ISRO YUVIKA Scholarship Program 2026
The YUVIKA 2026 programme is the latest scholarship 2025-26 initiative by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aimed at school students who want early exposure to space science, space technology and applications. It is a national level scholarship programme that offers a unique opportunity for young learners to interact with scientists, gain hands-on experience and build a strong foundation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
YUVIKA stands for YUva VIgyani KAryakram, popularly known as the Young Scientist Programme. It is a scholarship-cum-training programme organised by ISRO to “catch them young” — identifying and nurturing talented students at an early stage by introducing them to space science and space technology.
Selected students get to participate in lectures, laboratory visits, hands-on activities, model rocketry, drone demonstrations, and interactions with ISRO scientists. The aim is to spark passion for STEM fields and encourage a future generation of space researchers and innovators from across India.
Who Can Apply?
Class / Age limit
Students must be studying in Class 9 as on January 1, 2026.
Education qualification
Enrolled in a recognised school in India.
Special categories
Rural school students (Panchayat area) get weightage in selection.
NRI / International eligibility
Only Indian students studying within India are eligible.
Important Dates
| EVENT | DATE |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 20 February 2026 |
| Online Registration Begins | 27 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 March 2026 |
| First Selection List | 13 April 2026 (Tentative) |
| Second Selection List | 20 April 2026 (Tentative) |
| Programme Begins | 11 May 2026 |
| Programme Ends | 22 May 2026 |
Exam Pattern
Number of rounds: 1 (Composite selection process based on criteria)
Mode of exam: Online (Registration & Quiz)
Total questions: Online quiz performance considered (portion unspecified in official notice)
Duration: N/A (No traditional exam duration — selection criteria based on scores and activities)
Total marks: N/A (Selection is based on weighted parameters)
Negative marking: Not mentioned in notification
Interview round: Not applicable (selection is based on composite criteria)
Selection is based on the following weighted parameters:
Academic performance (Class 8 or last exam) – 50%
Online quiz performance – 10%
Participation in science fairs / co-curricular activities – up to 10%
Rural school status – 15%
Olympiad / sports achievements / leadership activities (NCC/NSS/Scout & Guides) – remaining weightage
Rewards & Recognition
(A) Overall National Rewards
| RANK / Category | REWARD / BENEFIT |
|---|---|
| All selected students | Free lodging & boarding at ISRO centres |
| All selected students | Free course material |
| All selected students | Reimbursement of travel expenses (II AC train or equivalent bus fare) |
Unlike traditional scholarships, YUVIKA doesn’t provide direct cash scholarships but offers full support during the residential programme, which is highly valuable for students.
(B) Class-wise Rank Rewards
Not applicable / no class-wise cash awards mentioned.
Application Fee & Process
Registration fee: No application fee required.
Discount / coupon: Not applicable.
Mode of application: Online only via the official website.
Important instructions:
Apply only through official portal within dates.
Upload clear certificates and academic records.
Ensure all steps are completed before submission.
Syllabus & Preparation
Syllabus availability: Official notification doesn’t list a detailed syllabus.
Class-wise syllabus: Not specified.
Preparation guidance:
Prepare based on Class 8 academic concepts (as past performance matters).
Practise online quizzes and understand basic science & space technology concepts where possible.
For More Details
Visit the official ISRO YUVIKA website.
Click on the YUVIKA-2026 registration link.
Register by entering basic personal and academic details.
Fill application form with accurate educational and extracurricular information.
Upload required documents (photo, Class 8 marksheet, certificates).
Submit form before the deadline and download confirmation.
- Official Website: https://jigyasa.iirs.gov.in/yuvika