Infosys Foundation STEM Stars Scholarship for Girls

What is Infosys Foundation STEM Stars Scholarship?

STEM Stars Scholarship for Girls is sponsored by Infosys Foundation. Girl students who are citizens of India. Applicants must be enrolled in the first year of graduation at institutes of repute (NIRF accredited) in the fields of Engineering, Medical (MBBS) and other related STEM streams. Candidates whose annual family income is less than or equal to Rs.8 lakh per annum are covered under the scheme. The scholarship will cover tuition, living expenses, study materials limited to Rs.1 Lakh annually at actuals for the duration of the course.

Objectives of STEM Stars Scholarship

** In India, approximately 1.6 million girls continue to be deprived of education, as they remain out of school. Specifically, around 25% of girl students in India face the unfortunate circumstance of dropping out, particularly during their 10th to 12th grade.

** An education in STEM is crucial for India and its girl students. STEM unlocks career prospects, fuels innovation, stimulates economic growth, tackles societal changes, and above all, empowers girls in today’s digital age.

** Unfortunately, Indian women in STEM are highly under-represented. Data indicates that while 52% of women enrolled for STEM courses for their graduation, only 29% of them ended up joining the STEM workforce. Lack of access, mentorship, confidence and monetary constraints are the primary reasons to not opt for STEM, despite realizing its advantages in propelling their career forward.

** In order to bridge this gap, Infosys Foundation has introduced STEM Stars, a scholarship program for girl students that aims to encourage and provide financial assistance, thereby helping them pursue an undergraduate degree in STEM.

Eligibility Criteria of STEM Stars Scholarship

** Girl students who are citizens of India
** Applicants must be enrolled in the first year of graduation at institutes of repute (NIRF accredited) in the fields of Engineering, Medical (MBBS) and other related STEM streams.
** Applicant’s annual family income must be less than or equal to INR 8,00,000.
** Applicants must have obtained admission into the identified colleges and completed their Class 12.
** Ongoing performance score should be a CGPA of 7 in engineering and such related courses and a pass qualification in all subjects for the year in MBBS for continuity till the completion of the course.

What are the Benefits of STEM Stars Scholarship?

The scholarship will cover tuition, living expenses, study materials limited to INR 1 Lakh annually at actuals for the duration of the course.

Documents Required for STEM Stars Scholarship

** Class 12 marksheet and passing certificates along with the JEE / CET /NEET score card.
** A government-issued identity proof – Aadhaar card.
** Current year admission proof (fee receipt/admission letter/institution identity card/ bonafide certificate).
** Family income proof certificate issued by appropriate govt. offices / BPL or similar card / Ayushman Bharat card.
** Electricity bills of the past 6 months to be provided as an additional supporting document.
** Bank account details of the applicant (bank passbook/cancelled cheque).
** Recent passport-size photograph.

FAQ on STEM Stars Scholarship

Which are the colleges in which this scheme is open?
This is open to candidates who meet the defined eligibility criteria from the list of colleges published.

What is the annual income ceiling for candidates to be included under the scheme?
Candidates whose annual family income is less than or equal to Rs.8 lakh per annum are covered under the scheme.

What are the documents that need to be provided for proof of family income?
Family income proof certificate issued by appropriate govt. offices / BPL or similar card / Ayushman Bharat card. Electricity bills for the residence of the family of the applicant for the past 6 months need to be provided as an additional supporting document.

What other documents need to be submitted?
Class 12 marksheet and passing certificates along with the JEE / CET /NEET score card. A government-issued identity proof (Aadhaar card/ voter ID card/driving license/PAN card) Current year admission proof (fee receipt/admission letter/institution identity card/ bonafide certificate).

Are only first year undergraduate students eligible to apply?
Yes, only candidates who have enrolled into the first year of the published colleges are eligible to apply.

Are students enrolled in integrated courses of eligible institutions eligible to apply?
Yes, students enrolled in integrated courses are eligible to apply. However, such awardees could avail scholarship only for the undergraduate part of the course.

Are all courses covered under the ambit of the scheme?
No, only undergraduate degrees from the published list of colleges will be considered.

What is the amount of scholarship payable to the awardees?
The amount of scholarship is capped at Rs.1 Lakh p.a which would cover college tuition fees, related learning materials, accommodation and living expenses against which receipts of payments will have to be submitted.

Who will verify credentials of candidates? How will payments be regulated?
An authorized independent party will verify the credentials of candidates.

Will the scholarship be renewed if the awardee fails in the first or subsequent years / terms of study?
No. The scholarship will not be renewed if the awardee fails to qualify as defined, in the annual or term end examinations of the course.

Can the awardee claim any other scholarships (State/ Institute or other Ministry) during the tenure of award of this scholarship?
Yes. They can apply for this scholarship while being covered by other scholarships. However, the expense type must be exclusive to this one.

Can students apply any time during the year of admission?
No. Students can only apply online on the platform during a particular time period as displayed on the website.

Author : Admin