Many takers for IIScs 1st UG science course
The iconic Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
has received an overwhelming
number of applicants for its maiden four-year undergraduate
programme to be rolled out this August. This shows a renewed interest
in studying science among students.
The 101-year-old institute, which will launch its much-awaited bachelor of science
programme this year, has received over 16,000 applications for some 120 seats. Such
an overwhelming response an average of over 130 candidates vying for one seat is
totally unexpected, says Professor Chandan Dasgupta, dean, undergraduate programme,
IISc. The institute, which has decided not to tax class 12 students with yet another
entrance exam for its UG Programme, will use multiple entrance tests for admissions.
According to Dasgupta, at least 30% of students will be from among those who have
been selected for the Kishore Vigyan Protsahan Yojana. Others will be chosen based
on their performance in pan-India exams like IIT-JEE,
AIPMT and AIEEE.
The BS programme, which will have a strong inter-disciplinary flavour, has enthused
students from different systems of schools and states. Dasgupta says though students
from different boards have applied for the programme, more than half of them are
from schools affiliated to CBSE. About one fourth of the candidates are girls, and
applicants are not restricted only to Southern states.
The eight-semester programme will have the final two semesters exclusively devoted
to a research project. The course mandates each student to take a minimum number
of courses in engineering and humanities, and offers six specialization options
math’s, biology, chemistry, environmental science, physics and materials.
Leading up to the launch of the programme, IISc director P Balaram said the BS programme
had generated more discussions than any other programme that he has seen at the
institute.
While the major objection has been that introducing a UG programme would fundamentally
alter the academic character of the institute, its proponents are of the view that
bringing undergraduates to such an environment would do wonders for IIScs research
ambience.
Making of a Programme :
The inaugural batch will commence classes from August 1, 2011 and graduate in June
2015. The graduates of the programme will obtain a Bachelor of Science degree with
a specialization. There will be six specialization options
Tuition for general category students will be Rs. 10,000 a year; full fee waiver
for SC/ST candidates BS programme open to Class 12 candidates who have studied physics, chemistry and math’s.
Courtesy: Times of India
