The ISRO YUVIKA 2026 (Young Scientist Programme) is an exciting initiative by the Indian Space Research Organisation to spark interest in space science and technology among young students. Also known as Yuva VIgyani KAryakram, this fully funded two-week residential programme introduces participants to the basics of space technology, space science, and its applications.
The aim is to "catch them young" and encourage more kids to pursue careers in STEM fields. For the 2026 batch, it's open to Class 9 students across India.
Key Highlights:
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Open exclusively to students in Class 9 as of January 1, 2026.
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Two-week residential programme from May 11 to May 22, 2026.
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Fully covered by ISRO: study materials, accommodation, meals, and travel reimbursement.
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Extra 15% weightage for students from rural/Panchayat area schools.
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Merit-based selection with focus on academics, activities, and an online quiz.
What Is ISRO YUVIKA 2026? (Young Scientist Programme Overview)
YUVIKA stands for Yuva VIgyani KAryakram, which translates to Young Scientist Programme. ISRO runs it to build early interest in space-related topics and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. It's a hands-on, two-week residential experience held at various ISRO centres across the country.
During the programme, students get to learn about emerging trends in space science and technology through lectures, experiments, and interactions with experts. ISRO takes care of pretty much everything, study materials, comfortable accommodation, meals, and even reimbursement for travel (usually up to 2nd AC train fare or equivalent bus fare, based on original tickets).
It's a great way for curious Class 9 students to get a real taste of what a career in space research could look like.
ISRO YUVIKA 2026 Eligibility Criteria
If you're wondering about ISRO YUVIKA 2026 eligibility, it's straightforward and focused on Class 9 students.
Class & Academic Eligibility
- Students must be studying in Class 9 as on January 1, 2026, in any recognised school in India. This follows the pattern from previous years, where applicants have typically completed Class 8 in the prior academic year.
Age Limit
- ISRO doesn't specify a separate age range beyond the Class 9 requirement as of January 1, 2026. As long as you meet the class condition, you're good to go.
Nationality & School Type
- Only Indian students are eligible. That means students from government, private, CBSE, ICSE, or state board schools can apply, provided the school is recognised.
Rural School Preference
- Here's a nice boost: students from rural schools located in Panchayat areas get an additional 15% weightage in the selection process. This isn't a strict eligibility rule but an extra advantage to encourage participation from across the country.
ISRO YUVIKA 2026 Important Dates
Here are the key dates for the 2026 batch:
| Event | YUVIKA 2026 Date |
|---|---|
| Programme Announcement | February 20, 2026 |
| Online registration starts | February 27, 2026 |
| Last date to apply | March 31, 2026 |
| First selection list | April 13, 2026 |
| Second confirmation list | April 20, 2026 |
| Programme dates | May 11–22, 2026 |
These dates come from the official announcement; always double-check on the ISRO YUVIKA portal or ISRO website before applying, as things can sometimes shift slightly.
ISRO YUVIKA 2026 Selection Criteria (Weightage System)
Selection for ISRO Young Scientist Programme 2026 is merit-based and uses a clear weightage system to score applicants fairly.
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50% weightage – Marks from Class 8 (or the last conducted examination).
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10% weightage – Performance in the online quiz (part of the application process).
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2–10% weightage – Participation in science exhibitions, fairs, or co-curricular activities over the last three years (higher for state/national level).
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Extra marks for achievements like Olympiads (prizes/ranks at school/district/state level), sports competitions (1–3 ranks), and memberships in Scouts & Guides, NCC, or NSS.
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Additional 15% weightage – For students studying in village/rural schools in Panchayat areas.
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ISRO also ensures minimum representation from every State and Union Territory, so students from smaller regions still have a fair shot.
Example: Imagine two students with similar Class 8 marks. One has strong science fair participation and comes from a rural Panchayat school—they could edge ahead thanks to the extra weightage points. The other might shine in an Olympiad or the quiz. It's all about building a well-rounded profile!
ISRO YUVIKA 2026 Eligibility – Required Documents
When applying, you'll need to upload certain documents to support your profile.
Academic Documents
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Class 8 marksheet (or the most recent exam marksheet).
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Proof of current Class 9 status, like a school ID card or bonafide certificate from your school.
Activity & Achievement Certificates
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Certificates for science fairs, exhibitions, quizzes, innovation contests, or Olympiads (from the last 3 years).
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Proof of sports achievements, NCC/NSS/Scouts & Guides membership, or other co-curricular activities.
Other Documents
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Recent passport-size photograph (in the specified format).
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Identity proof like Aadhaar card (usually required—follow the exact instructions on the portal).
How to Apply for ISRO YUVIKA 2026
The application is online only through the official portal.
Registration on the Official Portal
Head to the YUVIKA section on the Antriksh Jigyasa portal: https://jigyasa.iirs.gov.in/yuvika.
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Visit the YUVIKA 2026 page during the registration window (February 27 to March 31, 2026).
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Register with basic details: name, email, mobile number, school name, and confirm Class 9 status.
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Fill in your academic info, upload the required marksheet and certificates.
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Complete the online quiz as guided (it's part of the evaluation).
Tips to Improve Selection Chance
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Focus on getting solid marks in Class 8; it's the biggest chunk of your score.
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Get involved in science fairs, Olympiads, or quizzes and keep those certificates ready.
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If your school is in a rural/Panchayat area, make sure to highlight it accurately (proof from the school head required).
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Submit genuine details; ISRO verifies everything.
ISRO YUVIKA 2026 Programme Centres & Facilities
ISRO Centres for YUVIKA 2026
The programme runs at multiple ISRO centres (typically 7–9 locations). Past and announced ones include:
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Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram
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Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota
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U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru
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Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), Dehradun
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Others as notified for the 2026 batch.
Facilities for Selected Students
ISRO covers the full cost of study materials, accommodation, and meals during the two weeks. Travel reimbursement is provided (up to 2nd AC train or equivalent bus fare) when you submit original tickets.
