Abstract:
We express our profound gratitude to the National Council of Educational Research and
Training (NCERT), New Delhi, for providing us the opportunity to undertake the present
research study entitled “Assessing the Effectiveness of Vigyan Jyoti in Promoting STEM
Among Girls in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas of the Western Region” under the PAC
Research Program (2025–26). The successful completion of this study has been possible
because of the encouragement, academic support, and institutional cooperation extended by
several distinguished individuals and organisations.
Description:
The present report examines the effectiveness of the Vigyan Jyoti Program in promoting Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) engagement among girl students enrolled
in selected Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh,
falling under the western regional jurisdiction of the Regional Institute of Education (RIE),
Bhopal, a constituent unit of the National Council of Educational Research and Training
(NCERT). The study is situated within the wider national and educational concern that, although
girls’ access to formal schooling has expanded considerably, their sustained participation in
advanced STEM education and STEM-related careers remains disproportionately limited. In this
context, the study sought to examine whether participation in the Vigyan Jyoti Program was
associated with higher levels of STEM motivation, self-efficacy, critical thinking, problem-solving
orientation, and stronger inclination towards STEM subjects and STEM-related career pathways.
