About the STARS Scheme

The Scheme for Transformational and Advanced Research in Sciences (STARS) was formulated by the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India, to support interdisciplinary, cutting-edge science projects with direct societal benefits.

National Coordinating Institute: The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore is designated as the National Coordinator to implement, monitor, and manage the program under the guidance of the Apex Committee chaired by the Secretary of Higher Education.

Salient Features

• Total Financial Outlay: ₹250 Crore.
• Thrust Domains: Six basic scientific disciplines: Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Nanosciences, Data Sciences & Mathematics, and Earth Sciences.
• Funding Limits: Up to ₹50 Lakhs for single-PI projects and ₹100 Lakhs for multi-PI collaborative projects.
• Tenure: 3-year research duration with milestone-based fund releases.
• Focus on Translation: Research that moves beyond theoretical proofs-of-concept towards prototypes, field-tested innovations, and patentable technologies.