CPYLS Programme

APC also coordinates and organize the above annual programme of CSIR in the laboratory. The above CSIR Programme on Youth for Leadership in Science ( CPYLS) is aimed at inculcating a scientific temper among the bright and younger students and targeted to the students who have just passed their X examination. The objective and scope of the programme are given below:

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.
• Expose the young minds to the exciting world of science.
• Help in building up a scientific temper at an early age.
• Instil 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’, along with 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;
• 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.

Selection procedure for Scheme – I

This laboratory operates the above scheme – I for the students of Kerala and Lakshadweep. The scheme is open to the students who have passed the X examination under ICSE, CBSE and state syllabus streams.

On receipt of the merit list each from CBSE and ICSE Board for Kerala and Lakshadweep through Human Resources Development Group, CSIR, New Delhi, the laboratory select the students as per the above merit list and communicate to the respective students through their schools. Total number of students selected from all the streams would be decided by the laboratory depending upon the logistic and other infrastructural facilities available in the laboratory. Only the candidates selected based on the merit list made available from HRDG, New Delhi would be invited for the above programme which is held every year for 2 days normally during Christmas vacations.

Support at Undergraduation Level – Scheme -II

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

• This scheme is available only to those candidates who have attended the CPYLS programme under scheme – I
• 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.

Selection Procedure for Scheme – II :

The laboratory communicate to all the students who have attended the scheme – I of the above programme 2 years before in the laboratory and seek all the details such as copies of the marks card of +2 examination , the course they have joined after +2 examination. On receipt of the feed back as above, the APC prepares a list of the eligible candidates (as detailed above) for the above scheme. They would be offered with CSIR student Associate ship and would be invited to carry out project work in the laboratory in their chosen field in the laboratory.

CPYLS 2011