ISRO YUVIKA 2026 has been announced, and the applications are currently being accepted from interested students. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) organises the Young Scientist Program, YUVIKA, to impart basic knowledge on space technology, space science and space applications to school children in emerging trends in space science and technology. The program is open at present for students studying in the 9th standard in India.
How Will School Students be Selected for ISRO YUVIKA 2026?
The YUVIKA program aims to encourage school students to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Therefore, students will be selected based on the following parameters:
- Marks obtained in Class 8 or last conducted exam.
- Performance in the online quiz.
- Participation in science fair or co-curricular activities school, state or district level over the past three years.
- Prize in Olympiad or equivalent.
- Winners of sport competitions.
- Scouts and guides in NCC or NST.
- Studying in village or rural schools located in Panchayat areas.
Where Will ISRO YUVIKA 2026 be Conducted?
ISRO YUVIKA 2026 will be conducted from 11 to 22 May 2026 at the following locations:
- Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), Dehradun.
- Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram.
- Satish Dhavan Space Center (SDSC) Sriharikota.
- U. R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru.
- Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad.
- National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad.
- North-Eastern Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC), Shillong.
- ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri.
- Regional Remote Sensing Centre (RRSC), Jodhpur.
Other Important Details of the Program
Students need to note that the registration deadline for YUVIKA 2026 has been set for 31 March 2026. The first selection list will be published on 13 April 2026, followed by the second confirmation list on 20 April 2026, which will be released to fill vacancies arising from the first list. Travel expenses for selected students will be reimbursed only for II AC train fare or AC bus fare (including Volvo) by State Government or authorized transport from the nearest railway station or bus terminal to the reporting centre and back.
Also read: ISRO Invites Applications from Students for Free Online Course on Space Science
Students must produce original travel tickets to claim reimbursement from the respective ISRO centre. If a student travels by any mode other than II AC train, the reimbursement will be limited to the equivalent II AC train fare. Meanwhile, course material, lodging, and boarding during the entire duration of the program will be provided by ISRO. Interested students are advised to go through the official website for further information before submitting applications.
