Govt Expands YUVIKA to Nurture Young Scientific Talent: Focus on Rural Inclusion and Future Space Leaders

Launched in 2019 by ISRO, YUVIKA targets Class 9 students, introducing them to space science at an early stage.

The Government of India is intensifying efforts to cultivate scientific temper among school students through inclusive initiatives like the Yuva Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA), Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh informed the Rajya Sabha, highlighting its growing reach and impact in building the next generation of scientists.

Replying during Question Hour, the Minister emphasized that the programme is designed to ensure equitable access for rural and underprivileged students, aligning with India’s long-term vision of becoming a global leader in science and space technology.

‘Catch Them Young’: Early Exposure to Space Science

Launched in 2019 by ISRO, YUVIKA targets Class 9 students, introducing them to space science at an early stage. The initiative follows a “catch them young” approach, aiming to inspire curiosity, innovation, and long-term engagement with STEM fields.

The programme ensures balanced regional representation, selecting:

• 10 students from each State

• 8 students from each Union Territory annually

This structure guarantees nationwide participation and inclusivity.

Strong Focus on Rural and Inclusive Participation

Dr. Jitendra Singh underlined that the programme incorporates special provisions for inclusivity, including:

• 15% weightage for students from Panchayat-level (rural) schools

• Participation from both Central and State Boards, including government schools

• A holistic selection process based on:

  • Quiz performance

  • Science fairs and Olympiads

  • Extracurricular activities like NSS and Scouts

This ensures that opportunities are not limited to urban or elite institutions but reach grassroots-level talent.

Growing Reach: Over 1,300 Students Benefited

Since its inception, 1,320 students have benefited from YUVIKA across five editions, despite disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

Participation has been steadily rising, with around 350 students selected annually in recent editions, reflecting expanding outreach and growing interest among students.

Hands-On Training at Premier ISRO Centres

YUVIKA is conducted as a one-month residential programme during summer vacations, offering immersive exposure to India’s space ecosystem.

Selected students receive:

• Hands-on training at ISRO centres

• Direct interaction with scientists and experts

• Exposure to cutting-edge space technologies and missions

The programme is currently hosted at seven major ISRO centres, including:

• Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota

• Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram

• Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad

To further expand capacity, two new centres at Mahendragiri (Tamil Nadu) and Jodhpur (Rajasthan) are being added.

Building a Broader STEM Ecosystem

The Minister highlighted that YUVIKA is part of a larger ecosystem of initiatives aimed at nurturing scientific talent, including:

• Vigyan Jyoti — encouraging girls (Class 9–12) to pursue STEM careers

• Fellowship and mentorship programmes supporting women in science

These initiatives aim to address gender gaps and build a diverse and inclusive scientific workforce.

India’s Space Sector on a Growth Trajectory

Dr. Jitendra Singh also pointed to the rapid expansion of India’s space economy:

• Currently valued at nearly $9 billion

• Projected to grow to $44 billion by 2033

• Over 90% of foreign satellite launches have occurred in the past decade

This growth underscores the need for a strong pipeline of skilled talent, which programmes like YUVIKA aim to create.

Towards Viksit Bharat 2047

The Minister concluded that initiatives like YUVIKA are not just educational programmes but strategic investments in India’s future, contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

By combining early exposure, inclusivity, and hands-on learning, the programme is helping shape a generation of innovators who will drive India’s leadership in space technology, research, and innovation.