Shell India announces “Shell Junior National Science Scholars” programme.

The “Shell Junior National Science Scholars” programme, implemented by the British Council in India comprises a one and a half hour exam based scholarship for Class IX and X students in the field of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. The test which will be held in December this year aims at encouraging high-school students to look at a career in engineering. The National Council of Science Museums is the knowledge partner for the programme.

Deepak Mukarji, Country Head -Corporate Affairs, Shell Companies in India said, “This programme creates a linkage between India’s fascination with technical education and the fact that Shell is the world leader in innovation and technology in the energy sector.”

Rob Lynes, Director, British Council India said,” We are delighted to partner a world leader like Shell that is keen to nurture young technical and scientific talent in the country. It takes further the objectives of the British Council in India which has had a long and enduring connection with India’s youth”.

Programme highlights:

• The test will be held in six cities i.e. Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai
• Apart from English, the test will be conducted in six regional languages i.e. Hindi, Tamil, Bangla, Marathi, Kannada and Gujarati
• Subjects will include Physics, Chemistry, Maths and General Knowledge
• The test will mainly be objective type with only one subjective question to determine the student's aptitude and motivation for science
• Three top scorers from each of the six locations (18 in all) will receive the Regional Level Award. The three toppers (basis marks scored) from amongst these regional winners will receive the National Level Awards.
• A student could win two prizes: the Shell Junior Regional Science Scholar Award as well as the Shell Junior National Science Scholar Award
• As part of the scholarship programme, science teacher(s) from participating schools will be required to submit a question bank of 5 questions each.

Prizes:

• 18 regional winners will get a scholarship of Rs. 50,000 each and the 3 national winners will get Rs. 75,000 each
• 12 teachers will be selected from the mentor teachers of the regional and national winners and will receive the “Science Excellence Award” which includes an opportunity to visit the National Science Centre, UK for a one week workshop/training.

Timeline:

• Thursday, 20 September 2012 – Registration opens
• Monday, 15th October 2012 – Registration closes at 11.59 pm
• Sunday, 16th December 2012 – Test held
• Tuesday, 15th January 2013 – Announcement of Results

Interested schools will have to complete a registration form, available along with instructions, on British Council Schools Online website.