8 mol% Y-doped $SrTiO_3$ powder was synthesized by Pechini method from titanium isopropoxide, strontium nitrate, yttrium nitrate, citric acid and ethylene glycol. A $Y_2Ti_2O_7$ pyrochlore phase-free perovskite powder was obtained by calcining a polymeric resin, which was prepared from a precursor solution, at $500^{circ}C$ in an air atmosphere. Low temperature calcination could lead to a fine-grained microstructure. In the case of a solid-state reaction, an extended heat-treatment at high temperature in a reduced atmosphere needed to obtain a single phase perovskite $SrTiO_3$.