ISRO Unveils YUVIKA 2025 Programme for Class 9 Students – Key Details Inside

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially announced the Young Scientist Programme, also known as Yuva Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA) 2025, for students studying in Class 9. This initiative is aimed at fostering scientific curiosity and providing hands-on experience in Space Technology, Space Science, and Space Applications.

For 2025, ISRO will conduct a two-week residential programme across multiple ISRO centres, offering a unique learning opportunity for selected students. Registration for the programme will begin on February 24, 2025, and will close on March 23, 2025.

Let’s explore the details regarding registration, important dates, selection criteria, course structure, and other essential aspects of the YUVIKA 2025 Programme.

YUVIKA 2025: Important Dates

Students interested in participating in ISRO’s YUVIKA 2025 programme must take note of the following key dates:

• Registration begins: February 24, 2025

• Registration closes: March 23, 2025

• First selection list announcement: April 7, 2025

• Reporting at ISRO centres: May 18, 2025 (or as intimated)

• Programme duration: May 19 – May 30, 2025

• Send-off for students: May 31, 2025

The registration process will be conducted online, and selected students will be required to report to the designated ISRO centres as per the provided schedule.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria for YUVIKA 2025

To ensure a fair selection process, ISRO has outlined specific eligibility and selection parameters. Class 9 students from across India as of January 1, 2025, are eligible to apply. The selection process considers the following criteria:

1. Academic Performance

   • Students must have secured at least 50% marks in Class 8.

2. Online Quiz Score

   • Candidates must participate in an online quiz and obtain at least 10% of the total marks.

3. Participation in Science Fairs (Last Three Years)

   • School level: 2%

   • District level: 5%

   • State level and above: 10%

4. Rank in Olympiad or Equivalent Competitions (Last Three Years)

   • School rank (1 to 3 position): 2%

   • District rank (1 to 3 position): 4%

   • State rank (1 to 3 position): 5%

5. Sports Achievements (Last Three Years)

   • School-level winners (Rank 1-3): 2%

   • District-level winners (Rank 1-3): 4%

   • State-level winners (Rank 1-3): 5%

6. Participation in NCC/NSS/Scouts & Guides (Last Three Years)

   • Students involved in these activities will receive 5% additional weightage.

7. Students from Rural Schools

   • Students studying in village or rural schools located in Panchayat areas will receive 15% additional preference.

These selection criteria aim to ensure a diverse and inclusive participation from students across various backgrounds, including rural areas.

ISRO’s YUVIKA Programme: Learning & Course Details

The YUVIKA 2025 programme is designed to engage students with cutting-edge topics in Space Science, Technology, and Engineering. It aligns with ISRO’s mission to "Catch them young" by encouraging students to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers.

Subjects Covered:

• Introduction to Space Technology and its Applications

• Basics of Astronomy and Space Science

• Role of Satellites in Communication and Navigation

• Remote Sensing Technology and Earth Observation

• Hands-on training with science experiments and space-related projects

• Interaction with ISRO scientists and industry experts

The programme will provide a unique opportunity for students to engage in real-world space applications and experiments, helping them gain a deeper understanding of space technology.

YUVIKA 2025: ISRO Training Centres

The YUVIKA 2025 programme will be hosted across seven ISRO centres in India, ensuring broad accessibility for students nationwide:

• Dehradun

• Thiruvananthapuram

• Sriharikota

• Bengaluru

• Ahmedabad

• Hyderabad

• Shillong

Each centre will facilitate hands-on training sessions, interactions with space scientists, and guided projects in space research and applications.

Expenses and Benefits for Selected Students

To make the programme accessible for all eligible students, ISRO will cover the entire cost of participation, including:

✔ Travel expenses (to and from the ISRO centre)
✔ Course materials and study kits
✔ Accommodation and food during the two-week programme

This initiative ensures that students, regardless of their financial background, can fully benefit from this educational experience.

Conclusion

The ISRO YUVIKA 2025 Programme presents a golden opportunity for Class 9 students across India to explore the real-world applications of Space Science and Technology. By engaging with top scientists, participating in live experiments, and gaining hands-on exposure, students can pave the way for a future in STEM fields.

With registrations opening on February 24, 2025, students are encouraged to apply and seize this chance to become part of India’s space exploration journey!