YUVA Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA): UPSC Current Affairs

Description

Why In News?

ISRO launches YUVIKA 2026 to introduce ninth-grade students to space science and technology, encouraging STEM careers

About YUVA Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA)

YUVIKA is also known as the "Young Scientist Programme," is an educational initiative by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The programme aligns with the government's vision of 'Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan' by imparting basic knowledge on Space Technology, Space Science, and Space Applications to students.

Objectives of the Programme

The primary goal is to inspire the youth of India to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Awareness: Sensitize students about the emerging trends in space science and technology.
Skill Development: Provide hands-on experience in building simple models and understanding the mechanics of space missions.
National Integration: Bringing students from all States and UTs together, the programme promotes national unity and shared scientific goals.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Target Group: Students who have finished Class 9 and are currently studying in Class 10.
Weightage System: Selection is based on several parameters to ensure a level playing field:

Marks in Class 8 examination.
Performance in the online quiz.
Participation in Science Fair (School/District/State level).
Rank in Olympiads or equivalent competitions.
Excellence in Sports or Scouting/Guiding

Rural Reservation: Special 15% weightage is given to students studying in rural schools to bridge the urban-rural divide in scientific exposure.

Programme Structure

YUVIKA is a two-week residential programme.

Training Hubs: The programme is held across multiple ISRO centres, including:

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram.
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.

Activities: The curriculum includes invited talks, experience sharing by eminent scientists, facility visits, lab demonstrations, and interactive fireside chats

Strategic Significance

Create a "Space-faring nation" by building a robust domestic talent pool for future missions like Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan.
Promotes Scientific Temper (Article 51A), encouraging students to question, observe, and innovate.

Source: NDTV

Attempt Daily Quiz

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the YUVA Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA):

1. It is a two-week residential program organized by NITI Aayog for Class 9 students.

2. The program provides a 50% weightage to students studying in rural or Panchayat-level schools during the selection process.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: d

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: YUVIKA is a two-week residential program organized by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is aimed at students who have completed Class 8 and are currently studying in Class 9, often referred to as "Class 9 students" for the upcoming academic year.

Statement 2 is incorrect: While the program does provide special weightage for students from rural or Panchayat-level schools. According to the 2024 and 2026 selection criteria, students studying in rural/Panchayat-level schools receive 15% weightage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

YUVA Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA) is a two-week residential program by ISRO aimed at imparting basic knowledge on Space Technology, Space Science, and Space Applications to Class 9 students, built on the philosophy to "Catch them Young."

Students studying in Class 9 within India are eligible to apply. The selection criteria give weightage to academic performance, participation in science fairs, and a special 15% weightage for students from rural or Panchayat-level schools.

YUVIKA embodies NEP 2020’s mandate for experiential learning and interdisciplinary scientific education. It shifts away from rote memorization, introducing students to practical applications like model rocketry and hands-on experiments.