Indian Space Research Organisation is organising a special programme for School Children called "Young Scientist Programme" "YUva VIgyani KAryakram”, YUVIKA, to impart basic knowledge on Space Technology, Space Science and Space Applications to the younger students in emerging trends in space science and technology amongst the youngsters, who are the future building blocks of our nation. ISRO has chalked out this programme to "Catch them young". The programme is also expected to encourage more students to pursue in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) based research /career . Eligibility Student studying in Class '9' as on Jan 01 of that year, within India is eligible to apply. What is being offered It is a two-week residential programme offered by ISRO. A minimum participation will be ensured from each State / UT. The programme is planned at seven centres of ISRO viz. 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. Expenditure towards only the travel of selected student (II AC train fare or AC (including Volvo) bus fare by State Government or authorized transport from nearest Railway Station/ Bust terminal to the reporting centre and back). Student needs to produce original ticket of travel for reimbursement of travel fare from respective ISRO centre. In case the student has not travelled by the II AC train (II AC class), the maximum reimbursement of fare will be limited to II AC train fare only. The course material, lodging and boarding etc., during the entire course will be borne by ISRO. Selection criteria The selection of participants in YUVIKA will be carried out on the basis of following parameters: Marks obtained in Class 8 or last conducted exam (Student) - 50 % Performance in the online quiz - 10% Participation in science fair (school / district / state & above level in last 3 years) - 2/5/10% Rank in Olympiad or equivalent (1 to 3 rank in School / District / State & above level in last 3 years) - 2/4/5% Winners of sport competitions ( 1 to 3 rank in School / District / State & above level in last 3 years) - 2/4/5% Scout and Guides / NCC / NSS Member in last 3 years - 5% Studying in Village / Rural School located in Panchayat area - 15% YUVIKA 2026 - important timelines Announcement of programme - February 20, 2026 Registration starts - February 27, 2026 Registration ends - March 31, 2026 Release of first selection list - April 13, 2026 YUVIKA Programme - May 11-22, 2026 How to apply To apply online, click here. Step-2: Verify your email as received after successful registration in above website. Please click on the verification link sent to your registered email ID. Step-3: Participate in SpaceQuiz. Read Quiz guidelines carefully before appearing for the quiz. Step-4: Fill your personal profile and education details Step-5: Student need to take photo copy of the certificates and attest the same by the principal/Head of School signing the certificate for verification. The verified certificate needs to scan and upload into the website. The photo copy of attested certificates and certificate for verification need to be uploaded in the website. Step-6: Generate your certificate for verification by your principal/Head of School/ Parent/ Guardian (Any mismatch observed in the attached certificate (s) by the student and certificate for verification submitted by student will liable for cancellation of candidature of the student) Step-7: Scan and upload your document and submit the application. Source : ISRO