ISRO YUVIKA 2026: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially announced the “YUva VIgyani KAryakram” (YUVIKA), also known as the Young Scientist Programme, for the year 2026. Designed with the vision to “Catch them young,” this unique initiative aims to impart foundational knowledge on Space Technology, Space Science, and Space Applications to school children. By introducing emerging trends in space exploration, ISRO intends to inspire the younger generation to pursue research and career pathways in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Students currently enrolled in Class 9 have a remarkable opportunity to participate in this fully-funded, two-week residential training program hosted across prestigious ISRO centers.
ISRO YUVIKA 2026: Overview
| Organization Name | Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) |
| Program Name | YUVIKA (Young Scientist Programme) 2026 |
| Target Audience | Class 9 Students |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Total Centers | 9 ISRO Centers Across India |
| Program Duration | May 11, 2026, to May 22, 2026 |
| Financial Support | Fully funded by ISRO (Travel, Boarding, Lodging, Course Material) |
| Official Website | jigyasa.iirs.gov.in / isro.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Announcement of Programme | February 20, 2026 |
| Registration Starts | February 27, 2026 |
| Registration Ends | March 31, 2026 |
| Publication of First Selection List | April 13, 2026 |
| 2nd Confirmation List (Against vacancies) | April 20, 2026 |
| YUVIKA Programme | May 11 – May 22, 2026 |
ISRO YUVIKA 2026 Exam Details
The selection process for ISRO YUVIKA 2026 does not involve a traditional written examination. Instead, it relies on a carefully weighted, multi-parameter evaluation system. Candidates are assessed on a 100% scale that factors in their prior academic performance, an integrated online quiz, extracurricular involvement, and their geographical background. This diverse evaluation strategy ensures a fair and equal representation of students from all States and Union Territories across India.
ISRO YUVIKA 2026: Eligibility Details
To be eligible for the YUVIKA 2026 program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Current Class: The student must be actively studying in Class 9 within the territory of India as of January 1, 2026.
Academic Requirement: Selection heavily relies on marks scored in the Class 8 final examinations (or the last conducted exam).
Nationality: The applicant must be studying in a recognized school within India.
ISRO YUVIKA 2026: Participating Institutes
The two-week program is meticulously planned to ensure wide regional coverage across India. Selected students will report to one of the following ISRO facilities:
- Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), Dehradun
- Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram
- Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota
- U. R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru
- Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad
- National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad
- North-Eastern Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC), Shillong
- ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri
- Regional Remote Sensing Centre (RRSC), Jodhpur
Application Fee
There is No Application Fee to register for the ISRO YUVIKA 2026 program. Furthermore, ISRO bears the entire cost of the training. This includes free course materials, lodging, and boarding. Selected students will also receive a travel reimbursement for II AC train fare (or equivalent AC bus fare by state/authorized transport) from the nearest railway station or bus terminal to the reporting center and back.
ISRO YUVIKA 2026: How to Apply
Students and their guardians can apply online by following these steps:
Visit the Portal: Navigate to the official ISRO Antriksh Jigyasa website.
Access the Application: Click on the “YUVIKA-2026” or “Young Scientist Programme” registration link, which activates on February 27, 2026.
Fill in Details: Carefully enter all required personal details, school information, and Class 8 academic marks.
Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of the student’s latest passport-size photograph, Class 8 marksheet, and any relevant certificates for extracurricular achievements (sports, Olympiads, NCC/NSS, science fairs).
Complete the Quiz: Attempt the mandatory online quiz required as part of the evaluation.
Submit: Double-check all entered information and submit the final form before the March 31, 2026 deadline. Download or print the confirmation page for future reference.
ISRO YUVIKA 2026: Official Links
ISRO YUVIKA Registration Portal: https://jigyasa.iirs.gov.in/yuvika
ISRO Main Website: https://www.isro.gov.in
Exam Pattern (Selection Criteria Weightage)
Since there is no offline written test, the exact “Exam Pattern” for the merit list is the weightage distribution of various parameters:
Class 8 Marks: 50%
Rural Representation: Studying in a Village/Rural School located in a Panchayat area: 15%
Online Quiz: Performance in the registration portal’s online quiz: 10%
Science Fair/Co-curricular: Participation at school/district/state level in the last 3 years: 2% to 10%
Scout/Guides/NCC/NSS: Active membership in the last 3 years: 5%
Olympiad Prizes: Ranking 1st to 3rd at school/district/state level in the last 3 years: 2% to 5%
Sports Competitions: Winners (1st to 3rd rank) at school/district/state level in the last 3 years: 2% to 5%
