ISRO’s Young Scientist Programme will be open for registrations today, apply @isro.gov.in

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch the second edition of its Young Scientists Programme — YUVIKA (YUva VIgyani KAryakram).
  
• The registration for the same will begin on February 3, 2020 and the last date to apply is February 24.
  
• The space agency said that the two-week long programme will be held from May 11 to May 22.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch the second edition of its Young Scientists Programme — YUVIKA (YUva VIgyani KAryakram) — for school students. It's registrations will begin on February 3, 2020 and the last date of application is February 24.

Students can visit the agency’s official website isro.gov.in to apply.

The space agency said that the ten day long programme — which will be held from May 11 to May 22 — aims to create awareness of space theories and related technologies.

Students currently in the 9th grade can apply for the programme — including OCIs (Overseas Citizens of India). ISRO will select three candidates across each Union Territory based on their scores in the 8th grade — including the participation extent of students in extracurricular activities.

The state-wise selected candidates will be announced on March 2, 2020 while the final list will come out on March 30. These candidates will be spread across ISRO centres in India — including Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru, Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad and North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) in Shillong.

Percentage relaxation

The applicant must have scored good marks in the 8th grade as it holds 60% weightage in the selection process. In addition, a certificate of performance in co-curricular activities like debates and essays shall be required while filling up the online application.

Performance records at the state and national level shall be given an added advantage. District level prizes will be given 2% weightage while state level certificates will have 4% weightage.

The national level and international participation will account for 6% and 10% weightage, respectively.

The students from rural schools will have an added 15% weightage and the participants of NCC and NSS will also get 5% weightage.