For a long time, ISRO has been at the forefront of space exploration and technology innovations. To motivate and nurture the country’s young minds, ISRO initiated the Young Scientist Programme (YUVIKA) in 2019. The initiative is designed to expose school students to the fascinating world of space science and technology. The programme gives selected students the chance to have hands-on experience, interact with ISRO scientists, and gain an understanding of India’s space missions.
The 2025 edition of ISRO YUVIKA is on the horizon, and both students and educators are eager about its prospects. Read the full article to learn all about YUVIKA 2025, its importance, aims, eligibility, selection process, benefits, and what participants can expect from this prestigious programme.
Understanding ISRO YUVIKA
Young Scientists Programme, or YUVIKA, is an amazing programme designed to interest young students in space science, engineering, and research. YUVIKA stands for Yuva Vigyani Karyakram (Young Scientist Programme). The primary objective is to provide students with exposure to emerging Space Technologies and inspire them to pursue studies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines.
YUVIKA engages students through interactive sessions, practical experiments, and exposure at ISRO, making learning fun and meaningful. The show touches on basic topics of space research, satellite technology, astronomy, and even India’s ambitious interplanetary missions.
Objectives of YUVIKA 2025
The primary objectives of ISRO YUVIKA 2025 are:
- Promoting Scientific Temper: The initiative aims to instill in young minds the spirit of scientific creativity and innovation.
- Imparting Practical Knowledge: Students may engage in hands-on demonstrations and experiments in the laboratory.
- Basics of Space Technology: The course includes learning from fundamentals to others, such as satellite systems, rocket science, space missions, etc.
- Interact with ISRO scientists: Shake hands with leading scientists and engineers working at ISRO.
- Exciting a New Generation of Space Educators: The program will encourage students to excel academically and pursue education and career opportunities in space research and engineering academic programs.
Elegibility Criteria for YUVIKA 2025
To ensure that the most deserving candidates can participate in YUVIKA 2025, ISRO has set a few eligibility criteria for students.
Who Can Apply?
- In March 2025, students appearing for Class 9 will have cleared their Class 8 in the last academic year
- Indian citizens only
Selection Process
The admission process of students is simple and looks at:
- Academic Achievement: Marks obtained in Class 8
- Participation: Entering Olympiads, competitions, or innovation contests in science
- Extracurricular/ Co-Curricular Activities: Quizzes, Debates and Technical Events
- Science Projects Submitted: Any relevant projects/ research that the applicant has personally worked on.
- Submission of Essays: You may be asked pertinent questions to register, or an essay question may be prompted asking you to describe your interest in space science.
Rural students are given extra marks for inclusivity.
Timeline of YUVIKA 2025
- Announcement of Programme: February 24, 2025
- Registration Period: February 24, 2025 – March 23, 2025
- Release of First Selection List: April 7, 2025
- Reporting by Selected Students at Respective ISRO Centres: May 18, 2025, or as intimated by ISRO through the registered email of the student
- YUVIKA Programme Duration: May 19 – 30, 2025
- Send-off Date for Selected Students from Respective Centres: May 31, 2025
Programme Structure and Activities
With YUVIKA 2025, students will undergo a two-week oak immersion learning experience at different ISRO centres.
The programme includes:
Lectures and Workshops
- An overview of space technology
- Rocket launching and propulsion systems basics
- Astronomy, astrophysics and planetary sciences.
- Applications of space technology in the environmental field.
Hands-on Experiments
- Constructing model rockets and launching them.
- Creating an environment similar to that in space.
- Telescopic observation of celestial objects
- Involvement in small model architecture.
Visits to ISRO Facilities
Some of the ISRO centres that students would visit include:
- Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC): Rocket development hub
- Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota: India’s satellite launch pad
- ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC): Mission control centre
- U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC): Satellite design and manufacturing centre
Interaction with Scientists and Experts
ISRO engineers, scientists, and space researchers will interact with students in interactive question-and-answer sessions and share their experiences and insights about various missions from India’s space odysseys.
Group Projects and Presentations
Student teams will tackle small space-related challenges and present their findings after the programme.
Awards and Certificates
Participants completing the entire course content will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from ISRO, while a few meritorious students will also be given awards or other mentoring opportunities.
Benefits of Participating in YUVIKA 2025
Exposure to Space Science and Technology
Learners unearth hands-on knowledge of the process through which space missions are designed and carried out.
Career Guidance
Insights into air and space research careers and engineering roles teach students about career paths in space research, engineering and related scientific domains.
Skill Development
Practical experiments and collaborative projects support the building of problem-solving, teamwork and research capabilities.
Networking Opportunities
Students also rub elbows with like-minded peers and experts and forge ties that can serve them academically and professionally.
Encouragement to Make Up the Difference
Many YUVIKA fellows have pursued higher studies in Aerospace-(and/or)- Astrophysics and related fields.
How to Apply for ISRO YUVIKA 2025?
Online Registration
- Apply online. Visit the official ISRO website when application forms are available (generally early in the year).
- Academic details and achievements may be filled out in the YUVIKA 2025 application form.
Document Submission
- Previous academic record/ Class 8 mark sheet
- Certificates for science competitions or workshops
- Writing Sample/ Essay (if required)
Selection and Announcement
- The merit list is prepared based on selection parameters
- ISRO Website & Email: Candidates who have been shortlisted will be mentioned on the ISRO website, and they will also be sent an email.
Travel and Accommodation
ISRO bears selected students’ travel, food, and accommodation expenses during the programme.
Success Stories from Past YUVIKA Participants
In the past years, the programme has witnessed acclaimed participants who have made their mark in the field of science and technology. Others have entered international competitions, won scholarships, or even undertaken research projects related to space science. Their stories express the profound impact the programme has on young minds.
Conclusion
The YUVIKA 2025 programme of ISRO is a chance for young people to learn about space science and technology and gain expertise and knowledge. These tours offer students an opportunity to learn from experts, perform exciting experiments, and witness cutting-edge ISRO workspaces, which will help them in their endeavours. The programme encourages curiosity, scientific temper, and innovation in the minds of individuals and inspires them to pursue their studies in STEM and contribute to India’s growing space sector . Through interaction with real-life applications of space technology, YUVIKA also helps students understand space exploration has a role in addressing today’s world’s problems.
Even as ISRO keeps making its mark relentlessly in pursuing space research, programmes like YUVIKA ensure that the next generation is groomed to surpass what India achieves in space in the years to come. It is also a leading force in recognising and mentoring young talent, inspiring them to boldly dream and pursue ground-breaking space technology. YUVIKA 2025 is a golden opportunity for students who have an undying love for space science to get the experience of a lifetime and be part of India’s space mission journey.
