**Executive Summary**
This report details a written reply in the Lok Sabha on April 1, 2026, by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh regarding the Yuva Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA) programme. The initiative focuses on early talent identification in the space sector, specifically targeting Class 9 students to foster interest in space science careers. Key highlights include the participation of 1,320 students to date and the implementation of inclusive selection policies for rural youth.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Programme Objectives and Scope**
* YUVIKA provides students with a foundational understanding of space science, technology, and applications.
* The initiative is specifically designed for students studying in Class 9 across India.
* The primary goal is to nurture a scientific temper and motivate youth to pursue careers in the space sector.
* **Selection Process and Transparency**
* The selection process is merit-based, starting with an online screening of academic credentials.
* Shortlisted students must participate in and perform well in an online quiz competition.
* Final selection is concluded only after a formal verification of credentials to ensure transparency and fairness.
* **Inclusion and Outreach**
* The programme has benefited 1,320 students so far, indicating a rising interest in space-related disciplines.
* A 15% reservation is earmarked for students from rural and remote areas to ensure equitable opportunities.
* The initiative aligns with the national vision of strengthening space sector capabilities through early talent identification.
**Impact Analysis**
**Class 9 Students**
**Impact**
Students gain early exposure to foundational space science and technology, which helps shape their future career aspirations in the field.
**Action Required**
Interested students must apply for the programme and participate in the required online screening and quiz competitions.
**Students from Rural and Remote Areas**
**Impact**
These students receive prioritized access through a 15% reservation, ensuring that talent from all corners of the country is recognized.
**Action Required**
Eligible students must provide verified credentials to benefit from the reserved quota during the final selection process.
**Department of Space / Government**
**Impact**
The government is successfully fostering a pipeline of future talent to strengthen the nation's scientific capabilities.
**Action Required**
The Department must continue to ensure a transparent, merit-based selection process and maintain the verification standards for academic credentials.
Key Entities Referenced
Yuva Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA): A talent identification initiative designed to inspire school students, specifically those in Class 9, to pursue careers in space science and technology.
Department of Space: The primary government department responsible for the conceptualization and implementation of the YUVIKA programme.
Dr. Jitendra Singh: The Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Space who provided the official report on the programme's progress and selection criteria in the Lok Sabha.
Department of Space
YUVIKA Empowering Young Minds, Inspiring
Future Careers in Space Science: Dr. Jitendra
Singh in Written Reply in Lok Sabha
Government Focusing on Early Talent Identification in Space
Sector through YUVIKA Programme; 1,320 Students
Benefited, Reflecting Rising Interest in Space Science: Dr.
Jitendra Singh
Scientific Temper among Youth Being Fostered through
Targeted Initiatives like YUVIKA, with Merit-Based Selection
Ensuring Transparency in the Programme: Dr. Jitendra Singh
Posted On: 01 APR 2026 5:34PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO,
Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today highlighted
the Government’s sustained efforts to nurture scientific temper among the youth, stating that the Yuva
Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA) is playing a main role in inspiring school students to pursue careers in
space science.
Responding to an Unstarred Question in the Lok Sabha during the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament,
raised by Smt. Anita Nagarsingh Chouhan, Dr. Jitendra Singh informed that YUVIKA has been
specifically designed to develop interest in space science among students at an early stage.
The Minister elaborated that the programme is targeted at students studying in Class 9 across the country.
It aims to provide them with a foundational understanding of space science, technology, and applications,
while also motivating them to consider space science as a future career option.
Detailing the selection process, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that students are shortlisted through an online
screening of academic credentials followed by performance in an online quiz competition. The final
selection is carried out after due verification of credentials, ensuring a fair and merit-based process.
Highlighting the scale and outreach of the programme, the Minister informed that a total of 1,320 students
has benefitted from YUVIKA so far, reflecting the growing enthusiasm among young learners for space-
related disciplines.
Dr. Jitendra Singh further emphasized the Government’s commitment to inclusive participation, noting
that special provisions have been incorporated to ensure wider access. He stated that 15 percent
reservation has been earmarked for students from rural and remote areas, thereby enabling equitable
opportunities and encouraging talent from all corners of the country.The Minister reiterated that initiatives like YUVIKA are aligned with the broader vision of building a
scientifically empowered India and strengthening the nation’s capabilities in the space sector through early
talent identification and nurturing.
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