Higher Education Talent Skill (HETS) Board, has announced the Scholarship Test for All Rounders (STAR). This scholarship program offers all 12th-grade students the chance to avail up to 100% scholarships at top universities in Maharashtra. Covering streams such as Arts, Commerce, Science, and Vocational studies, STAR Scholarship Program covers the following leading educational institutions of Maharashtra under its ambit –
- Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai
- Sri Balaji University, Pune
- MIT-ADT University, Pune
- D Y Patil University, Ambi, Talegaon
- Sanjay Ghodawat University, Kolhapur
- MGM University, Aurangabad
- Sandip University, Nashik
- GH Raisoni University, Amravati
To avail the scholarships, candidates will have to register online and complete their profile. They will have to sit in an offline digital test at partner university campuses, managed and secured technology. The test scores are analyzed and matched to universities. Results are then announced, connecting students to appropriate institutions.
The test is designed to evaluate various facets of student capabilities. This includes assessing skills such as creative thinking, problem-solving, and practical application, as well as focusing on general aptitude and subject-specific knowledge.
The assessment process assigns weightage to different factors, with 75% of the evaluation focused on academic knowledge, aptitude, and skills. Additionally, 10-15% is allocated to academic achievements and consistency over the past three years, emphasizing stability and excellence. The remaining 10-15% considers non-academic achievements, such as involvement in extracurricular activities and community service, contributing to a well-rounded profile.
Through its Scholarship Allocation Framework, HETS recognizes student excellence across four categories, reflecting the diverse talents and potential within its achievers, including:
- Super Stars: Top 2%, Full Scholarship: 90-100% tuition coverage
- All-Rounders: Top 5%, Partial Scholarship: 80-90% tuition coverage
- Rising Stars: Top 10%, Significant Scholarship: 50-80% tuition coverage
- Shining Stars: Top 20%, Merit-Based Scholarship: 40-50% tuition coverage
STAR aims to empower students from all socio-economic backgrounds to access quality higher education. This opportunity not only recognizes and rewards talent but also significantly reduces financial barriers, paving the way for a brighter future. Aspiring candidates are invited to register via the official registration link before 10th June 2024.