Department Of Bio-technology (DBT) Star College Programme (2026)

Policy Update
Akshay Sharma

Introduction

The Star College Programme was initiated by the Department of Bio-technology (DBT) in 2008 to support colleges and universities offering undergraduate education to improve science teaching across the country. This program was introduced to enhance critical thinking skills and promote “hands on” experimental science in foundational scientific courses at the undergraduate level. On a larger perspective, the scheme was initiated envisioning that it shall encourage more students to take up higher education in science. The Department uses this program to identify colleges that have the potential to be excellent and to promote the development of academic and laboratory facilities. 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. DBT will identify colleges with ambition and potential for excellence and provide academic and physical infrastructure for achieving excellence in teaching and unique exposure of students to experimental science.

There are workshops organised to make facility familiar with the setup for ease of operation and coordination. There are special calls for supporting institutions based on need of the Programme or as suggested by Task Force (e.g. NER Colleges) or areas where there is limited penetration of the Programme.

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.

Root culture DBT is focussed on equitable percolation of benefits of the Star College Scheme throughout the country and is committed to ensure that geographical location and access to means of communication and technology should not be a deterrent for securing this highly competitive grant. Therefore, since 2018-19 Colleges have been categorized into Urban and Rural categories based on their physical location. The categorization of the scheme into urban and rural categories ensured a level playing field for applicants hailing from rural and urban areas of the country.

Objectives

The primary objective of the STAR College Scheme is to significantly enhance laboratory infrastructure by integrating advanced equipment that meets industry standards and aligns with the latest scientific advancements. Through ‘hands-on’ exposure to experimental work and participation in summer schools, it strengthens the academic and physical background. Furthermore, it promotes networking and strengthens ties with neighboring institutions and other laboratories. This programme helps the engaging institutions to conduct specialized training programs for faculty improvement in order to optimise technical capabilities with creation and operational support for resource and training facilities. This scheme also focuses on increasing capabilities of core instrumentation resources by procuring new equipment and upgrading existing facilities. Hence, it guarantees enough exposure to the students through research laboratories and industries in the country. Moreover, it helps in devising standard curricula and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) / kits for practicals and providing better library facilities to students and teachers.

Success

Overall, it has been observed that the support received by colleges have resulted in a considerable decrease of student dropout rates in science subjects. Keeping in mind that this is the only programme implemented by the Department to support science education at the undergraduate level, the Star College Programme acts as a gateway and provides exposure to students about other schemes of the Department (and the Government of India) for higher education (post graduate level), graduate research (PhD), post doctoral research, international exchange programmes and short term industry oriented training courses in science. Moreover, the Programme acts as a catalyst in igniting young minds from faculty to students to engage in networking, exposure visits to research institutes and industries and apply for research grants. This prepares them for future challenges after the successful completion of their undergraduate courses.

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) outlines a methodology to rank institutions across the country. This framework has been accepted by the MoE and launched by the Honourable Minister for Education on 29th September 2015. One factor affecting NIRF ranking is the research and experimental contribution of an institution. Such schemes, if participated by institutions, can give them a higher reputation. 162 undergraduate colleges across the country were supported under the Star College Programme during the last 5 years. Out of these, 45 colleges have been chosen and awarded the “Star College Status”. Star Setu programme was organised under the aegis of the Atmanirbhar Bharat, India@75 campaign where 15 Autonomous Institutes engaged 225 colleges and they organized 125 seminars out of which more than 7500 students benefitted under the programme.

New Education policy framework 2020, aligns with a practical based approach to make students job ready aligns with the rationale of this scheme. students shouldn’t only read theory but find out its applications too, which is only possible wearing a white coat in the laboratory and taking out the first step in the world of experiments. The Star college scheme takes into consideration this aspect of NEP. This would help to do away with the root learning culture in education.

Thus, the scheme bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical learning.

Education has remained a key factor in Human capital formation. Improving the scope of education boosts this process. More skilled labor participates in the economy improving standard of living and reducing socio-economic inequalities.

The job oriented approach associated with it leads to a better employment perspective. Innovation and creative economy is a newer dimension, STEM careers need to keep exploring to remain relevant and profitable.

Way forward

All India Survey On Higher Education (2020-21) showed the huge potential in the educational field in India. A total of 1,113 Universities, 43,796 Colleges and 11,296 Stand Alone Institutions were registered in AISHE 2020-21. Through the Star College Programme, Department of Biotechnology aims to increase the percentage of students opting for Science courses from all over India and envisions reaching a large number of colleges.

However,the scheme is limited to science streams. Such schemes should also be expanded for arts and commerce education. Early exposure to other streams mandates practical based learning in undergraduate studies. Expansion in post graduate programs can also be fruitful. There should be continuous assessment of educators and organisations involved to ensure quality. The focus of research should remain to be quality over quantity to meaningfully contribute to the pool of knowledge. There should be continuous evaluation of implementation and needs of the scheme.

References

Department of Biotechnology. (n.d.). Star college scheme. Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India. https://dbtindia.gov.in/schemes-programmes/building-capacities/star-college-scheme

Department of Biotechnology. (n.d.). Star college scheme [Scheme portal]. Government of India. https://star.dbtindia.gov.in

Mohan M. (October, 2024). Mapping Department of Biotechnology: Schemes and programmes. IMPRI Impact and Policy Research Institutehttps://www.impriindia.com/insights/department-of-biotechnology/

Ministry of Human Resource Development. (2020). National education policy 2020. Government of India. https://www.education.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/NEP_Final_English_0.pdf

Ministry of Science and Technology. (2021, November 8). DBT-Star College Mentorship Programme launched for young innovators [Press release]. Press Information Bureau. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1770035&reg=3&lang=2

National Institutional Ranking Framework. (2015). Methodology for ranking of academic institutions in India. Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. https://www.nirfindia.org/Home

About the Contributor

Akshay Sharma is a research intern at IMPRI. He’s pursuing B.A.(Hons.) Economics from Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma college, University of Delhi as of January, 2026. Belonging from a humanities background, he has developed strong critical thinking and creative writing skills. His interest lies in economics, education and policy.