Vidyarthi Vigyan Vari Scheme: This state will send 51 students to NASA every year, learn how the students will be selected..

Vidyarthi Vigyan Vari Scheme: The Maharashtra government will soon launch a new scheme, Vidyarthi Vigyan Vari. Under this scheme, 51 selected students from the state will receive an educational trip to NASA in the United States each year. However, the scheme is still awaiting funding approval from the state government.

Special Initiative to Increase Interest in Science
The primary objective of this scheme is to foster curiosity in students about science and to appreciate their creativity. The scheme was announced in June 2025. According to Maharashtra Minister of State Pankaj Bhoyar, this scheme is designed to recognize students who do not win top positions in competitions.

According to him, the School Education Department organizes science project competitions at the district and tehsil levels. Winners receive prizes, but students who do not win also work very hard. We want to recognize their hard work as well. That is why this scheme has been developed.

How will the scheme work?
This scheme will have several phases. At the tehsil level, 21 students with top projects will travel to the local science center. At the district level, 51 students with the best projects will travel to ISRO, Bengaluru. Additionally, 51 state-level finalists will receive an educational visit to NASA. This multi-level competition will create opportunities for young science enthusiasts across Maharashtra, inspiring them to pursue research and further scientific studies.

What are the plans?
According to Bhoyar, the plan aims to inspire students to maintain their interest in science. Students should not be limited to just one project, but instead pursue further scientific research. This will provide all students in Maharashtra with the opportunity to visit science centers and develop new ideas. The state government recently increased the prize money for state-level competition winners from ₹5,000 to ₹51,000.

Funding and Approval Awaited
Although the plan was approved by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in June 2025, final funding approval is still pending. It is estimated that the NASA trip alone will cost approximately ₹3 crore. According to an official of the School Education Department, the District Planning and Development Council (DPDC) will bear the expenses of domestic trips, but state-level approval is required for international tours.

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