🚀 ISRO YUVIKA 2026: Apply Now! Free 2 Week Space Science Internship for Class 9 Students
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has opened applications for YUVIKA 2026 (Young Scientist Programme / yuva VIgyani KAryakram) — a fully funded residential internship for Class 9 students across India. This is a unique opportunity for young minds to get early exposure to space science, technology, and applications from one of the world’s leading space agencies.📅 What Is YUVIKA 2026?YUVIKA 2026 is a two‑week residential training programme designed to ignite interest in space science, engineering, and technology among school students. Selected students get to learn about space missions, ISRO’s work, and basic space technologies through lectures, hands‑on sessions, and visits to isro facilities.💡 The programme is fully supported by isro — materials, accommodation, meals, and study sessions are provided free of cost, and travel expenses are reimbursed up to II AC train or equivalent bus fare upon submission of tickets.👩🎓 Who Can Apply? — Eligibility CriteriaTo be eligible for YUVIKA 2026, applicants must meet:✔ Class 9 Status: students studying in Class 9 as of January 1, 2026 from any recognised school in India.
✔ Nationality: Must be students from schools across india (Indian nationals studying in India).No entrance exam is required — selection is based on merit and other criteria (explained below).🗓️ Important Dates — YUVIKA 2026EventDateProgramme AnnouncedFebruary 20, 2026Registration StartsFebruary 27, 2026Registration EndsMarch 31, 2026First Selection ListApril 13, 2026Second Confirmation ListApril 20, 2026YUVIKA ProgrammeMay 11 – May 22, 2026⏳ Apply online within the window above — late applications won’t be accepted.🧠 How Are students Selected?Selection for the YUVIKA programme does not involve a traditional written exam. Instead, isro uses a weighted merit‑based evaluation system that includes:🔹 Academic Performance• 50 % weightage on marks from Class 8 final exams or the latest examination.🔹 Online Quiz Performance• 10 % weightage based on the results of an online quiz taken during the application process.🔹 Co‑curricular & Extra‑curricular Activities• 2 – 10 % weightage for participation in science fairs, competitions, Olympiads, or events at school/district/state levels.
• Additional marks for sports achievements, NCC/NSS/Scouts & Guides membership.🔹 Rural school Bonus• 15 % extra weightage if the student studies at a rural school in a panchayat area — supporting wider participation.ISRO ensures minimum representation from students in each state/Union Territory for fair selection.🛰️ Where Will It Be Held?YUVIKA 2026 will take place at nine isro Centres across India, including:
✔ Travel reimbursement: train or bus fare reimbursed upon ticket submission.
✔ Exposure to real space science: students interact with scientists, learn basics of space tech and isro missions.
✔ Boost to STEM careers: Great early exposure if you’re interested in science, engineering, or space research.📝 How to Apply — Step by StepVisit the Official Registration Portal: Go to the YUVIKA page on the ISRO/Antriksh Jigyasa portal (e.g., jigyasa.iirs.gov.in/yuvika).Fill in Details: Provide personal, school, and contact information.Upload Documents: Attach Class 8 marksheet and certificates (science fairs, Olympiads, etc.).Take the Online Quiz: Complete the mandatory online quiz.Submit Application: Check all details and submit before March 31, 2026.🖨️ Keep a printout or screenshot of your confirmation for future reference.🧠 Final ThoughtsISRO YUVIKA 2026 is an exceptional chance for Class 9 students to access space science knowledge, real lab exposure, and mentorship from scientists — all free of cost. This experience can be a strong foundation if you’re passionate about science, engineering, or space exploration.If you’re eligible, apply between February 27 and March 31, 2026 — this could be a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity! 🚀 Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
✔ Nationality: Must be students from schools across india (Indian nationals studying in India).No entrance exam is required — selection is based on merit and other criteria (explained below).🗓️ Important Dates — YUVIKA 2026EventDateProgramme AnnouncedFebruary 20, 2026Registration StartsFebruary 27, 2026Registration EndsMarch 31, 2026First Selection ListApril 13, 2026Second Confirmation ListApril 20, 2026YUVIKA ProgrammeMay 11 – May 22, 2026⏳ Apply online within the window above — late applications won’t be accepted.🧠 How Are students Selected?Selection for the YUVIKA programme does not involve a traditional written exam. Instead, isro uses a weighted merit‑based evaluation system that includes:🔹 Academic Performance• 50 % weightage on marks from Class 8 final exams or the latest examination.🔹 Online Quiz Performance• 10 % weightage based on the results of an online quiz taken during the application process.🔹 Co‑curricular & Extra‑curricular Activities• 2 – 10 % weightage for participation in science fairs, competitions, Olympiads, or events at school/district/state levels.
• Additional marks for sports achievements, NCC/NSS/Scouts & Guides membership.🔹 Rural school Bonus• 15 % extra weightage if the student studies at a rural school in a panchayat area — supporting wider participation.ISRO ensures minimum representation from students in each state/Union Territory for fair selection.🛰️ Where Will It Be Held?YUVIKA 2026 will take place at nine isro Centres across India, including:
- Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), Dehradun
- Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram
- Satish dhawan Space Centre (SDSC‑SHAR), 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
✔ Travel reimbursement: train or bus fare reimbursed upon ticket submission.
✔ Exposure to real space science: students interact with scientists, learn basics of space tech and isro missions.
✔ Boost to STEM careers: Great early exposure if you’re interested in science, engineering, or space research.📝 How to Apply — Step by StepVisit the Official Registration Portal: Go to the YUVIKA page on the ISRO/Antriksh Jigyasa portal (e.g., jigyasa.iirs.gov.in/yuvika).Fill in Details: Provide personal, school, and contact information.Upload Documents: Attach Class 8 marksheet and certificates (science fairs, Olympiads, etc.).Take the Online Quiz: Complete the mandatory online quiz.Submit Application: Check all details and submit before March 31, 2026.🖨️ Keep a printout or screenshot of your confirmation for future reference.🧠 Final ThoughtsISRO YUVIKA 2026 is an exceptional chance for Class 9 students to access space science knowledge, real lab exposure, and mentorship from scientists — all free of cost. This experience can be a strong foundation if you’re passionate about science, engineering, or space exploration.If you’re eligible, apply between February 27 and March 31, 2026 — this could be a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity! 🚀 Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.