Vidyarthi Vigyan Vari scheme: Maharashtra launches new programme for schools; top students to visit NASA and ISRO

Maharashtra School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse said the scheme will help students gain practical exposure to advanced scientific institutions. File Pic/X

The Maharashtra government on Wednesday approved the ‘Vidyarthi Vigyan Vari scheme' initiative, under which meritorious students will get an opportunity to visit leading space and research centres such as Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the United States, officials said.

Maharashtra School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse said the scheme will help students gain practical exposure to advanced scientific institutions.

The initiative aims to develop scientific temperament, logical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. It also seeks to encourage innovation and research aptitude, preparing students for future careers in science and technology, an official statement said.

It said that the programme is aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, focusing on experiential learning and interest in science.

Opportunities at multiple levels

Under the scheme, students who perform well in science exhibitions will be selected at various levels:

- Around 2,148 students from taluka-level exhibitions will visit nearby science centres

- 180 students selected at the district level will visit ISRO centres in Bengaluru

- 51 top-performing students at the state level will get a chance to visit NASA in the United States

Budget and implementation plan

The state government has approved an expenditure of Rs 3.30 crore for the initiative. Separate committees will be set up at the taluka, district and state levels to ensure effective planning and execution.

Funding will be provided through district planning committees and state budget allocations.

Encouraging future scientists

Officials said the initiative is expected to boost curiosity among students and inspire them to pursue careers in science and research, while strengthening Maharashtra's education system.

Thane students get chance to visit ISRO under Mission Bharari programme

Meanwhile, last month, a group of 59 students from rural schools in Thane district were selected to visit the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as part of the ‘Mission Bharari' initiative. The programme, led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, is designed to provide students from Zilla Parishad schools with exposure to advanced scientific institutions and technologies.

The educational tour was flagged off on April 27 morning from the District Planning office in Thane.

The initiative was launched on January 26, 2026, and witnessed participation from 9,316 students studying in Classes 5 to 8 across the district. Following a multi-stage selection process, 2,007 students were shortlisted at the taluka level, and 478 advanced to the district-level examination.

From this pool, 59 students were selected - averaging around 10 from each taluka. The group includes 54 students from Marathi-medium schools and five from Urdu-medium institutions.

Officials said the selection was based on academic merit and aimed at identifying students with strong aptitude and interest in science as part of the initiative.