Vigyan Jyoti Programme for Meritorious Girls in STEM
by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India
₹2,000 monthly scholarship
A government initiative by the Department of Science & Technology to empower meritorious girls from Class 9-12 to pursue careers in STEM.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Multi-year, from Class 9 through Class 12
Eligibility
Eligible candidates are meritorious girl students studying in grades 9 to 12. The program is open to students from centrally funded schools like Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), and Army Public Schools, as well as other government schools across India. Selection is based on academic merit.
- Grade level
- Grade 9 to 12
- Age range
- 13 to 18 years
- Gender
- Girls only
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Open to meritorious girl students with a strong academic record, particularly in Science and Mathematics.
- Prerequisites
- Must be a meritorious student in Class 9, 10, 11, or 12.
- Should have a keen interest in pursuing higher education and a career in STEM fields.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹2,000 per month
Selected students receive a scholarship of ₹2,000 per month to support their studies and participation in program activities.
Career pathways
The program connects students with women scientists, researchers, and professionals from leading institutions like IITs, NITs, IISERs, and CSIR laboratories for mentorship and guidance.
Recognition
National-level recognition
Skills your child builds
How to apply
- 1Selection of students is primarily done through their schools, with Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) acting as nodal centers in various districts.
Rules and guidelines
- Selected students are expected to maintain a minimum of 90% attendance in all program activities.
- Participants must proactively engage in all scheduled events, including camps, workshops, and mentoring sessions.
- The scholarship amount provided must be utilized for educational resources and to support participation in Vigyan Jyoti activities.
Technology requirements
- Access to a computer or smartphone with an internet connection is required for online classes and to access the Learning Management System (LMS).
About this opportunity
Vigyan Jyoti is a flagship programme by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields. The initiative inspires and encourages meritorious girl students from Class 9 to 12 to pursue higher education and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
The programme provides a comprehensive support system including mentorship, academic enrichment, and exposure to the scientific community. Key activities include science camps, visits to prestigious R&D labs, and interactions with women role models in STEM. The goal is to create a level-playing field for girls and foster a passion for scientific inquiry, with continuous support from school until their post-graduate studies.
What your child will do
- Parent-Student Counselling
- Career Counselling Sessions
- Special Academic Classes
- Tinkering Activities and Workshops
- Interactions with Women Role Models
- Visits to R&D Laboratories and Industries
- Science Camps
Mentors and faculty
Women scientists and faculty from premier institutions like IITs, NITs, and IISERs, as well as experts from various research laboratories.
Languages
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The program includes special academic classes, hands-on workshops, and interactions designed to supplement the school curriculum and prepare students for competitive entrance examinations.
Frequently asked questions
How can one determine if a student is a good fit for the long-term commitment of the Vigyan Jyoti programme?
A suitable candidate shows consistent high academic performance in science and math, exhibits genuine curiosity for STEM subjects, and is willing to actively participate in year-round camps, workshops, and mentorship sessions beyond regular school hours.
How does the programme balance its activities with a student's regular school curriculum?
Activities like science camps are often scheduled during vacations. Online sessions and special classes are typically held after school hours or on weekends to complement, not conflict with, the standard academic schedule and exam preparations.
What mechanisms are in place to track a participant's progress throughout the programme?
Progress is monitored through regular assessments, participation levels in activities, feedback from mentors, and performance in programme-specific projects. This ensures continuous support and guidance tailored to each student's needs.
Beyond the scholarship, what are the key long-term advantages for participants?
Participants gain invaluable exposure to premier R&D labs, receive direct mentorship from leading women scientists, and build a strong foundation for competitive exams, significantly improving their prospects for admission into top-tier STEM universities.
What is the expected role of parents in supporting a student selected for this programme?
Parental support is crucial. Parents are encouraged to attend counselling sessions, motivate their daughters to engage in all activities, and facilitate a conducive home environment for them to explore their interest in STEM.
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