“A Child should never be deprived of quality education owing to poverty. This forceful thought in my mind became the seed that gave birth to the innovative STARS Scheme”. – Dr.G.Viswanathan, Chancellor, Vellore Institute of Technology

Philanthropy makes a big difference to people’s lives. On these lines, ourbeloved chancellor Dr.G.Viswanathan has taken several community development initiatives for the betterment of the society, and STARS (Support the Advancement of Rural Students Scheme) is one such philanthropic activity started in the year 2008. It aims at enhancing the rural students’ quality of life.

N-STARS for Law, Management, and Science programmes is established from the Academic Year 2024-‘25 in VIT Chennai. The schemeencompasses admission of 50 students (one boy and one girl) from 25 Indian States, and 3 students from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh (one student from each) regions.

Daily wage labourers and domestic helpers find it difficult to educate their children due to their unstable income and difficult living conditions. Their children who are academically brilliant, continue to live their lives in poverty like their families or settle down to basic jobs which satisfies neither their basic needs nor their intellectual hunger. While many people in our society ignore these hard facts and go ahead with their lives, VIT Management Stands tall as it takes these children in its fold through the STARS scheme. Financially disadvantaged children don’t have to stop dreaming of becoming an Engineer. VIT STARS Scheme helps these students from under-privileged background to achieve what they deserve by awarding them 100% fee waiver for their academic and hostel facilities including basic medical expenses.

Features of N-STARS:

1. This is a merit-based scholarship scheme limited to selected Law, Management, and Science programmes offered in VIT Chennai.
2. State-toppers in Higher Secondary/Intermediate examination from rural Government Schools only are eligible. One boy and one girl from each State can avail this scholarship.
3. Every academic year, 53 students will be admitted at the rate of 2 students per State and one student respectively from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh regions.
4. The selected candidates will be benefitted with 100% Fee waiver on Academics, Hostel accommodation & Food, and basic medical facilities during their entire duration of study at VIT Chennai.
5. Students must satisfy the eligibility criteria for respective programmes. For Law programs, CLAT & ELSAT scores are waived off.

Programmes offered under N-STARS:

• B.B.A. LLB(Hons), (5years Integrated Program)
• B.A.LLB(Hons), (5years Integrated Program)
• B.Sc. Computer Science,
• B.Sc. Fashion Design,
• B.Sc. Economics(Hons),
• B.B.A.(Hons),
• B.Com. (Hons),
• M.Sc. Integrated Applied Psychology (5years Integrated Program)

VIT stands proud in giving high-quality education to the rural students of our nation and provide the doorway for a good career, better social status and most importantly, fine tune them to be responsible citizens.

N-STARS – Eligibility Criteria& Selection Process:

1. State Toppers from Rural Government Schools across India.
2. This opportunity is limited to one student per family.
3. The annual income of the student’s family should be below Rs 1,50,000/- to qualify for the scheme. This criterion ensures that the scheme supports economically disadvantaged students.
4. The N-STARS scheme identifies and shortlists the top ten boys and girls from Rural Government schools from each State. This selection is based on academic merit and achievements.
5. Among the identified State toppers, candidates will be called for an interview. The interview process is based on the marks secured in their Higher Secondary examination.
6. Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are exempted from this scheme.
7. The final admission to the N-STARS scheme is at the discretion of the VIT Management. After careful evaluation and assessment of the candidates, one male and one female student from each State will be admitted to the scheme.

The STARS scheme stands as a testament to VIT’s commitment to providing opportunities for deserving students based on merit and financial need. It is a transformative initiative that aims to empower talented individuals to pursue their dreams and achieve academic excellence.

A dedicated STARS Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the holistic development of the students, ensuring their academic, personal, and professional needs are met.The STARS scheme not only provides financial support but also creates a nurturing and enriching environment where students can thrive and prepare for successful futures.