Pune, 24 March 2026: After the successful exposure visits to ISRO and NASA, students from the Pune Zilla Parishad are now set to take a bigger leap.
The administration has decided to send 25 students to the European Space Center in Belgium next year, taking the total number of students visiting international space institutions to 50.
This initiative was introduced for the first time in the current academic year, where selected students were given the opportunity to visit ISRO and NASA.
A special curriculum was designed under the guidance of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), and students were selected through a rigorous three-stage evaluation process.
As part of the earlier phase, 50 students visited ISRO, while 25 students were selected for a visit to NASA in the United States. The initiative received widespread appreciation across the state, especially as it provided students from rural areas with rare international exposure. Several districts have shown interest in implementing similar programs.
According to officials, the program has had a noticeable impact on students’ academic progress. Those who visited ISRO and NASA have shown increased interest in science and improved learning outcomes. These students continue to receive mentorship and guidance from IUCAA.
Encouraged by this response, the administration has decided to expand the initiative. Along with ISRO and NASA, 25 students will now be selected for a visit to the European Space Center in Belgium. During the visit, students will gain hands-on experience in space science, including demonstrations on rockets, satellites, and astronaut training.
The selection process will be conducted in three stages, beginning with a written test at the school level in June, followed by an online examination in July, and concluding with interviews conducted before August 15.
The European Space Center, located in Transinne, Belgium, is one of Europe’s leading space education hubs. It is known for offering practical insights into space missions, satellite technology, and astronaut training, making it a globally recognized destination for space learning.
“The ISRO and NASA visits received an overwhelming response from students and parents, and the initiative was also recognised by the state government. Based on this success, we have decided to expand the program and select 25 students for a visit to the European Space Center,” said Gajanan Patil, CEO of Zilla Parishad.
