Mokokchung, 23rd April, 2026 (www.nokinketer.in): Mokokchung, April 23, 2026: Kohima Science College has become the first government college in Nagaland to be selected under the Department of Biotechnology’s (DBT) prestigious “STAR College Scheme,” marking a significant milestone in the state’s higher education sector. The announcement was made on April 16, 2026.

The college had submitted its proposal for the scheme in March 2025 and was later shortlisted among 34 institutions nationwide. The final presentation was delivered on March 10, 2026, at the DBT headquarters in New Delhi by the scheme coordinator, Dr. Vethselo Doulo, along with core committee member Along Longchari. Each year, only 10 to 15 colleges across the country are selected for the programme.

Under the scheme, eight departments—Botany, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics and Zoology—will receive grants from the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.

The funding will be used to strengthen laboratory infrastructure, procure advanced scientific equipment, and support capacity-building initiatives such as workshops, seminars and training programmes for students, faculty and the wider community.

The initiative is also expected to promote interdisciplinary learning, enhance practical skills and encourage research-oriented education at the undergraduate level.

The college acknowledged the contributions of its past and present stakeholders in achieving the milestone and expressed pride in the accomplishment, which is expected to significantly improve the quality of science education in the region. It also reaffirmed its commitment to fostering innovation and academic excellence in Nagaland.

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