YUVIKA Programme (YUva VIgyani KAryakram)
Why in News?
On April 2, 2026, the government reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing scientific temper by sharing the programme's latest reach and impact statistics in Parliament.
Programme Overview
- Launched in 2019 by ISRO Chairman K Sivan on May 17, it targets Class 9 students (or equivalent) to impart basic knowledge of space science, technology, and applications.
- Annual two-week residential training at ISRO centers like VSSC (Thiruvananthapuram), URSC (Bengaluru), SAC (Ahmedabad), and NESAC (Shillong).
- Fully sponsored by ISRO, including free lodging, meals, and travel for selected participants.
Objectives
- Develop curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while encouraging STEM careers.
- Promote equitable participation: 10 students per state, 8 per Union Territory, with focus on rural and underrepresented areas.
- "Catch them young" to build India's future scientists, as stated by officials.
Selection Process
- Based on 9th-grade marks (minimum 80-90% in some reports), an online test or interview, and socio-economic factors like rural background.
- Applications via official portals like jigyasa.iirs.gov.in/yuvika; shortlisting ensures regional balance.
- Around 300-400 students selected annually from across India.
Activities
- Classroom sessions on space trends, hands-on experiments with CANSAT, robotics kits, and model rocketry.
- Interactions with ISRO scientists, field visits, and practical demonstrations.
- Covers topics like space applications, emerging technologies, and career guidance.
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