Become a 'Young Scientist' with YUVIKA
ISRO's flagship program for school students is YUVIKA (YUva VIgyani KAryakram), or the Young Scientist Programme. This two-week residential program is designed to impart basic knowledge on space science, technology, and applications. The idea is to "catch
them young" and encourage students to pursue careers in STEM fields. The program, typically for students who have just completed Class 9, includes talks by eminent scientists, lab visits, hands-on activities like model rocketry, and discussions with experts. Selection is based on merit, including Class 8 marks, quiz performance, and participation in science fairs and extracurricular activities. The YUVIKA-2026 program, for instance, selected 456 students from over 100,000 applicants to attend the program across nine different ISRO centers.
Test Your Knowledge with Space Quizzes
ISRO frequently organises online quizzes to foster interest in space. These competitions are often held to mark special occasions like World Space Week or National Space Day. Typically open to students from various classes (e.g., Class 6 to 12), these quizzes challenge participants with multiple-choice questions on space science and ISRO's missions. Students who score above a certain threshold often receive a certificate from ISRO, and top performers can even win special recognition. These quizzes are a fun, low-commitment way for students to test their knowledge and learn new facts about India's achievements in space. They are usually announced on the official ISRO website and its social media channels.
Explore the Digital Universe with Antriksh Jigyasa
For those who prefer to learn at their own pace, ISRO has created Antriksh Jigyasa, a virtual knowledge portal for exploring STEM subjects. This platform offers a variety of free, self-paced online courses on space science and technology through a component called 'Shiksha Gagan'. Upon successful completion, which requires watching video sessions and passing an assessment, students can receive a course completion certificate. The portal also features 'Space Varta', an interactive program where students can listen to and ask questions of ISRO scientists. Additionally, it hosts SPARK, a 3D virtual space tech park, and SKY-PICKS, a creative corner for kids to share space-themed drawings and videos.
Visit an ISRO Centre in Person
Seeing where the magic happens can be incredibly inspiring. Many ISRO centres across the country have space museums and exhibition halls that are open to student groups. Facilities like the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru, and the Space Applications Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad welcome educational visits. However, these are active research facilities, so visits cannot be made individually. Schools or colleges must send a formal request to the Public Relations Officer of the specific centre they wish to visit, detailing the number of students, preferred dates, and purpose of the visit. For a truly unique experience, the public can register to watch a rocket launch from the Launch View Gallery at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota.
Engage Through Mobile Exhibitions and Workshops
ISRO also brings space science directly to the public through various outreach initiatives. The 'Space on Wheels' program, for example, is a mobile exhibition bus that travels to different parts of the country, showcasing models of launch vehicles, satellites, and applications. These exhibitions, along with workshops and lectures, are a key part of ISRO's efforts to create awareness and inspire the next generation, especially in more remote areas. These events are often organised in collaboration with local educational institutions, so students should keep an eye out for announcements in their city or district.
Opportunities for Higher Education Students
For students in undergraduate or postgraduate courses, ISRO offers more advanced opportunities. This includes internships and the chance to undertake final year projects at ISRO centres, subject to the organisation's requirements and the student's academic merit. ISRO also sponsors research through its Respond programme, available to faculty and scientists at recognised universities. For those pursuing higher studies, the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) in Dehradun offers M.Tech and M.Sc. courses. While programmes like UNNATI, which focuses on nanosatellite building, are primarily for international participants from developing countries, they showcase the depth of training ISRO provides.
