Bhubaneswar, July 28, 2026: The 20th edition of the Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS), organised by Tata Steel in collaboration with the Pathani Samanta Planetarium under the Science & Technology Department, Government of Odisha, was formally launched at Lokseva Bhawan by Shri Krushna Chandra Patra, Hon’ble Minister of Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare and Science & Technology, Government of Odisha.
YATS provides a unique platform for students of Classes VI to X across Odisha to showcase their interest and aptitude in astronomy, astrophysics and space science, while celebrating the legacy of legendary Odia astronomer Pathani Samanta.
Launching the 20th edition, Shri Patra said, “The theme of this year’s YATS, ‘India’s Next Gagganaut,’ reflects our vision of inspiring the space explorers of tomorrow. I thank Tata Steel for its continued support in nurturing young scientific talent through YATS. The programme has reached over 5.4 lakh students, with 260 earning the opportunity to visit ISRO and experience India’s space programme firsthand. These young astronomers are the future of our nation, and scientific advancement is the cornerstone of every developed country. I am confident that the scientific curiosity and innovation fostered through YATS will empower these young minds to contribute to the vision of a Viksit Odisha by 2036 and a Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
The launch ceremony was attended by Smt. Chithra Arumugam, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Science & Technology Department, Government of Odisha and Chairperson, Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Smt. Sibani Mohanty and Smt. Puja Mishra, Additional Secretaries, Shri Bidyut Prabha Rout, FA-cum-Additional Secretary, Smt. Urmiprava Maharana, Deputy Secretary and Director, Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Shri Mohit Das, Chief Resident Executive, Tata Steel and Shri Subhranshu Sekhar Panda, Chief – Corporate Services, Tata Steel Meramandali.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Mohit Das reaffirmed Tata Steel’s commitment to making YATS more inclusive and accessible by expanding participation through both physical and digital modes. He said the initiative continues to inspire young minds and nurture scientific curiosity among students across Odisha.
Students can participate in YATS through their schools or by registering online at https://www.bit.ly/YATS2026 . This year’s edition also features an open quiz competition for students of Classes VI to VIII and a multiple-choice question (MCQ) test for students of Classes IX and X. District-level winners will compete in the Grand Finale at Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Bhubaneswar, on December 13, 2026, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Mahamahopadhyaya Pandita Samanta Chandrasekhara Singha Harichandana Mahapatra, popularly known as Pathani Samanta.
Over the past 19 years, YATS has ignited scientific curiosity among school students across Odisha, encouraging them to explore the mysteries of the universe. The winners of the 19th edition visited the Indian Space Research Organisation’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota. Since its inception, YATS has reached more than 5.4 lakh students across the state, with 260 winners earning the rare opportunity to visit various ISRO facilities and witness India’s remarkable achievements in space exploration firsthand.
