A total of 786 students from the Northeast ISRO centers under the Northeast Students Programmed for Awareness, Reach, and Knowledge on Space (NE-SPARKS) in 2025. According to an official statement, NE-SPARKS was executed in eight batches between April 2025 and December 2025, with a minimum interval of one month between consecutive batches. Each batch comprises 90-100 students representing the eight Northeastern states, accompanied by 10 coordinators who facilitated and guided the educational journey. An initiative of the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region, Government of India, the Northeast Students Programmed for Awareness, Reach, and Knowledge on Space (NE-SPARKS) is a flagship initiative designed to promote space science and technology awareness among students in India’s Northeastern Region. This transformative programmed provides selected students with direct exposure to India’s space research achievements through guided visits to ISRO centers in Bengaluru, effectively bridging geographical and informational gaps that have historically limited access to such opportunities.
The initiative represents a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (MDoNER), the Northeastern Council (NEC), the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), the Northeastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), and the State Governments of the Northeast. The programme is jointly coordinated by NESAC and ISRO’s Capacity Building Programme Office (CBPO), with active support and participation from respective State Governments ensuring effective implementation at the grassroots level. With a total sanctioned cost of Rs 3.83 crore, the programme follows a 60:40 funding ratio, where NEC contributes Rs 2.3 crore and the State Governments collectively contribute Rs 1.53 crore. This financial arrangement reflects the shared responsibility and commitment of both central and state authorities toward nurturing scientific talent in the region, the statement said.