With students largely shunning theoretical sciences in favour of a career in the field of technology, the Government of India is working on an ambitious plan to take thousands of Class X and Class XII passouts from across the country, together with their parents, on a guided tour to top science laboratories. The aim: to inspire the students to pursue a career in education and research in basic sciences.

The Centre may also give scholarships and other incentives to students who choose to pursue higher education in basic sciences.

“One per cent of the total Class X & XII passouts from all Boards in the country will be chosen for this. We want to take the parents along because they are one of the main motivators for students at that age. We want to showcase the ideal opportunities in sciences,” Science and Technology Minister Prithviraj Chavan told The Indian Express.

According to the minister, the objective is to develop the interest of students in basic sciences like physics, chemistry, biochemistry or microbiology, so that they could look beyond a career in engineering and medicine. Lakhs of engineers are being churned out from different institutes every year, but there are not as many jobs available, said Chavan.

Successive governments have been concerned about this declining interest in basic sciences apparently due to the availability of lucrative employment opportunities in engineering, IT, commerce, finance, etc. The employment opportunities in higher education and research in basic sciences are, on the other hand, not considered rewarding.

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