Tamil Nadu has announced plans for an Institute of Excellence in Basic Sciences, modeled on the Indian Institute of Science and intended to have the powers and independence of a university.
The state says the institute will give students more reasons to choose subjects such as physics, chemistry, and biology, while creating a stronger home for research.
The package also includes scholarships covering tuition, hostel costs, and living expenses for bright government-college students who choose basic science and gain admission to leading research institutes.
Other measures include collateral-free education loans of up to 20 lakh rupees, fee waivers for several groups of students, and a plan to recruit 6,000 assistant professors in government colleges.
