The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has declared the commencement of registrations for its YUva VIgyani KAryakram (YUVIKA) 2025, a special program that aims to involve young minds in the exciting realm of space science and technology. The program, also referred to as the Young Scientist Program, is meant to equip students with necessary knowledge in the fields of space technology, space science, and space applications. It is to develop the inquisitiveness of students studying in schools about science and encourage them towards profession in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

YUVIKA programme is focusing specifically on students studying in Class IX on or before January 1, 2025, who are pursuing education in schools within India. These selected students will get to undergo practical learning processes, experience space science emerging trends, and develop exposures to the functioning of ISRO and its research operations. Of interest, all the costs relating to the programme, including study material, boarding, and accommodation, will be incurred by ISRO.

The program aims to motivate and encourage students at a young age in their educational process, making them aware of the vast opportunities in the area of space science. Through this, ISRO wishes to develop a new generation of scientists and researchers who will aid India’s development in space technology and allied fields. With this program, ISRO also aims to create a more inclusive and diverse scientific community by ensuring that students from various states and union territories (UTs) are included in the program.

The program will be held at seven ISRO centers spread across the nation. These institutions are the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) in Dehradun, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, Satish Dhavan Space Center (SDSC) in Sriharikota, UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru, Space Applications Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad, National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) in Hyderabad, and North-Eastern Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC) in Shillong. The objective is to provide even participation from across different regions of India, thus providing a platform for students hailing from rural and urban regions to participate in the program.

To apply for YUVIKA 2025, students must register themselves before the application deadline. Registration for the program started on February 24, 2025, and will continue until March 23, 2025. Once the registration is closed, ISRO will publish the first selection list on April 7, 2025. Shortlisted students will have to report to their respective ISRO centers on May 18, 2025, or according to the instructions received by them via email.

The YUVIKA program itself will be conducted between May 19 and May 30, 2025. The students will be bid farewell from their respective centers on May 31, 2025. The program will introduce students to a range of subjects such as satellite technology, remote sensing, and space exploration and provide them with first-hand experience of the activities carried out by ISRO scientists and engineers.

ISRO has also provided certain parameters for the selection of participants. The marks secured in the Class 8 exam will be the first factor, carrying 50% of the weightage in the selection process. Other considerations are performance in an online quiz (10%), science fair participation at the school, district, state, or national level (up to 10%), ranking in science Olympiads or similar competitions (up to 5%), and sporting achievements in sports competitions (up to 5%). Also, students who have been part of organizations like Scouts and Guides, NCC, or NSS during the last three years will be given an additional 5% weightage. Rural or village school students will be provided with special consideration, and 15% weightage will be given to them.

One of the major features of the program is that travel costs for the chosen students will be paid by ISRO. The reimbursement includes travel expenses for reaching the concerned ISRO center from the nearest railway station or bus stand, including the II AC train fare or equivalent in AC bus travel. But if a student has come by any class other than II AC, the reimbursement will be up to the II AC train fare.

The YUVIKA initiative is a part of ISRO’s continued mission to encourage and foster the scientific potential of young minds throughout India. By giving school students the opportunity to learn about the realm of space science, ISRO is aiming to generate innovation and inspire the next generation of space scientists, engineers, and technologists. The program is also anticipated to support the greater vision of developing a strong STEM ecosystem in India, which will be instrumental in the nation’s sustained advancement in space exploration and technological innovation.

With the objective of fostering diversity and inclusivity, ISRO is making sure that students from every part of India, rural and underrepresented regions included, get a chance to be a part of it. The program is likely to not only motivate students but also generate more interest in space science and technology in the country.