ISRO Invites Class 9 Students to Join YUVIKA-2024: A Gateway to Space Exploration
Bengaluru, 19th February 2024: Children and youth harbor an inherent fascination for the mysteries of space and the universe, driven by an insatiable curiosity to unravel the secrets behind celestial phenomena. Recognizing this keen interest, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has crafted a unique initiative titled “Young Scientist Programme” or “YUva VIgyani KAryakram” (YUVIKA).
The primary objective of this program is to impart foundational knowledge in Space Science, Space Technology, and Space Applications to young students, exposing them to the evolving trends in space science and technology. The ethos behind YUVIKA is to “Catch them young,” recognizing that the youth are pivotal contributors to the future of our nation’s advancements in space science and technology.
The YUVIKA program also aspires to inspire more students to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)-based research and careers aligned with these disciplines.
YUVIKA aims to disseminate basic knowledge on Space Science, Space Technology, and Space Applications, with a preference for students in rural areas. The program seeks to generate awareness about emerging trends in science and technology among school-going students. It involves two weeks of classroom training, practical experiments, hands-on activities with CANSAT, Robotic kits, Model rocketry, interactions with ISRO scientists, and field visits.
Having achieved successful iterations in 2019, 2022, and 2023, with the participation of 111, 153, and 337 students respectively, representing every state and union territory of India, YUVIKA garnered overwhelming interest in 2023, with over 1.25 lakh students registering from across the country. Selection is based on academic performance, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.
The YUVIKA-2024 registration is now open, with the process running from February 20 to March 20, 2024. Interested students in Class 9 as of January 1, 2024, can apply through the ISRO Antariksha Jigyasa Platform: https://jigyasa.iirs.gov.in/registration. The application process involves email verification, participation in a SpaceQuiz, filling personal and education details, and uploading attested certificates. Careful review and verification by the school’s Principal or Head are essential before submission.
The YUVIKA-2024 program promises an enriching experience with classroom lectures, hands-on activities, technical facility visits, and interactions with space scientists. For more information and to apply, interested students can visit the ISRO Antariksha Jigyasa website: https://jigyasa.iirs.gov.in/yuvika.
