Higher Education Talent Skill (HETS) Board, has announce the prestigious Scholarship Test for All Rounders (STAR). The scholarship programme offers all class 12 students the chance to avail up to 100 percent scholarships at top universities in Maharashtra. Covering streams such as Arts, Commerce, Science, and Vocational studies, STAR aims to empower students from all socio-economic backgrounds to access quality higher education. This opportunity not only recognises 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 June 10, 2024.

Speaking at the unveiling of the scholarship, Prof (Dr.) V N Rajasekharan Pillai, steering committee head – HETS Board, and vice chancellor Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai, former UGC chairman & director NAAC said, “I am pleased to announce the STAR scholarship programme designed to provide significant educational opportunities for deserving students. This initiative offers essential financial assistance and inspires ambition, enabling recipients to achieve their full potential.We believe that education is the cornerstone of progress, and by offering these scholarships, we are not just investing in individuals but in the collective advancement of society.”

Amit Shah, founder of Offee, said, “Supporting Dr. Pillai’s vision, I am deeply committed to enhancing the educational journey for Maharashtra’s youth. At Offee, we believe in leveraging technology to make high-quality education accessible and equitable. The STAR programme is a testament to how innovative solutions can transform the landscape of education, making significant scholarships accessible to all talented students, regardless of their background.”

Process Flow

After registering online and completing their profiles, students participate in an offline digital test at partner university campuses, managed and secured by Offee’s innovative technology. The test scores are analysed and matched to universities. Results are then announced, connecting students to appropriate institutions.

The 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

The scholarship examination features a comprehensive assessment structure designed to evaluate various facets of student capabilities. This includes assessing non-technical skills such as creative thinking, problem-solving, and practical application, as well as focusing on general aptitude and subject-specific knowledge.

The programme features secure, on-campus digital testing to ensure fairness and integrity, alongside an inclusive approach facilitated by Offee’s technological expertise, ensuring accessibility for all students. This scholarship is particularly beneficial for students from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Additionally, HETS (powered by Offee) is guided by a Steering Committee of esteemed academicians, industry experts and educators who facilitate the creation of assessments.

Assessment and Weightage

The assessment process assigns weightage to different factors, with 75 percent of the evaluation focused on academic knowledge, aptitude, and skills. Additionally, 10-15 percent is allocated to academic achievements and consistency over the past three years, emphasising stability and excellence. The remaining 10-15 percent 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 recognises student excellence across four categories, reflecting the diverse talents and potential within its achievers, including:

Super Stars: Top 2 percent, Full Scholarship: 90-100 percent tuition coverage

All-Rounders: Top 5 percent, Partial Scholarship: 80-90 percent tuition coverage

Rising Stars: Top 10 percent, Significant Scholarship: 50-80 percent tuition coverage

Shining Stars: Top 25 percent, Merit-Based Scholarship: 40-50 percent tuition coverage

To sum up, STAR offers a transformative platform for students to showcase their talents and skills beyond academics. With a comprehensive assessment framework, powered by Offee, STAR empowers students to avail scholarships and educational opportunities across various streams. The examination provides a fair and inclusive approach to talent recognition and fosters a culture of excellence and accessibility, ensuring that every student has the chance to shine and succeed in their educational journey.

To know more, visit https://hets.in/. 

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