**Policy Summary: Introduction of Space Science in Schools**
This document summarizes the Indian government's response to questions regarding initiatives to promote interest in aeronautical engineering and astronaut careers among students.
**Current Initiatives:** The Department of Space has established nine Space Technology Incubation Centres (STICs) at prominent institutions to foster research in space technology. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducts the YUVIKA program annually to educate school students on Space Technology, Space Science, and Space Applications, encouraging them to pursue careers in space-related fields, including aeronautical engineering. YUVIKA includes interactions with Gaganyaan mission astronauts to inspire students.
**Proposed Educational Programs:** Currently, there is no plan to introduce specific aeronautical engineering modules in the curriculum of Central Government schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas. However, the Department of Space will consider introducing special modules or educational programs related to aeronautical engineering in the curriculum of Central Government Schools in the future based on demand.
**Funding and Implementation:** A total of Rs 3.5 Crore has been allocated for research activities at the STICs for the financial year 2025-26. The respective institutions hosting the STICs are responsible for implementing these programs.
Key Entities Referenced
Department of Space: The Indian government department responsible for space programs.
SHRI DAGGUMALLA PRASADA RAO: Member of Lok Sabha who asked the unstarred question.
PRIME MINISTER: The head of the Government of India.
Kendriya Vidyalayas: A system of central government schools in India.
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas: A system of central government schools in India, primarily for rural students.
Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO: The national space agency of India.
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTERS OFFICE DR. JITENDRA SINGH: The Minister of State answering the question on behalf of the government.
Space Technology Incubation Centres STICs: Centers established at premium institutions to encourage research in space technology.
YUVIKA: An ISRO program to encourage school students to acquire basic knowledge on Space Technology, Space Science and Space Applications.
Gaganyatris: Refers to the Indian astronauts for the Gaganyaan mission.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
DEPARTMENT OF SPACE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1820
TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2025
INTRODUCTION OF SPACE SCIENCE IN SCHOOL
1820. SHRI DAGGUMALLA PRASADA RAO:
Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has any existing initiatives, schemes or
incubation programmes to encourage students to develop an
interest in aeronautical engineering and to pursue careers as
astronauts;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government proposes to introduce any special
modules or educational programmes related to aeronautical
engineering in the curriculum of Central Government schools such
as KendriyaVidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the Government has allocated funds for the promotion of
aeronautical engineering among students through incubation
centres, workshops, hackathons, innovation challenges or
educational collaborations with Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO) or other relevant agencies; and
(f) if so, the details of the amount allocated, implementing agencies
involved and the outcomes or targets set under such initiatives?ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC
GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
(DR. JITENDRA SINGH):
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(a) & (b) Department has setup 9 Space Technology Incubation Centres
(STICs) at premium institutions to encourage students to carry out
research in space technology. Moreover, every year ISRO organises
programmes like YUVIKA to encourage school students to acquire basic
knowledge on Space Technology, Space Science and Space Applications.
This programme aims at imbibing scientific temper and inspiring students
to pursue careers in space technology including Aeronautical engineering.
Programme also includes special session on Interaction with Gaganyatris
for motivating youngsters to become future astronauts.
(c) & (d)
As of now, there is no proposal from Department of Space to introduce
any special modules or educational programmes related to aeronautical
engineering in the curriculum of Central Government Schools, such as
Kendriya Vidyalaya and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas. However, it can
be considered in future based on demand.
(e) & (f)
An amount of Rs 3.5 Crore has been allocated for carrying out research
activities at STICs for the financial year 2025-26. These programmes are
implemented through the respective institutions wherein the STICs are
established.
****