Tata Steel Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS)
Visit to an ISRO facility
71,000 participants
An annual competition for Odisha students in grades 6-10 to showcase their talent in astronomy and win a visit to an ISRO facility.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual
Duration
The competition spans several months, from announcement to the final winner's felicitation.
Eligibility
Age: 11-16 years. Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Location: Must be a student in any school across the state of Odisha. No gender or specific academic prerequisites are required, apart from a keen interest in astronomy.
- Grade level
- Grade 6 to 10
- Age range
- 11 to 16 years
- Eligibility region
- Odisha
- Academic requirement
- Must be an enrolled student in a recognized school.
- Prerequisites
- A strong interest in astronomy and space science is recommended.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
Certificate of Achievement
All winners are felicitated and receive a certificate recognizing their achievement at a state-level event.
Recognized by
Career pathways
The top 20-30 winners get an all-expenses-paid educational tour to a premier ISRO facility, where they can interact with leading space scientists.
Recognition
State-level recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 29 Jul 2026
- Registration closes
- 31 Oct 2026
- Competition
- 10 Nov 2026 to 13 Dec 2026
Online Registration Closes
Ensure all online registrations are completed by this date to be eligible for the screening rounds. Late entries will not be accepted.
District Level Screening Rounds
The initial screening tests (online and school-based) will commence from this date. Participants should check their registered email for specific schedules.
Grand Finale
The Grand Finale is scheduled for December 13, 2026, coinciding with the birth anniversary of eminent Odia astronomer Pathani Samanta. This event will be held in Bhubaneswar.
Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
How to apply
- 1Students can participate physically at their respective schools or virtually through the official YATS website.
- 2Online participants must register on the portal mentioned in the annual announcement.
Rules and guidelines
- Participants must be enrolled in grades 6 to 10 in a school located in Odisha.
- The competition format varies by grade group: an open quiz for classes 6-8 and an MCQ test for classes 9-10.
- District-level winners will be invited for the final round in Bhubaneswar.
- Decisions made by the judging panel during the finale are final and binding.
- Participants must adhere to the theme announced for the specific year's competition.
Technology requirements
- A stable internet connection and a computer or mobile device are required for virtual participation.
About this opportunity
The Tata Steel Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS) is a prestigious annual competition designed to inspire scientific curiosity among school students in astronomy and space science. Organized by Tata Steel in collaboration with the Pathani Samanta Planetarium, it provides a significant platform for young minds to explore the universe and learn about the legacy of the legendary Odia astronomer, Pathani Samanta.
This competition is open to students from grades 6 to 10 in schools across Odisha, offering them a unique chance to demonstrate their knowledge and passion for space science. The top winners are rewarded with an invaluable opportunity to visit a premier facility of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), interact with leading scientists, and gain state-level recognition for their achievements.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 100
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- Format
- MCQ and Open Quiz
Rounds and format
The competition begins with a district-level screening round, which includes an open quiz for students in classes 6-8 and an MCQ-based test for students in classes 9-10. The top participants from each district are then invited to the grand finale in Bhubaneswar for the final round.
How entries are judged
Finalists are evaluated based on their performance in interactive sessions and presentations. The judging criteria include scientific accuracy, originality of thought, clarity of presentation, and critical thinking skills.
Selection process
Top performers from the district-level quiz and MCQ test are selected to participate in the grand finale. The final 20-30 winners are chosen based on a comprehensive evaluation by a panel of experts during the final event.
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
The competition syllabus is generally aligned with school-level science with a focus on astronomy and space exploration topics.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most effective strategies for students to prepare for the YATS competition?
Students can prepare by focusing on their school science curriculum, reading astronomy books, following current space news, and practicing with previous year's questions. Understanding fundamental concepts of space science and recent astronomical discoveries is crucial for success.
How can participants manage competitive pressure and anxiety during the various rounds of the competition?
Managing pressure involves consistent preparation, practicing mindfulness techniques, ensuring adequate rest, and focusing on the learning experience rather than solely on winning. Encouragement from educators and family also plays a significant role in building resilience.
What common mistakes should students avoid during their preparation and participation in the YATS competition?
Common mistakes include last-minute cramming, neglecting fundamental concepts, not reading instructions carefully, and failing to manage time effectively during the test. Overlooking current affairs in space science can also be a disadvantage for participants.
How does participation in the YATS competition benefit students in their long-term academic and career aspirations?
Participation fosters scientific temper, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It provides exposure to astronomy and space science, potentially inspiring careers in STEM fields, and offers state-level recognition and an invaluable ISRO visit opportunity for top performers.
How are the judging criteria applied during the grand finale to select the top winners?
Finalists are evaluated based on their performance in interactive sessions, clarity of their project presentations, scientific accuracy, originality of thought, and critical thinking skills demonstrated during personal interviews with experts. A holistic assessment determines the top winners.
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