The YUVIKA 2026 programme was successfully conducted during May 11-22, 2026 at nine ISRO Centers, namely Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR (SDSC SHAR), National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Space Applications Centre (SAC), Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) and Regional Remote Sensing Centre (RRSC) West. 456 meritorious students representing 28 states and 8 union territories participated in the programme.

During the YUVIKA 2026 programme, the students got exposure to space science, technology, and applications through experiential learning and various activities such as interaction with senior scientists & Gaganyaatris, lectures on space science and ISRO achievements, witnessing of live RH200 rocket launch, live interaction with India's Bharati Station team at Antarctica, Water rocket demonstration and hands-on activities like working on basic robotics through programmable robotic kit, Chandrayaan-3 DIY kit assembly, Model rocket assembly & launch and sky gazing through telescope.

The 2026 edition of YUVIKA enabled participation of 456 students at 9 ISRO centers as compared to 350 students at 7 ISRO centers in previous edition. At present, there are no plans for institutional partnerships to further expand the programme.

The selection in the YUVIKA programme is based on merit. However, special weightage of 15% is given for students belonging to rural and remote areas.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Prime Minister’s office and Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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