Catching Them Young: The YUVIKA Programme
One of ISRO's flagship initiatives is the YUva VIgyani KAryakram (YUVIKA), also known as the Young Scientist Programme. This initiative is specifically designed to “catch them young,” targeting school students to introduce them to the fundamentals of space
science and technology. The goal is to spark curiosity and encourage students, especially those in rural areas, to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The programme is a two-week residential training course where selected students interact with senior scientists, participate in hands-on activities, and get an inside look at how India’s space missions are developed. The entire experience, including travel, lodging, and materials, is fully sponsored by ISRO, making it an accessible and invaluable opportunity.
Who is Eligible for YUVIKA?
The YUVIKA programme is tailored for students who are currently in Class 9 in a recognised school within India. The selection process is comprehensive and merit-based, designed to identify students with a genuine passion for science. According to the criteria for the 2026 programme, marks from Class 8 carry a significant 50% weightage. Beyond academics, ISRO also considers a variety of other achievements. Performance in an online quiz accounts for 10%, while participation in science fairs, Olympiads, and sports competitions can also contribute to the final score. Membership in Scouts and Guides, NCC, or NSS is also given weightage. To promote inclusivity, a special 15% weightage is allocated to students from rural or Panchayat area schools.
What You Will Learn and Experience
Participants in the YUVIKA programme are immersed in the world of space exploration at major ISRO centres across the country, such as the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and the U.R. Rao Satellite Centre. The curriculum is a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Students attend lectures by eminent scientists on topics ranging from rocketry and satellite design to astrophysics. The hands-on activities are a major highlight, where students get to build and launch model rockets, assemble DIY Chandrayaan-3 kits, and engage with simulated satellite payloads. A key component of the programme is the opportunity for direct interaction with ISRO's experts and even Gaganyaan astronauts, providing inspiration and career guidance.
Opportunities for Higher Education Students
While YUVIKA is for school students, ISRO has not forgotten those in higher education. The organisation offers several avenues for undergraduate and postgraduate students, including internship schemes and project trainee programmes. The Space Science and Technology Awareness Training (START) programme, for example, is an online course for final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students in science and technology. It provides introductory lectures from experts across India on various domains of space science. Furthermore, ISRO's internship schemes allow students to work on real projects for a maximum of 45 days, while the Project Trainee Scheme supports longer-term academic projects. These programmes require a minimum aggregate of 60% marks and are highly competitive, offering unparalleled exposure to cutting-edge research.
How to Apply and Stay Updated
The application process for all ISRO student programmes is conducted online through its official portals. For YUVIKA, students need to register on the ISRO Antriksh Jigyasa portal and fill out an application form with their academic and extracurricular details. It is crucial to keep an eye on the official ISRO website for announcements, as the application windows are specific and have strict deadlines. For example, the YUVIKA 2026 registration opened in February and closed at the end of March for the programme held in May. For internships and project work, students often need to apply through the specific ISRO centre they are interested in, and each centre may have its own application timeline and requirements.
