Key Takeaways
- ISRO’s YUva VIgyani KAryakram (YUVIKA) is a young scientist program aimed at school students to promote interest in space science and STEM subjects.
- Eligible students must be in class IX as of January 1, 2025, and registration is open until March 23, 2025.
- The program will take place from May 19 to May 30, 2025, at seven ISRO centers across India, with all costs covered except for travel expenses.
Overview of YUva VIgyani KAryakram (YUVIKA)
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched the YUva VIgyani KAryakram, commonly known as YUVIKA, which translates to “Young Scientist Programme.” This initiative aims to educate school students about Space Technology, Space Science, and Space Applications, effectively fostering early interest in these fields.
Designed to inspire youngsters, the program encourages students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). School students in class IX as of January 1, 2025, are eligible to apply, and ISRO will cover all expenses, including course materials and accommodations.
Registration for the program opens on February 24, 2025, and will close on March 23, 2025. The initial selection list will be released on April 7, 2025. Selected students are expected to report to their respective ISRO centers on May 18, 2025, with the program running from May 19 to May 30, 2025. A send-off for the participants is scheduled for May 31, 2025.
The selection process for YUVIKA-2025 is based on various evaluation criteria:
– Marks obtained in the Class 8 examination (50% weightage)
– Performance in an online quiz (10%)
– Participation in science fairs (2-10%)
– Rankings in Olympiads or equivalent competitions (2-5%)
– Sports achievements (2-5%)
– Involvement in Scouts and Guides, NCC, or NSS (5%)
– Enrollment in a rural school (15%)
The program will take place at seven different ISRO centers across India, ensuring that participants represent every state and union territory. The centers include:
1. Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), Dehradun
2. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram
3. Satish Dhavan Space Center (SDSC) Sriharikota
4. UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru
5. Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad
6. National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad
7. North-Eastern Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC), Shillong
While ISRO will cover all program-related costs for the students, they will be responsible for their travel arrangements. Students will be reimbursed for travel expenses, limited to II AC train fare or equivalent bus fares from their nearest transport terminals to the reporting centers.
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