Seminar On Sastraposhini,KVPY and Science Olympiad

1. SEMINAR
Prepared By:
Julie S.R.
Roll No: 9
Physical Science
GCTE,Trivandrum
TOPICS
1. Sastraposhini
2. KVPY
3. Science Olympiad

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Sastraposhini
Introduction Sastraposhini is a scheme planned by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment for strengthening science education among the High Schools of the State. This program plans strengthening of the High School science laboratories of the State and an effective interaction among the students and teachers. This is planned to be launched by the Council in association with the State Education Department. Sastraposhini, a program envisaged by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) aims towards strengthening science education in schools of Kerala. The program will be implemented by setting up model laboratories for conducting science experiments in selected schools of the State. During the pilot program of two years, one model laboratory each in Physics, Chemistry and Biology will be set up in one school in each educational district of the state. Teachers will be encouraged to carry out innovative projects in science education for Students from different schools could come together and engage in problem solving experiments and critical discussions. This would provide necessary excitement and fun in doing science and thus induce a healthy trend in science learning and a career orientation in doing science. Need: The educational achievements in Kerala are well known and much studied. But the alarming decline in the standard of science education at all levels is less attended This has led to many serious consequences Recently, there has been a boom in the career with regard to Information Technology (IT) and Biotechnology (BT) But this need to be backed up through science education of high quality at the school and college levels.
Objectives To stimulate interest in science at the school level by the performance of experiments in Physics, Chemistry and Biology by students To provide hand on experiments to students for observation, inference, interaction and self-designing of experiments To organize training programmes for the teachers for demonstrating scientific experiments To evolve low cost laboratory kit based on readily available material for the performing of a range of experiments
Training Training to teachers is an important component of this scheme. Eminent scholars will train science teachers in different disciplines at different phases of the program First phase training was

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conducted for 60 teachers for three days at the Centre for Science in Society(C.Si.S), Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) during July 28-30, 2003. Dr V Unnikrishnan Nair Vice Chancellor CUSAT inaugurated the program About twenty resource persons handled both the theoretical and practical aspects of science education and evolved methodologies to make the teaching interactive and interesting.
Operation of the Scheme A state level Apex Resource Group consisting of experts, nominees of the Council and state education department will evaluate the project once in three months There will be a district level committee in each educational district consisting of the school authorities, teachers and PTA in the form of a review forum, which will meet as often as necessary The inputs from the district level committee and site visits will form the basis for the assessment of the scheme by the state level committee. Moreover if needed, may also set up a separate agency for monitoring and reviewing the performance of the scheme Apart from this, teachers handling these model laboratories can gather for a day to share their experiences and discuss their problems. The Feed Back Reports (FBR) thus prepared can be discussed in the academic cell of the district and state level committees as well as the Apex Resource Group.
Role of KSCSTE So far the Science and Technology Department of the State has been concentrating more on the issues, policies as well as other R & D efforts of the state. Understanding of the status of science education at the school levels, drop in enrolment of science courses, inability of the science graduates of our state to compete at national level etc made the Council to think on this line. Since this require a new setting of culture in science education, it is being tried at the grass root level. The present proposal of establishing one model science laboratory in each educational district is a pilot program planned by the Council in consultation with the state education department Once the whole system and the net working are established, the same will be handed over to the state education department for its sustenance and replication.
Inaugural Function Chief Minister Mr. A.K. Antony launched Sastraposhini at the Government Model High School Thiruvananthapuram, on October 2nd 2003. The Chief Minister on his inaugural address ,stressed the need for cultivating scientific temper among school children .In his presidential address Dr.M.S.Valiathan, the then Executive Vice President, KSCSTE said that science is a subject that cannot be taught in the conventional ways with chalk and blackboard, but ideally through hands on practical experiments. In his introductory speech , Dr. K.R.S.Krishnan, former Director, KSCSTE said that sastraposhini scheme was aimed at stimulating student interest in science through experiments. Mr V.Ramachandran Vice chairman, Planning Board, Mr. M .Gopalan Director, Public instruction, Prof. P.Gopalaraman Chairman Apex Resource Group, Sastraposhini, Dr.Prakash PSO, KSCSTE also spoke in this occasion.

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C.M at Model school for launching sastraposhini with Dr.M.S Valiathan, Prof.P.A.Vahid and Prof.P.Gopalakrishnan
former Chief Minister A.K Antony inaugurating the function former C.M checking the labs established at Model School

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1st Phase of Sastraposhini
Ten Model Laboratories established Nodal schools in the pilot program, one school in each educational district is selected for establishing model laboratories. Selection is made in consultation with state education department and personal visits followed, to the respective schools. But In the first phase of the program, ten schools were selected from ten different educational districts of the state this include 1. Govt. Model Boys Higher Secondary school, Thycaud , Thiruvananthapuram 2. Govt. HSSS Venjramoodu, Thiruvananthapuram 3. Govt. HSSS Parassala, Thiruvananthapuram 4. SMTHSS Chelakkara, Thrissur 5. Govt. Modal Boys HSS Thrissur 6. Govt. AJJMGHS Thalayolapparabu, Kottayam 7. Govt.HSS Kadayathoor, Idukki 8. Govt.VHS Murikkumvayal, Mundakkayam 9. Govt. VHSS fro girls Kasaragodu 10. KNPMGVHS Pariyaram, Kannur Once the first phase of the program becomes operational, the second phase will be ready for completion. Physics lab established at Model school Thiruvananthapuram Chemistry lab established at Modal school Thiruvananthapuram

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Biology lab established at Modal school Thiruvananthapuram
2nd Phase of Sastraposhini
The 2nd phase was launched on the 26th January 2004 simultaneously at 10 different schools in 10 different educational districts. The 2nd phase was launched on the 26th January 2004 simultaneously at 10 different schools in 10 different educational districts. List of schools selected in the 2nd phase 1 Punalur Govt. H.S.S.,Kummil, Kadakkal PO, Kollam 2 Kottarakkara Govt.V.H.S, Kulakkada, Kottarakkara,

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Kollam – 691 521 3 Kollam Govt. H.S.S. ,Anchalumoodu, Perinad P O, Kollam – 691 601 4 Pathanamthitta Govt. V.H.&H.S.S, Pathanamthitta – 689 645 5 Alappuzha Govt G.H.S, Veeyapuram, Alappuzha – 690 514 6 Kottayam Govt H.S, Thottackad, Kottayam – 686 539 7 Kattappana Govt H.S., Thoprankudy, Kattappana, Idukki 8 Ernakulam Govt H.S., Vennala, Ernakulam – 628 028 9.Malappuram Govt VHSS for Girls, Wandoor,Malappuram– 679 328 10. Kozhikode Govt. H.S.S for Girls, Nadakkavu, Kozhikode – 11 3rd Phase of Sastraposhini List of schools selected in the 3rd phase 1 Muvattupuzha Govt. Model H.S.,Muvattupuzha,Ernakulum 2 Kothamangalam Govt.H.H.S, Akanad, Kothamangalam, 3.Aluva Govt. HS, Kuttamassery, Thottumungham, Ernakulam 4.Cherthala Govt. HS, Mannacherry, Cherthala, Alappuzha 5.Kuttanad Govt. HS Kidangara, Alappuzha 6.Thiruvalla Govt. HS, Kuttor,Thiruvalla, Pathanamtitta 7.Mavelikkara Govt. VHS School for Girls, Chengannur, Alappuzha

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8.Ottappalam Govt VHS School, VEttanad, Koottanad, Palakkad 9.Palakkad Govt. Moyam Girls HSS, Palakkad 10.Pala SKV Govt HSS, Neendoor, Kottayam 11.Thalassery GVHSS,Kadirur,Thalassery 12.Kanhangad Govt.HSS,Chayoth, Kasargodu 13.Wayanad Govt. Model HSS,Cheeral, S.Battery 14.Vadakara Govt. Moppila HSS, Koyilandy 15.Irinjalakuda GHSS,Kodungallur, Trichur 16.Tirur GVHSS for Girls, Tirur - 2, B.P Angadi 4th Phase of Sastraposhini List of schools selected in the 4th phase 1 Thiruvananthapuram Govt. V & H S S for Girls Manacaud, Thiruvananthapuram-9 2 Kollam Govt. Model Boys HSS Thevally(PO), Kollam(Dist) - 3 3.Kayamkulam Govt. Boys High School Kayamkulam Alappurzha(Dist) – 690502 4.Pathanamthitta Govt. VHSS, Kalanjoor Pathanamthitta(Dist) – 689694 5.Nattakom Govt. VHSS, Mariapally P.O Nattakom -686023 6.Thodupuzha Govt. HSS, Thodupuzha Idukki(Dist) - 685584

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7.Cochin SRV Govt. Model BHSS Cochin-682011. 8.Thirussur Govt. HS&VHSS Cherpu, Thirussur – 680 561 9.Palakkad DIET, Anakkara P.O. Palakkad- 679 551. 10.Perinthalmanna GHSS, Perinthalmanna Malappuram(Dist), Pin – 679322 11.Kanniparmba GHSS Mavoor, Mavoor (PO), Kanniparmba-673661 12.Mananthavady GVHSS, Mananthavady Wayanad – 670 645 13.Kannur GVHSS, Kannur(sports division) – 670 002 14.Kasargod Cherkala Central HSS Cherkala Central, Kasargod – 671 541. 5th Phase of Sastraposhini List of schools selected in the 5th phase 1 Thiruvananthapuram Govt. H.S.S Punnamoodu, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 020 2 Thiruvananthapuram Govt. Model H.S.S for Girls Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram 3.Kollam Govt.H.S.S Mangad, Kollam - 691015 4.Kozhikode Govt.H.S.S. Kuttikkattoor, Kozhikode 5.Kannur Govt.H.S Kottayam Malabar, Kannur -670 643 6.Kasargode Govt.H.S.S Mogral Puthoor, Kasargode RSVY Scheme Sastraposhini RSVY Scheme List of Schools

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1 Chittur G. V. G. H. S. S, Chittur Chittur Post, Palakkad – 678101 2 Chittur B. H. S. S, Chittur Chittur College post, Palakkad – 678104 3.Palakkad P. M. G. H. S. S, Palakkad Palakkad College Post, Palakkad - 678001 4.Kunissery G. H. S, Kunissery Kunissery Post, Palakkad - 678681 5.Ambikapuram G. H. S. Kumarapuram Ambikapuram Post, Palakkad 6.Nenmara G. G. V. H. S. S Nenmara Nenmara Post, Palakkad 7.Nenmara G. B. H. S. S, Nenmara Nenmara Post, Palakkad 8.Vadanamkurissi Govt. H. S. S Vadanamkurissi Vadanamkurissi Post, Palakkad – 679124 9.Kizhakkanchery Govt. Higher Secondary School Kizhakkanchery Post Palakkad - 678684 10.Palakkad G. V. H. S. S, Pathirippala Nagaripuram Post, Palakkad – 678642 11.Ottappalam G. H. S. Ottappalam East Ottappalam, Palakkad - 679101 12.Ummanezhi M. N. K. M. G. H. S. S, Pulappatta Ummanezhi Post, Palakkad – 678632 13.Pattambi G. H. S. S, Pattambi Pattambi Post, Palakkad – 679303 14.Palakkad G. H. S. S, Big Bazar Palakkad – 678014 15.Pattambi G. V. H. S. S, Koppam Pulassery Post, Pattambi Palakkad – 679307 16.Naduvattom G. J. H. S. S, Naduvattom Naduvattom Post, Palakkad - 679308 17.Cherpalchery

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G. V. H. S. S, Cherpalchery Cherpalchery Post Palakkad - 679503 18.Kavalappara G. V. H. S. S, Koonathara Koonathara Post, Kavalappara, Palakkad - 679523 19.Kottayi Govt. Higher Secondary School Kottayi Post, Palakkad. 20.Ganeshgiri G. H. S. S, Ganeshgiri Ganeshgiri Post, Palakkad - 679123 21.Peringottukurissi Govt. Higher Secondary School Peringottukurissi Post, Palakkad. 22.Chundambatta Govt. H. S. S, Chundambatta Chundambatta Post, Palakkad - 679377 23.Erimayur Govt. Higher Secondary School Erimayur Post, Palakkad - 678546 24.Kadambur G. M. H. S. Kadambur Kadambur Post, Palakkad 25.Munnurcode G. H. S. S. Munnurcode Post Palakkad 26.Vellinezhi G. H. S. S. Vellinezhi Vellinezhi Post, Palakkad 27.Karakurissi G. V. H. S. S. Karakurissi Karakurissi Post, Palakkad 28.Edathanattukara G. O. H. S. Edathanattukara Post Palakkad 29.Pottassery Govt. H. S. Pottassery Pottassery Post, Palakkad 30.Alanallur G. H. S. Alanallur Alanallur Post, Palakkad 31.Karimba Govt. High School, Karimba Karimba Post, Palakkad 32.Chalissery G. H. S. S. Chalissery Chalissery Post, Palakkad – 679536 33.Chathannur G. H. S. S., Chathannur Chathannur Post, Palakkad - 679537

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34.Kumaranellur G. H. S. S. Kumaranellur Kumaranellur Post, Palakkad – 679552 35.Pattancherry G H S Pattancherry, Pattancherry Post, Palakkad – 678 533 36.Tholannur Govt. High School, Tholannur, Tholannur Post, Palakkad 37.Thathamangalam G S M V H S S, Thathamangalam, Thathamangalam Post, Palakkad-678102 38.Thenkurissi G H S Thenkurissi, Vilayannur Post, Thenkurissi, Palakkad - 678671 39.Elappully Govt. A P H S S, Elappully, Elappully Post, Palakkad – 678 622 40.Ottappalam G O H S Pattambi, Perumudiyur Post, Ottappalam, Palakkad-679303 41.Thrithala Gokhale Govt. H S, Kumaranallur, Othalur Post, Thrithala, Palakkad – 679 534 42.Anakkara G H S, Anakkara, Anakkara Post, Palakkad-679 551 43.Thrithala G H S S Mezhathur, Mezhathur Post, Thrithala, Palakkad – 679 534 44.Kanjikode G V H S S, Kanjikode, Kanjikode Post, Palakkad – 678 621 45.Malampuzha G T W H S, Anakkal, Anakkal Post, Malampuzha, Palakkad – 678 651 46.Malampuzha G V H S S, Malampuzha, Malampuzha Post, Palakkad – 678 651 47.Ottappalam Govt. H S for Deaf and Mutes, Ottappalam, Palakkad-679104 48.Sholayur Govt.Tribal High School, Sholayur, Palakkad-678 581 49.Angali Govt. Triba High School, Pudur Angali P O, Palakkad -678 581

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50.Agali G V H S S, Agali, Palakkad – 678 581. 51.Chittur Govt. H S, Kozhippara, Kozhippara Post, Chittur, Palakkad – 678 557 52.Muthalamada Govt. H S S, Muthalamada, Palakkad – 678 507. 53.Kozhianjampara Bhagavathy Govt. H S , Vannamada, Kozhianjampara, Palakkad – 678 555 54.Alathur Govt. Girls H S, Alathur, Alathur Post, Palakkad - 678541 55.Mankara G H S Mankara, Mankara Post, Palakkad – 678 614 56.Koduvayur Govt. H S S, Koduvayur Post, Palakkad – 678 501. 57.Kodumunda G H S S Kodumunda, Kodumunda Post, Palakkad – 679 303 58.Nellaya G H S Marayamangalam, Marayamangalam South P.O, Nellaya (Via), Palakkad – 679 335

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Outcome The present project is planned for two years. Once the project is launched, it will be operated through two academic years. By establishing model laboratories in core science subjects like Physics, Chemistry and Biology, experiments will be conducted for the studentsby them Separate study circles can be developed among students and engage in problem solving and critical discussions. It will also be possible to hold science project fair so that students of different categories and branches of science can interact This would convey the excitement of doing science to students and induce a growing trend in opting a career in science For the training of teachers, which include practical experiments, interaction with eminent scientists will be arranged The model laboratories aimed may spearhead science in school program over the entire state, and provide a stimulus on education in general.

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Introduction
The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) is an on-going National Program of Fellowship in Basic Sciences, initiated and funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, to attract exceptionally highly motivated students for pursuing basic science courses and research career in science.
The "Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana" (KVPY) is a program started in 1999 by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India to encourage students who are studying Basic Sciences to take up research career in Science. The aim of the program is to identify and encourage talented and motivated students to pursue career in research.
This program aims to assist the students to realize their potential and to ensure that the best scientific talent is groomed for research and development in the country. Generous fellowship and contingency grant are provided to the selected KVPY Fellows up to the pre Ph.D. level or 5 years whichever is earlier. In addition, summer camps for the KVPY Fellows are organized in prestigious research and educational institutions in the country.
The Department of Science and Technology, the nodal agency of the Government has entrusted the overall responsibility for organizing and running the KVPY Program to the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and set up a Management Committee and a National Advisory Committee (NAC) for overseeing its implementation. A core committee looks after both the day-to-day and academic aspects of the KVPY Program.
Objective
The objective of the program is to identify students with talent and aptitude for research; help them realize their academic potential; encourage them to take up research careers in Science, and ensure the growth of the best scientific minds for research and development in the country.
The advertisement for the KVPY Fellowship appears in all the national dailies normally on the Technology Day (May 11) and the Second Sunday of July every year.
Selection of the students is made from those studying in XI standard to 1st year of any undergraduate Program in Basic Sciences namely B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./M.S. in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology having aptitude for scientific research. Special groups / Committees are set up at IISc to screen the applications and conduct an aptitude test at various centres in the country. Based on the performance in the aptitude test, short-listed students are called for an interview which is the final stage of the selection procedure. For receiving a fellowship, both aptitude test and interview marks are considered.

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Generous fellowships are provided up to the pre-Ph.D. level to the selected KVPY Fellows.
Selection Procedure
1. Aptitude Test: After scrutiny of application forms and meeting the eligibility criteria for various streams, all eligible students will be called for a written aptitude test conducted both in Hindi and English at different centers across the country on Sunday, the 2nd November 2014. The details of the venue of the aptitude test for the eligible students and their seat number will be published in the KVPY website during the second week of October 2014. Admit Card
o Students who have applied online may download the admit card for the aptitude test from the website from the second week of October 2014.
o For students who have applied with a hard copy, admit card will be sent by speed post.
2. Interview: Based on the performance in the aptitude test, short-listed students will be asked to appear for an interview which is the final stage of the selection procedure.
Committees
NAC Committee
KVPY National Advisory Committee (NAC) consists of the following members
 Secretary, DST, Govt. of India, Chairman
 Director, IISc Co-Chairman
Members:
 Prof. K. N. Ganesh, Director, IISER - Pune
 Prof. Dinesh Singh, VC, Delhi University
 Prof. Bimal Roy, Director, ISI, Kolkata
 Prof. R. V. Hosur, Director, CEBS, Mumbai University
 Prof. Ramakrishna Ramaswamy, University of Hyderabad
 Prof. Chandrima Shaha, Director, NII Delhi
 Head, INSPIRE, DST
 Convener, KVPY, IISc
KVPY Management Committee
•
Director, IISc - Chairman (Ex-officio)
•
Prof. T.K. Chandrasekhar, Secretary, SERB
Member
•
Dr. A. Mukhopadhyay, Head, INSPIRE, DST
Member

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•
Prof. R.N. Mukherjee, Director, IISER, Kolkata
Member
•
Prof. N. Satyamurthy, Director, IISER, Mohali
Member
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Prof. M.K. Choudhuri, VC, Tezpur University, Assam
Member
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Prof. Ram Rajasekharan, Director, CFTRI
Member
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Prof. B.K. Thelma, University of Delhi
Member
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Prof. W.N. Gade, VC, Pune University
Member
•
Convener, KVPY, from IISc
Member
•
Members of the Core Committee (IISc)
Members
Core Committee
All the members of this committee are from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
•
Prof. P. K. Das (Convener, KVPY) Dept. of Inorganic & Physical Chemistry
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Prof. Anjali A. Karande Dept. of Biochemistry
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Prof. P. Kondaiah Dept. of MRDG
•
Prof. Kaushal Verma Dept. of Mathematics
•
Prof. Satyam Suwas Dept. of Materials Engineering
•
Prof. Abha Misra Dept. of Instrumentation & Applied Physics
•
Prof. B. R. Jagirdar Dept. of Inorganic & Physical Chemistry
•
Mr. S. Raju Molecular Biophysics Unit
Eligibility
The KVPY Fellowships are given to Indian Nationals only to Study in India (Students holding PIO, OCI Card and students intending to pursue/pursing under graduate program under Distance Education scheme/correspondence course of any university are not eligible to apply).

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Students enrolled in an undergraduate course in Basic Sciences, that is, B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./M.S. in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Ecology, Molecular Biology, Botany, Zoology, Physiology, Biotechnology, Neurosciences, Bioinformatics, Marine Biology, Geology, Human Biology, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, Applied Physics, Geophysics, Materials Science or Environmental Science.
Stream SA: Students enrolled in XI Standard (Science Subjects) during the academic year 2014-15 and having secured a minimum of 80% (70% for SC/ST/PWD) marks in aggregate in MATHEMATICS and SCIENCE subjects in the X Standard Board examination. The fellowship of the students selected under this stream will be activated only if they join an undergraduate course in Basic Sciences (B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./M.S.) in the academic year 2016-2017 after having secured a minimum of 60% (50%for SC/ST/PWD) marks in aggregate in Science subjects in the XII standard/(+2) Board Examination. During the interim period of one year they will be invited for Regional /National (Vijyoshi) Science Camp and their travel and other related expenses will be met by KVPY.
Stream SX: Students enrolled in XII Standard/ (+2) (Science subjects) during the academic year 2014– 15 and aspiring to join undergraduate program in Basic Sciences namely Physics/Chemistry/Mathematics & Biology leading to B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./M.S. for the session 2015–16 provided they have secured a minimum of 80% (70% for SC/ST/PWD) marks in aggregate in MATHEMATICS and SCIENCE subjects (Physics/Chemistry/Biology) in the X Standard Board Examination and a minimum of 60% (50% for SC/ST/PWD) marks in aggregate in SCIENCE subjects (Physics/Chemistry/Biology) in the XII standard Board Examination.
Students in their 2nd year of study in Cambridge International Examination Board and aspiring to join an UG program (viz. B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./M.S.)in Basic Sciences namely Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology in the Academic year 2015-2016 are eligible to apply provided they have secured a minimum of 80% (70% for SC/ST/PWD) marks in aggregate in MATHEMATICS and SCIENCE subjects (Physics/Chemistry/Biology) in the X Standard Board Examination. They must secure 60% (50% for SC/ST/PWD) marks in aggregate in MATHEMATICS and SCIENCE subjects (Physics/Chemistry/Biology) in the XII standard Board Examination before taking up the fellowship, if awarded.
Stream SB: Students enrolled in the 1st year of undergraduate program in Basic Sciences namely Physics/Chemistry/Mathematics & Biology leading to B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./M.S. during the academic year 2014–15 and having secured a minimum of 60% (50% for SC/ST/PWD) marks in aggregate in SCIENCE subjects (Physics/Chemistry/Biology/Mathematics) in the XII Standard Board Examination. In the 1st year final examination of B.Sc./B.S./B.Math./B.Stat./Int. M.Sc./M.S. they must secure 60% (50% for SC/ST/PWD) marks before taking up the fellowship, if awarded.
Empowerment initiative in the KVPY Fellowship Program:
1. A certain number of additional fellowships exclusively for the students belonging to SC/ST community under the various streams as stated above will be operated.
2. A certain number of fellowships under various streams as stated above will be operated exclusively for students under the category of Persons With Disability (Physically and Visually Challenged).

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The Foundation serves as a veritable forum for qualitative dissemination of knowledge and information on the latest advances in science and technology. Conducting workshops, interactive seminars and Science and Cyber Olympiads and publication of informative, non-curriculum study material for school children are currently an essential part of the SOF portfolio. The science tournament, branded as Science Olympiad, is a rigorous academic and scholastic aptitude competition on the pattern of the Sports Olympiad. The event encompasses various science disciplines, namely, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The National Cyber Olympiad is an International talent search contest that identifies cyber savvy talents amongst the younger generation. The IMO (International Mathematics Olympiad) is a mean to identify and encourage the mathematical creativity of children. The IEO International English Olympiad is an international search for young linguistics, youngsters who have become maestros in english language. The Foundation strongly believes that such Olympiads, apart from bringing out the best in the participants, also help them gain confidence for competing with the best around them and in the country and internationally and contribute to personality development. Also recognition of merit at an early age is bound to infuse a certain sense of achievement that encourages them to do even better as they advance in age. The students are exposed to a variety of complex problems which demand a high level of analytical ability and proficiency in the use of various concepts from a cross-section of subjects, thereby invoking ingenuity in dealing with them. Since admissions to various professional institutions like IITs and Medical colleges are given on the basis of performance in competitive exams, such Olympiads also pave the way for a true understanding of the concepts that is so essential for doing well in these highly competitive exams. Apart from the Olympiad activities, the Foundation also conducts seminars, workshops, and teacher training programmes in the state capitals of the country. Implementing one of its aims to conduct seminars state-level, the first such seminar cum workshop for science teachers was conducted at St. Columba's School, New Delhi. The theme was: Innovation in Science Teaching. 160 science teachers from 46 schools in Delhi took part in the workshop, and 13 resource persons of eminence and erudition

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were drawn from IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur and Delhi University who freely and generously shared their teaching skill, expertise and knowledge with the participants. For most of the teachers it was a stimulating, refreshing and learning experience and an eye-opener. Hence conducting workshops, interactive seminars and teachers' training programmes are at present an essential part of the SOF’s table of activities. This way the Foundation aims at bringing about a steady and speedy change in the very way education is currently imparted in the country. =============================================================