ISRO announces YUVIKA program for school students: What is it?
What's the story
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched the third edition of its Young Scientist Program, Yuva Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA 2025). The program, which is intended for Class 9 students, will be held as a two-week residential course. Interested students can register for the program starting today until March 23, 2025.
Schedule
Important dates for the program
The first selection list for YUVIKA 2025 will be released on April 7, 2025. Selected students are expected to report at ISRO centers on May 18, or as instructed. The program will be conducted from May 19 to May 30, with a send-off date set for May 31. This schedule gives a clear timeline to the participants and ensures smooth operation of the program.
Eligibility
Selection criteria for YUVIKA
To be eligible for YUVIKA 2025, students should have secured at least 50% in their Class 8 exams and obtained at least 10% in an online quiz. Other selection criteria include participation in science fairs or Olympiads, performance in sports competitions, and membership in Scout and Guides/NCC/NSS in the last three years. Students studying in rural schools in Panchayat areas are preferred.
Locations
YUVIKA 2025 to be held across 7 centers
The YUVIKA 2025 program will be held at seven ISRO centers in Dehradun, Thiruvananthapuram, Sriharikota, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Shillong. ISRO will bear all expenses for travel, course material as well as lodging and boarding of selected students.
Goals
A platform for young scientists
YUVIKA 2025 is designed to teach young students about space technology, science, and applications. The program's motto is 'Catch them young' and it reflects the aim to encourage more students to take up education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-based research or careers. ISRO's initiative gives budding scientists a rare opportunity to delve into their interest in space exploration and related fields.