Antariksh Bhavan, Karnataka, India. In a significant move to foster scientific curiosity among the nation’s youth, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially announced the commencement of the YUVA VIGYANIK KARYAKARAM (YUVIKA) 2026. This initiative, popularly known as the "Young Scientist Programme," is a two-week residential training program designed to introduce school children to the basics of space technology, space science, and space applications.
The primary objective of YUVIKA 2026 is to inspire students at a formative age to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). By providing a platform for direct interaction with eminent scientists and hands-on exposure to space labs, ISRO aims to nurture the future building blocks of India’s space missions. The curriculum includes invited talks, experience sharing, facility visits, and practical feedback sessions.
The online registration window opens on February 27, 2026, and remains accessible until March 31, 2026. Following the application phase, ISRO will release the first provisional selection list on April 13, 2026, with a second confirmation list expected on April 20, 2026. The actual residential program is scheduled to take place from May 11 to May 22, 2026, coinciding with the summer vacation for most schools. The path to becoming a YUVIKA scientist begins on the official ISRO Antariksha Jigyasa portal. Prospective candidates must first create an account by providing a valid email address and completing the initial registration. Once the account is verified via email, students gain access to the application dashboard. The first critical step is to complete the mandatory online Space Quiz, which tests basic scientific knowledge and contributes to the final merit score.
To be eligible for the 2026 session, students must be studying in Class 9 as of January 1, 2026, within any recognized school in India. ISRO employs a multi-layered, merit-based selection process to ensure a fair and diverse representation from every State and Union Territory.
The weightage for selection is calculated based on several parameters:
- Academic Performance: 50% weightage is given to marks secured in Class 8 or the last conducted examination.
- Online Quiz: 10% weightage is assigned to the performance in an online space science quiz.
- Rural Preference: A significant 15% weightage is reserved for students studying in village or rural schools located in Panchayat areas, ensuring that talent from beyond urban centers is recognized.
- Extracurriculars: Participation in science fairs and co-curricular activities over the last three years contributes between 2% and 10%.
- Special Achievements: Membership in Scouts and Guides, NCC, or NSS, as well as ranks in Olympiads or sports competitions, provides the remaining weightage.
The program will be conducted across nine major ISRO centers, including the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, and the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru. Selected students are provided with fully funded opportunities. ISRO bears the entire cost of course materials, lodging, and boarding for the duration of the two-week program. Furthermore, travel expenses for the student will be reimbursed up to the II AC train fare (or equivalent bus fare) from the nearest railway station or bus terminal to the assigned reporting center.
"The ISRO YUVIKA program is more than just a training session; it is a gateway for young minds to witness the grandeur of Indian space exploration. At EduAdvice, we encourage all eligible Class 9 students to seize this rare opportunity to learn from the brightest minds in the country. This experience could be the spark that leads you to become India’s next great aerospace engineer or scientist. Prepare your documents early, brush up on your space knowledge for the quiz, and aim for the stars!"
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