NEW DELHI: The study conducted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) found an yearly growth of eight percent and 19 per cent in science courses at college level between 2004-05 and 2009-10.
According to the study, 2,148,956 students took admission to undergraduate courses in science colleges in 2009-10. This was a 44 per cent rise from the enrolment of 1,490,785 students in 2004-05. Enrolment in postgraduate courses in science stream was comparatively better with 439,725 students enrolling in 2009-10 compared to 198,719 in 2004-05, an increase of 121 percent.
Authors of Human Resource Development Group of the CSIR also noted a significant increase in registration for science research fellowship while studying the data related to students opting for science research fellowship for pursuing PhD.
The research fellowship – CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Eligibility for Lectureship – was started in 1983 to identify young scientific talent.
The study also found that the number of candidates who registered themselves for fellowships has gone up. However, 41 percent of the selected students did not avail themselves of the fellowship.
The study aims at bringing in high-quality skilled human resource at all levels, from schools to creating competitive job opportunities.
The study is an indicator of the fact that India has a need of skilled science and technology personnel to bring the country at par with the global economy.
