May 13, 2026
YUvaVIgyaniKAryakram (YUVIKA) is a flagship outreach initiative of ISRO aimed at nurturing scientific curiosity among young minds and providing them an early insight to space science, space technology and space applications. It is a two-week residential programme for ninth class passed out school students of India. During the course of last five editions, 1320 students have been trained at various ISRO Centres/Units.This year, the programme has been expanded to nine ISRO centres, including two new host locations – IPRC, Mahendragiri and RRSC Jodhpur, enabling wider geographic outreach and enhanced capacity.
The Young Scientists Programme YUVIKA- 2026, the sixth edition of the programme, was inaugurated by Dr.V. Narayanan, Secretary DoS/ Chairman ISRO, on May 11, 2026, from ISRO Devanahalli Guest House, Bengaluru with virtual participation from nine host ISRO centres. The inauguration witnessed the presence of ISRO Centre Directors, Scientific Secretary of ISRO, and senior scientists from various ISRO centres.
A total of 1,06,530 students registered for the YUVIKA-2026 programme and 456 meritorious students representing 28 states and 8 union territories were selected for the programme scheduled from May 11 - 22, 2026, across following nine ISRO/DoS centres/units:
Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary DoS/ Chairman ISRO, addressed the students across the centres in virtual mode. During his address, he emphasized the importance of progress in science and technology which benefits the society and nation at large. He also touched upon the journey of Indian Space Programme and its achievement. Further he highlighted about ISRO’s upcoming projects, including Bharatiya Antariksh Station and Gaganyaan and mentioned that the young students of India are going to play a crucial role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The YUVIKA 2026 programme aims to develop scientific temper in young participants. The students will get exposure to space science, technology, and applications through experiential learning and various activities such asinteraction with senior scientists & Gaganyaatris, lectures, witnessing of Live RH200 rocket launch, Chandrayaan-3 DIY kit assembly, Model rocket assembly & launch, and more hands-on activities.
Additionally, extra-curricular activities like yoga, meditation, sports, cultural programmes, and local sightseeing tours are also planned as part of the programme to provide a comprehensive learning experience.