in sciences and encourage more students to take up higher education in
science. The Star College Scheme is a pan India Scheme that envisages a Star College in
every district of the country, thus the DBT shall exert dialogues with the State Government
and identify colleges that can be considered for support under this Scheme. It is important to
know that the Department has supported over 200 undergraduate colleges across the country
in the past 9 years. Apart from financial support, colleges benefit tremendously from
guidance received in Advisory Committee Meetings, mentoring, Task Force Meetings and
learning from peers in other colleges. St. Bede's College submitted a proposal and was
chosen for the Star College Scheme by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the
Government of India in 2023. Under this scheme the College will receive financial support
initially for a period of 3 years. Further continuation of support will be based on evaluation of
the programme. After a period of 3 years, the college would be eligible for consideration of
Star College status based on evaluation by the expert committee.
Principal: Prof. (Sr.) Molly Abraham
Coordinator: Dr. Jyotika Brari