Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) has invited applications from talented students to select the 500-member 6th batch for training under its Science Talent Farming Scheme (STFS). A PSF official said the students wishing to adopt a scientific career would be selected and trained to become future eminent scientists under STFS, according to WealthPK. About the eligibility criteria, the official said students, who have passed Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination from government schools with minimum 60% overall marks and 70% in four science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology or Computer Science or a technical subject, are eligible to apply for the programme.

The applicants have to submit attested copies of SSC result card, CNIC/B-Form and domicile certificate. However, if the students’ domicile is not available, the father’s domicile is acceptable for the test only, and the shortlisted candidates will be required to present their own domicile at the time of the interview, the official explained. Private, semi-government or any other type of schools are not eligible to apply for this programme as per the approved PC-I of STFS, the official maintained. About the selection criteria, the official said the initial screening would be done on the basis of the score as per the eligibility criteria.

The science aptitude in English, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (25% of each) at the SSC level of National Curriculum is required to be qualified. “The students have to qualify for the paper-based IQ test (scenario-based and shape-based) while the interview or presentation will be on innovative ideas.” “The seats will be allocated as per the federal government quota system, including minority and disability quota, while equal opportunity will be given to the male and female students keeping the male-to-female ratio of 50:50.”

The PSF official said the students selected under the programme will be provided a monthly scholarship of Rs15,000 for two years. The students will be supported in their study visits to science and technology organisations, universities and labs as well as in undertaking research projects during FSc under the mentorship of selected university professors. The official said the interested students may visit the National Testing Service website, www.nts.org.pk, to apply online.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk