Hyderabad, 23 February (HS): The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced the schedule for its Young Scientist Programme, Yuva Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA) 2026, aimed at providing basic knowledge of space technology, space science and space applications to school students.

The programme, themed “Catch them young”, seeks to encourage students to understand emerging trends in space science and motivate them to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Online registration for YUVIKA 2026 will begin on February 27, 2026, and continue until March 31, 2026. The first selection list will be published on April 13, 2026, and a second list, subject to availability of vacancies, will be released on April 20, 2026. The two-week residential programme will be conducted from May 11 to May 22, 2026.

The programme will be organised at multiple ISRO centres across the country, including centres in Dehradun, Thiruvananthapuram, Sriharikota, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Shillong, Mahendragiri and Jodhpur. ISRO has stated that minimum participation will be ensured from each state and Union Territory.

Students studying in Class 9 as on January 1, 2026, in India are eligible to apply. Selection will be based on Class 8 marks with 50 per cent weightage, performance in an online quiz carrying 10 per cent weightage, and participation and achievements in science fairs, Olympiads, sports, NCC/NSS/Scouts and Guides activities over the past three years.

Additional weightage will be given to students studying in rural schools located in panchayat areas.

ISRO said travel expenses of selected students will be reimbursed upon submission of original tickets. Expenses related to course material, lodging and boarding during the residential programme will be borne by the organisation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar