Patna Women’s College, a premier institution for young women in Bihar was re-accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), an autonomous institution of University Grants Commission (UGC) with ‘A’ grade in 2010 with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.51/4 which to this date is the highest score in Bihar. The first accreditation of the College took place in 2004. In the same year, the institution was also accorded the ‘College with Potential for Excellence (CPE)’ status by UGC under the CPE Scheme based on the proposal submitted. Grant is sanctioned for development and research in the College. Since there was provision to promote undergraduate research, Patna Women’s College has, since 2005, initiated the process of encouraging research aptitude amongst undergraduate students in all departments.

In 2008, UGC sanctioned a separate grant for ‘Basic Scientific Research’ (BSR) to inculcate scientific research temper among students. Under this scheme six groups of students from five Science departments (not exceeding two in a group) are identified and selected in all departments, for undertaking research projects in a specified area or topic. The selected groups work under the supervision of a teacher in the department. The students collect data/material, organize these and after analysis, present their findings in the form of a written report. Subsequently they modify the content of their research and findings in the form of a research paper and make a Power-Point Presentation. A Panel of Referees (eminent scientists) evaluate the quality of research and presentation. The best presentation from each department is selected for an award.

The research programme initiated under the BSR Scheme has succeeded in making the learning process a more purposive and meaningful exercise. The College pursues this programme with enthusiasm since it provides an opportunity to the young learner to participate in the process of research, reflection and action. The outcome of this scheme creates interest in students and inspires them to pursue their career in higher studies and continue their research activities. 

IRIS –Journal for Young Scientists under the BSR scheme embodies the research work of our science students (undergraduate, postgraduate and Ph.D. scholars). We are proud to bring out these Basic Scientific Research papers in the Volume–1, of the Journal, ‘IRIS’ published by
Patna Women’s College, Patna University, Patna.

IRIS –now invites quality research papers from Young Scientists of all Colleges, Universities and Research Institutes.

(Dr. Sister Doris D'Souza A.C.)

Principal, Patna Women's College