Maharashtra is set to launch an ambitious program that will give 51 school students the opportunity to visit NASA in the United States every year — a move aimed at fuelling scientific curiosity and encouraging budding innovators.

Unveiled in June 2025, the Vidyarthi Vigyan Vari scheme seeks to recognise not just the winners of school science competitions but also those who showed promise and dedication in their projects. Pending final government approval, the initiative is expected to cost around ₹3 crore for the NASA leg alone.

Minister of State for School Education Pankaj Bhoyar said the scheme is designed to honour the “silent achievers” whose hard work often goes unnoticed.

“Students who don’t win competitions still put in extraordinary effort. This programme is our way of recognising them and motivating them to dream bigger,” Bhoyar said.

How the scheme will work

The multi-tiered competition will provide students opportunities at every level:

·        Tehsil level: Top 21 projects win trips to local science centres.

·        District level: 51 projects earn visits to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters in Bengaluru.

·        State level: 51 finalists are awarded an international educational trip to NASA in the US.

Officials said domestic trips would be funded through District Planning and Development Councils (DPDCs), while international travel requires state-level approval.

Inspiring future scientists

The scheme’s larger mission is to cultivate a sustained interest in science beyond school. Bhoyar stressed the need for students to “move beyond one project and into deeper research,” adding that the initiative will allow children across Maharashtra to explore science centres, broaden their horizons, and imagine bold futures.

In a bid to boost participation, the state has also raised the prize money for science competition winners from ₹5,000 to ₹51,000.

Though cleared in principle by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the scheme now awaits the release of funds. If implemented, it could serve as a model for other states to emulate in making science education aspirational and accessible.