Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced the launch of YUVIKA 2026, the YUva VIgyani KAryakram (Young Scientist Program) — a prestigious two‑week residential programme designed to introduce school students to space technology, space science, and space applications and inspire them to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics).

📅 Important Dates for YUVIKA 2026

Here are the key dates every aspiring young scientist should note:

🗓 Programme Announcement: february 20, 2026
📍 Online Registration Begins: February 27, 2026
⏰ Registration Ends: March 31, 2026
📢 First Selection List: april 13, 2026
📬 Second Confirmation List: april 20, 2026
🚀 YUVIKA Programme Dates: May 11–22, 2026

The registration window opens on 27 february 2026, giving eligible candidates around one month to apply.

🎓 Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for YUVIKA 2026:

• 📘 students must be studying in Class 9 as of January 1, 2026.
• 🏫 Applicants must be enrolled in any recognised school in India.

This means students entering Class 9 or currently in that grade are eligible to take part.

🧠 What Is YUVIKA and Why It Matters

YUVIKA isn’t just another course — it’s a fully‑funded residential learning experience where students get:

• 📚 Exposure to basic principles of space science and technology
• 🛰️ Opportunities to interact with scientists and engineers
• 🔬 Sessions on space applications and research fields
• 🧪 Hands‑on demonstrations and activities

The programme is designed to “catch young talent early” and nurture future generations of scientists and innovators.

📊 Selection Criteria Explained

ISRO evaluates applicants through a combination of academic and extracurricular achievements:

✔️ 50 % weightage — Marks obtained in Class 8 or the most recent examination
✔️ 10 % weightage — Performance in an online quiz
✔️ 2–10 % weightage — Participation in science fairs and other school activities
✔️ Additional points for Olympiads, sports achievements, NCC/NSS members, Scouts & Guides
✔️ 15 % weightage — students studying in rural schools (Panchayat areas)
✔️ Minimum representation ensured from each State & Union Territory

This selection system places a strong focus not just on academic performance, but also on holistic development and varied achievements.

🌍 Programme Locations

Once selected, students will attend YUVIKA at one of nine isro centres across India, including prominent facilities such as:

• Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)
• Satish dhawan Space Centre (SDSC)
• U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC)

and others where students get direct exposure to space missions and research work.

🧳 Expenses Covered by ISRO

One of the biggest attractions of YUVIKA is that ISRO covers most costs:

✔️ Study materials, meals, lodging, and boarding: Fully covered
✔️ Travel expenses: Reimbursed up to II AC train fare or equivalent bus fare on submission of original tickets

This makes the programme accessible regardless of a student’s financial background.

📌 Summary: What You Need to Do

📍 Mark your calendar: Online applications open February 27, 2026 and close March 31, 2026.

📍 Check eligibility: You must be studying in Class 9 for the 2026 session.

📍 Submit your application online via the official portal when registration opens.

📍 Prepare for selection: Focus on academics, online quiz preparation, and highlight extracurricular achievements where possible.

🚀 Final Takeaway

The ISRO YUVIKA 2026 programme offers a rare chance for young students across india to get hands‑on exposure to space science and technology, learn directly from experts, and take an early step towards a career in STEM fields — and the application window begins on 27 february 2026.

 

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