ISRO YUVIKA (Yuva Vignani Karyakrama) - Young Scientist Programme for Class 9 Students
by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)
Fully Sponsored ISRO Program
350 participants
YUVIKA is a fully sponsored, two-week residential program by ISRO for Class 9 students across India, offering an immersive, hands-on experience in space science and technology to inspire future scientists and engineers.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Two weeks in May
Time needed
Full-time residential program for two weeks during summer vacation. Participants are expected to be fully engaged in all scheduled activities from morning to evening.
Eligibility
The YUVIKA program is open to all Indian students who are currently studying in Class 9 as of January 1st of the program year. Selection is based on a weighted system that considers academic performance in Class 8 (50%), an online quiz score (10%), and participation in extracurricular activities (up to 40% weightage). Special consideration (15% weightage) is given to students from rural areas.
- Grade level
- Grade 9
- Age range
- 13 to 15 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Students must be currently studying in Class 9 as of January 1st of the program year. Selection is primarily based on academic performance in Class 8 (50% weightage), performance in an online quiz (10% weightage), and participation in extracurricular activities (up to 40% weightage). Special consideration (15% weightage) is given to students from rural areas.
- Prerequisites
- Completion of Class 8
- Basic understanding of science and mathematics concepts up to Class 8 level
- Curiosity and interest in space science and technology
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
ISRO Certificate of Participation
A prestigious Certificate of Participation from ISRO, highly recognized within the scientific and academic community in India, which can significantly boost a student's academic profile and future career prospects in STEM fields.
Opens doors to
Participation in ISRO YUVIKA provides a strong foundation and unique experience, serving as a significant differentiator for admissions to top universities and institutes in India and abroad, especially for engineering, science, and research programs.
Recognition
National Recognition from ISRO
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 27 Feb 2026
- Registration closed
- 31 Mar 2026
- Dates
- 11 May 2026 to 22 May 2026
How to apply
- 1Register via email on the official ISRO YUVIKA portal (jigyasa.iirs.gov.in/yuvika). Ensure your email is verified.
- 2Complete an online quiz within 48 hours of email registration. Read quiz guidelines carefully.
- 3After submitting the quiz, wait at least 60 minutes, then log in to the YUVIKA portal to fill out the detailed online application form with all required personal and educational information. Download the submitted form.
- 4Obtain attested photocopies of all required certificates (Class 8 marksheet, extracurricular activity certificates, rural area certificate if applicable) signed by your school Principal/Head. Scan and upload these attested documents along with the signed application form before the registration deadline.
- 5Generate a certificate for verification by your Principal/Head of School/Parent/Guardian to avoid cancellation due to mismatches.
Rules and guidelines
- Incomplete applications, especially those missing the quiz and certificate uploads, will be disqualified.
- In case of a tie among selected applicants, younger candidates will be given preference.
- Participants must adhere to the residential program rules and regulations at the ISRO centers.
- Any mismatch observed in the attached certificates and the certificate for verification submitted by the student will lead to cancellation of candidature.
Technology requirements
- Reliable internet access for online registration and quiz.
- Access to a scanner or smartphone for uploading attested documents.
About this opportunity
The YUva VIgyani KAryakram (YUVIKA), or Young Scientist Programme, is a flagship annual initiative by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) designed to ignite scientific curiosity and impart foundational knowledge in space technology, science, and applications among young students. Launched in 2019, this prestigious program provides a unique opportunity for selected students to spend two weeks during their summer vacation at various state-of-the-art ISRO/Department of Space (DoS) centers across India, including VSSC (Thiruvananthapuram), URSC (Bengaluru), SAC (Ahmedabad), NESAC (Shillong), IIRS (Dehradun), NRSC (Hyderabad), and SDSC-SHAR (Sriharikota).
The program's core objective is to "Catch them young" and encourage more students to pursue rewarding careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, contributing to India's growing space sector.
The comprehensive curriculum includes engaging invited talks by eminent ISRO scientists and engineers, interactive experience-sharing sessions, live experimental demonstrations, insightful facility and lab visits (such as clean rooms, launch pads, and mission control centers), exclusive discussion sessions with experts, and practical, hands-on activities. These activities range from model rocketry and sky gazing to robotic coding/experiments, CANSAT experiments, DIY kit assembly, and drone demonstrations.
YUVIKA is meticulously designed to provide a holistic and engaging understanding of space exploration, satellite technology, rocket science, and India's significant space missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan. The program is entirely free of cost, with ISRO covering all expenses, including training materials, comfortable lodging, nutritious boarding, and travel.
What your child will do
- Invited talks by eminent scientists
- Experience sharing sessions with scientists
- Experimental demonstrations
- Facility and lab visits (e.g., VSSC, URSC, SAC, NESAC, SDSC-SHAR)
- Exclusive sessions for discussions with experts
- Practical and feedback sessions
- Model rocketry
- Sky gazing
- Robotic coding/experiments
- CANSAT experiments
- Drone demonstrations
- DIY kits assembly
- Yoga & meditation
- Sports
- Cultural activities
- Local sight tours
Mentors and faculty
Eminent scientists and engineers from ISRO.
Languages
Academic details
Difficulty: Beginner
What's covered
The comprehensive curriculum is designed to provide a 360-degree experience of space science and technology. It includes a blend of theoretical and practical learning: classroom lectures by senior and young ISRO scientists covering fundamentals of space technology, science, and applications (e.g., satellite systems, rocket science, India's space missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan); hands-on activities such as model rocketry, sky gazing, robotic coding/experiments, CANSAT experiments, DIY kits assembly, and drone demonstrations; technical facility visits to various ISRO centers (VSSC, URSC, SAC, NESAC, SDSC-SHAR, IIRS, NRSC) and other premier institutes like PRL, CSC, Calorax Foundation Experiment Lab, and Guru Shikhar observatory; and interactive sessions for discussions with experts. The program also incorporates extracurricular activities like yoga, meditation, sports, and cultural events to ensure a holistic development.
Frequently asked questions
How can students best prepare for the immersive nature of the YUVIKA program?
Students can prepare by cultivating a strong interest in science and space, reviewing Class 8 science and math concepts, and engaging in hands-on activities or science projects. Familiarity with basic space awareness will also be beneficial for the online quiz.
What is the typical daily schedule like for participants during the two-week residential program?
The program features a structured daily schedule including classroom lectures by ISRO scientists, interactive sessions, practical demonstrations, lab visits, and hands-on activities like model rocketry and sky gazing. Extracurricular activities such as yoga and sports are also integrated.
How does participation in YUVIKA contribute to a student's long-term academic and career goals?
Participation provides foundational knowledge in space science and technology, fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and offers direct interaction with eminent scientists. This experience significantly enhances a student's profile for higher education in STEM fields and inspires careers in space research.
What measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of students during the residential program?
ISRO prioritizes the safety and well-being of all participants. The residential program includes supervised accommodation, nutritious meals, medical support, and a dedicated team of coordinators to ensure a secure and supportive learning environment at all centers.
How are students encouraged to continue their interest in space science after completing the program?
The program aims to ignite a lasting passion for space science. Participants are encouraged to join science clubs, participate in further STEM competitions, and explore online resources. ISRO also hopes they become ambassadors for science education in their communities.
What kind of support is available for students who might face challenges during the program?
Dedicated mentors and program coordinators are available at each center to provide academic and personal support. Students can approach them for any assistance, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience throughout the two-week program.
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