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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has unveiled the Young Scientist Programme (YUVIKA) 2024, a two-week residential initiative for standard 9 students, scheduled to take place from May 13-24.
This program aims to instil fundamental knowledge about space technology, science, and applications among participating students, with the broader goal of fostering interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) based research and careers. The official registration window for the programme opens on February 20 and concludes on March 20, 2024.
History
The ISRO Young Scientist Programme, YUVIKA, originated in 2019 under the visionary leadership of Dr. K. Sivan, the then Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation. Dr. Sivan, renowned for his contributions to space research, conceptualized YUVIKA to inspire young minds towards Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
This residential program was designed to provide students with hands-on experience and practical insights into space technology. With its inception, YUVIKA aimed to nurture a passion for space science among school children, offering them a unique opportunity to engage with ISRO’s expertise and fuel their curiosity for scientific exploration.
Programme Overview
The Young Scientist Programme, YUVIKA, is crafted to immerse school children in a transformative experience, delving into the realms of space-related disciplines. ISRO places a strong emphasis on practical knowledge and hands-on learning, aiming to ignite the curiosity and passion of young minds for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
The residential format of the program facilitates a profound engagement with the subject matter, fostering an environment conducive to in-depth learning and exploration. Through this immersive approach, ISRO seeks to instill a lasting fascination for STEM subjects, nurturing the next generation of scientists and space enthusiasts.
Selection Criteria
ISRO has established a comprehensive set of parameters for selecting participants, with each criterion carrying a specific weightage:
- Marks obtained in Class 8 exam (50%): Half of the selection criteria is based on academic performance in the Class 8 exam, reflecting the importance of scholastic achievement in identifying promising young scientists for the program.
- Performance in the online quiz (10%): A 10% weightage is assigned to participants’ performance in an online quiz, assessing their understanding and knowledge in various aspects relevant to the Young Scientist Programme.
- Participation in science fairs (2/5/10%): In the last 3 years, candidates earn 2/5/10% based on their participation at school, district, state, or higher levels in science fairs, showcasing their commitment to practical and innovative scientific endeavours.
- Rank in Olympiad or equivalent (2/4/5%): The ranking in Olympiads or equivalent competitions in the last 3 years contributes 2/4/5%, acknowledging excellence in competitive examinations at school, district, state, or higher levels.
- Winners of sports competitions (2/4/5%): Sporting achievements in the last 3 years, securing 1 to 3 ranks at school, district, state, or higher levels, are recognized with 2/4/5% weightage, emphasizing a well-rounded approach to talent identification.
- Scout and Guides/NCC/NSS membership (5%): A 5% weightage is given to those who have been members of Scout and Guides, National Cadet Corps (NCC), or National Service Scheme (NSS) in the last 3 years, acknowledging their participation in extracurricular activities.
- Studying in a Village/Rural School located in Panchayat area (15%): Candidates studying in rural settings receive 15% weightage, reflecting ISRO’s commitment to inclusivity and recognizing talent from diverse educational backgrounds.
Registration Process
To apply for the ISRO Young Scientist Programme 2024, interested candidates should follow these steps:
- Register on the ISRO Antariksha Jigyasa Platform: Begin the application process by registering on the designated ISRO platform, providing necessary details for enrolment in the Young Scientist Programme.
- Verify the registration: Confirm your registration by clicking on the link sent to the email ID used during registration, ensuring the accuracy of provided information.
- Participate in the SpaceQuiz: Engage in the SpaceQuiz, a component of the application process designed to assess participants’ knowledge and understanding of space-related subjects.
- Enter personal details: Complete the application by entering the required personal details, ensuring accuracy and completeness for a comprehensive submission.
- Upload certificates for verification: Provide photocopies of attested certificates, essential for verification purposes, by uploading them on the designated website during the application process.
- Scan and upload necessary documents: Facilitate the application process by scanning and uploading any required documents deemed necessary by ISRO, ensuring the submission is complete and adheres to specified guidelines.
Encouraging STEM Pursuits
The ISRO Young Scientist Programme extends beyond immediate educational goals, aiming to act as a catalyst for inspiring students to embark on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) pursuits. The selection criteria are meticulously designed to identify promising young talents across diverse domains, fostering a holistic approach to talent recognition.
Participation in science fairs, Olympiads, sports competitions, and community involvement are integral components of the selection process. These criteria not only gauge academic excellence but also emphasize a well-rounded approach to talent identification, acknowledging the importance of practical knowledge, competitive spirit, and community engagement in nurturing the next generation of STEM enthusiasts.
ISRO’s vision is to create a transformative learning experience that not only imparts space-related knowledge but also ignites a passion for STEM disciplines, paving the way for a future generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
ISRO’s commitment to nurturing scientific curiosity and excellence among young minds is evident through the Young Scientist Programme. By providing a platform for immersive learning and exploration, the program not only imparts valuable knowledge but also serves as a stepping stone for students aspiring to venture into the exciting realms of space science and technology.
The comprehensive selection criteria ensure that a diverse range of talents is identified and given the opportunity to participate, contributing to the overall growth and development of the next generation of scientists and researchers in India.
Also read: https://bbbinsider.com/udaan-bridging-gender-gaps-in-engineering-education/