Parliament Question: Developing Space Science among Students

O.I.H. GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6045 TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 01, 2026 DEVELOPING SPACE SCIENCE AMONG STUDENTS 6045. SMT. ANITA NAGARSINGH CHOUHAN: Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state: (a) whether the "Yuva Vigyani Karyakram" (YUVIKA) is being conducted with the aim of developing interest in space science among students; (b) if so, the details thereof along with the selection process for students from across the country under the said programme and the number of students benefited from the said programme so far; and (c) whether any special provisions have been made by the Government to provide more opportunities to students from rural and remote areas in the said programme and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH): ****(a) Yes, the "Yuva Vigyani Karyakram" (YUVIKA) is being conducted with the aim of developing interest in space science among students. (b) The YUVIKA Programme is conducted for Indian students studying in 9th Standard in India. It is aimed at developing interest in students towards space science and encourage them to consider it as career option. The selection process involves online screening of credentials and evaluation of online quiz competition. Final selection is done online after verification of credentials. The no. of students benefitted so far in YUVIKA Programme is 1320. (c) Yes. 15% reservation is provided to students from rural and remote area. ****