The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is organising the Young Scientist Programme, YUVIKA, an annual special programme for school children aimed at fostering an interest in space science and technology. The program seeks to provide a basic understanding of space technology, space science, and space applications, as well as instill and develop space research enthusiasm in young minds. YUVIKA is open to all states and Union Territories in India, and each state or UT is required to participate at least once. Eligible students can register for the program, and ISRO will cover their travel fees, course materials, hotel, and boarding. The selection criteria include marks obtained in Class 8 or the most recent exam, performance in an online quiz, participation in science fairs, rank in Olympiad or equivalent exams, winners of sport competitions, scout and guide, and participation as an NCC and NSS member in the previous three years. The YUVIKA program aims to encourage more students to pursue studies or jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
ISRO to Conduct ‘YUVIKA’ Programme for Schoolchildren to Foster Space Science Enthusiasm
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to organise a Young Scientist Programme named ‘Yuva Vigyani Karyakram’ (YUVIKA), aimed at providing school children with a basic understanding of space technology, space science, and space applications while keeping them updated with the latest trends in space science and technology. The program is an annual initiative designed to instill and develop space research enthusiasm in young minds.
YUVIKA is a special programme for school children that seeks to encourage students to pursue studies or jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) by “catching them young.” It is open to all states and Union Territories in India, and each state or UT is required to participate at least once. Eligible students can register for the program, which will run from May 15 to 26, through the ISRO site.
The selection criteria for YUVIKA-2023 include marks obtained in Class 8 or the most recent exam, performance in an online quiz, participation in science fairs, rank in Olympiad or equivalent exams, winners of sport competitions, scout and guide, and participation as an NCC and NSS member in the previous three years. Preference will be given to children studying in village or rural schools.
ISRO will conduct the YUVIKA programme at seven centres, including Thiruvananthapuram’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Bengaluru’s U R Rao Satellite Centre, Ahmedabad’s Space Application Centre, Sriharikota’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre, and other locations. During the programme, ISRO will cover students’ travel fees, course materials, hotel, and boarding.
The YUVIKA programme was launched in May 2019, following an announcement by then-ISRO chief K Sivan in January of the same year. Sivan had emphasised that the programme was designed to instill and develop space research enthusiasm in young minds, with preference given to students from rural backgrounds in the selection criteria.
In conclusion, ISRO’s YUVIKA programme is an excellent opportunity for school children to gain a basic understanding of space technology and science while fostering an interest in STEM fields. It is a commendable initiative by ISRO to catch young minds and encourage them to pursue careers in space science and technology.
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