CSIR PROGRAMME ON YOUTH FOR LEADERSHIP IN SCIENCE - CPYLS

ABOUT CSIR

Established in 1942, CSIR is the largest industrial research & development (R&D) organization in the world devoted to scientific and industrial research and S&T manpower development in India. CSIR’s network of 39 laboratories, spread all over India, is engaged in cutting edge research activities covering a wide range of scientific disciplines.

CSIR’s creative assets are its 10,000 highly qualified scientists and technologists. CSIR has made immense contributions to the economic and social development of India.

CSIR’s contributions to S&T human resource development are immense. Indeed a list of CSIR beneficiaries reads like who’s who of Indian science. CSIR is credited with having supported 50,000 research fellows/associates and 10,000 senior research associates so far.

Hitherto, the CSIR schemes catered to post-graduate and PhD students only. CSIR now seeks to enlarge upon the science support base by including school students as well.

Overall Objectives

• The aim of the Scheme is to attract the best young school students towards science through a unique ‘hand holding’ experience.
• The Scheme aims at encouraging youth to discover science as an exciting, rewarding and fulfilling career.
• The scheme covers students at secondary and tertiary levels.

Support at Senior Secondary School Level

Objectives 

• Expose the young minds to the exciting world of science.
• Help in building up  a scientific temper at an early age.
• Instill a sense of pride in the  achievements of Indian science.

Operation of the Scheme

Every year, top fifty students at the secondary school examination (X class) from CBSE, ICSE and State Boards will be invited, at CSIR’s expense, to visit the nearest CSIR laboratory for ‘two Open Days’, alongwith one of their parents/guardian/teacher.

On the two Open Days the laboratories would organize :

• popular science lectures by eminent S&T personages ;
• audio visual presentation about the contributions of eminent scientists and technologists to the world of knowledge, technology and industry;
• demonstration of simple interesting experiments leading to understanding the basic concepts of science ;
• an overview of exciting job opportunities in science;
• a tour of the laboratory .

This would enable them to :

• have glimpse of scientific research being carried out in their specific areas of interest;
• to see the infrastructure , R&D facilities available for carrying out specific research .
• Additionally, top ranking five students in the merit list will be given the facility to visit two additional CSIR laboratories of their choice anywhere in India.
• Among the students who pursue science after class X would be provided support and facilities to do their project work for class XI/XII at one of the CSIR laboratories.
• They will be encouraged to take up projects concerning any problem of their choice. The intention is to be able to relate the teachings in school to the real life applications.
• They will be free to discuss the selection  and progress of their project with the  scientists of the laboratories and also have the access to the R&D facilities available.

Support at Undergraduation Level

Objectives

• The aim is to let young minds feel the thrill and excitement of science by working on a project requiring application and critical appreciation of scientific principles .
• It also aims at active participation in the learning process through experimentation and putting into practice the knowledge acquired in the classrooms.
• The objective is to motivate talented young people to take science as a career.

Operation of the Scheme

• Amongst these students who secure over 90% marks in natural science subjects (physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics) in the Senior Secondary Examination and continue to pursue science studies, would be supported for another three years till graduation.
• They would be designated as "CSIR Student Associates" and given the facility to work on a project, in a CSIR laboratory of their interest during their vacations.
• They will be encouraged to associate themselves with some of the actual research activities of the laboratory, use the state of art facilities in the laboratory and interact with top class scientists.
• The project duration would be no more than 14 weeks in a year.
• CSIR would meet the travel expenses and make a provision of hostel accommodation and a studentship of Rs 500 per week.

GENERAL CONDITIONS

Wherever travelling is involved by secondary school students, CSIR would bear 2nd class A/C rail fare/ roadways fare and other admissible expenses of the selected students accompanied by one parent/guardian/teacher for attending the open days.

For senior secondary and undergraduate activities , 2nd class A/C rail fare/ roadways fare will be provided only for the students. However, in case of girl students travelling expenses for one of the parents/guardian/teacher may also be provided on request.

The addresses of various CSIR laboratories are given in Annexure II.