News and Events

About the Session

• When: 23rd February to 27th February
• Venue: Umiam, Shillong and hosted by the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC)
• Registration Fee: 3000/- 
• Seats are Limited 
• Open for UG & PG students in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, Astrobiology & Technology

Parallel Session-6 (PS6) is a unique platform dedicated to showcasing the scientific contributions of students—primarily at the graduate and post-graduate levels—in the field of space science and technology. This session aims to amplify student participation in national space research efforts, while promoting the scientific utilization of data from Indian space exploration missions.

As part of this initiative, students will have the opportunity to present their research developments and innovations, engage in meaningful dialogue with senior scientists, and attend expert-led plenary lectures. PS6 is closely aligned with ISRO's annual online programme,Space Science and Technology AwaReness Training (START), launched in 2023 to build awareness and capacity among young learners in space science domains.

The session will feature:

• Presentations by toppers of START 2024 and 2025.
• Participation of students from academic institutions in the North Eastern (NE) regionof India.
• Selected PAN India participants, identified through an online test and submission of extended abstracts.

Invited talks by eminent space scientists will enrich the session, offering deeper insights into cutting-edge topics such as:

• Space-based observations
• Advanced sensor and observational technique development
• Remote sensing applications
• Nanosatellite technologies
• Broader space technology innovations

Eligibility of Candidates

Post-graduate students and under graduate students ( preferably the final year) of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, Astrobiology and Technology (e.g. Electronics, Computer Science, Mechanical, Applied Physics, Radiophysics, Optics & Opto-electronics, Instrumentation and other associated subjects) studying in educational institutes/Universities/Colleges within India are eligible to be considered for the student session.

Registration

• Deadline for PAN India student registration (via online test): 15 September 2025
• A registration fee of ₹3000/- is to be paid by the selected participants upon getting the selection confirmation in the registered email id.
• A limited number of selected students will receive financial support to participate in the session.
• Join us in shaping the future of space research—through the voices and vision of India's next generation of space scientists.

Visit Here to Register

Selection Procedure

• The selection of student participants for Parallel Session-6 (PS6) will follow a well-established and transparent process adopted by the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) through the Jigyasa Portal.
• The final selection will be based on performance in an online test and review of extended abstracts submitted in the domain of space science and technology.
• PAN India students who are shortlisted based on the performance in the screening online test as well as the selected students from other categories need to submit an extended abstract based on the listed themes as mentioned in the sub-section ‘Themes for Abstract Submission’. The final selection is based on the merit of the extended abstract.
• Students from across India will have the opportunity to participate in Parallel Session-6 (PS6) through an open and merit-based selection process facilitated via the ANTARIKSHA JIGYASA Platform of IIRS/ISRO.

1. Online Registration: Open to students from recognized Indian academic institutions. Students are required to submit their:
   • Personal profile
   • Academic profile
2. Nomination Form Generation: Based on the submitted details, a system-generated nomination form will be created. This form must be endorsed and approved by the Head of the Institution and uploaded to complete the application process.
3. Online Quiz Evaluation: Students who successfully upload the required documents, including the signed nomination form, will be eligible to appear for an online quiz focused on space science and technology.
4. Selection Index Computation: A Selection Index will be calculated using a weighted combination of:
   • Academic performance
   • Online quiz score
5. Seat Distribution & Final Selection:
   • A minimum of one student from each State and Union Territory (UT) will be selected.
   • 4 additional seats will be awarded based on national-level merit.
   • If no valid application is received from a particular State/UT, that seat will be reallocated to the national merit pool.
   • Total PAN India student selections:40

This transparent and inclusive process ensures fair representation from every corner of the country, empowering promising students to contribute to space science research

Special Provision for North Eastern Region

To encourage inclusive participation from across India, 30 students from the North Eastern (NE) states will be nominated by the concerned authorities:

Structure of Parallel Session-6 (PS-6)

Parallel Session-6 (PS-6) has been thoughtfully designed to provide a rich and immersive learning experience for participating students. The session structure will include a combination of knowledge-sharing, research presentations, and interactive engagements:

• Invited Lectures & Plenary Sessions:

  Eminent space scientists will deliver invited talks and plenary lectures, offering insights into cutting-edge developments in space science and technology.

• Theme-Based Oral & Poster Presentations:

  Selected students will present their research work and innovations through:

  • Oral presentations in focused thematic tracks
  • Poster sessions for wider peer and expert interaction
• Interactive Sessions with Eminent Scientists

  Dedicated sessions will be organised for students to directly interact with renowned scientists, encouraging mentorship and knowledge exchange.

• Interactive Session with Senior Scientists

  Additional discussions with senior ISRO scientists and domain experts will provide students with valuable feedback, guidance, and exposure to real-world research perspectives.

This multi-format structure ensures both academic depth and practical exposure, empowering students to grow as future contributors to India’s space research ecosystem.

New Additions in NSSS 2026

• Poster Presentations:

  In addition to oral presentations, students will now have the opportunity to showcase their research through poster presentations, allowing for more inclusive participation and enhanced scientific exchange.

• Faculty Participation from North Eastern Region:

  To promote capacity building and mentorship in the North Eastern region:

  • Each of the 30 nominated student participants from NE states will be accompanied by one faculty member from their respective institutions.
  • This initiative aims to enhance faculty exposure to space science research and PS-6 proceedings.
• Knowledge Transfer & Capacity Building:

  Participating faculty members are expected to disseminate the knowledge gained during the session within their home institutions, thereby fostering student awareness and involvement in space science and technology.

Themes for Abstract Submission

Participants of Parallel Session-6 (PS-6) are invited to submit extended abstracts showcasing original research, innovations, or conceptual developments in space science and technology. Abstracts must align with one or more of the following thematic areas:

1. Human Space Exploration

   Innovative studies and ideas related to human missions, space travel, life support systems, and human adaptability in space.

2. Space Station and Human Habitat Beyond Earth

   Research on the design, development, and sustainability of human habitats in space—such as space stations, lunar bases, and Martian outposts.

3. Next-Generation Space Missions: Moon, Mars, and Beyond

   Concepts and technologies enabling future exploration of celestial bodies, interplanetary navigation, and mission planning.

4. Interdisciplinary Approaches: Space Science Meets Life and Earth Sciences

   Studies that integrate space-based observations with life sciences, Earth system sciences, environmental monitoring, or astrobiology.

5. From Earth Observation to Interplanetary Missions: Shaping the Future with Space Science

   Holistic research bridging Earth observation technologies with deep space exploration, mission payloads, satellite applications, and beyond.

Students are encouraged to submit abstracts that reflect original work, showcase innovation, and demonstrate scientific relevance to the above themes. Final selection for presentation will be based on the review of abstracts by an expert panel.

Guidelines for extended abstract

First author

• The first author / presenting author of the extended abstract need to be a PS6 registered student, who has qualified the screening online test.

• Either the first author or the presenting author of the accepted abstract is only allowed to participate and present in the oral / poster session in the PS6, provided that the required registration fee is paid as per the guidelines.

• Multiple abstract submission by a student is not allowed.

• Faculty as Co-authors:

  To improve the academic quality and rigour of student papers and posters:

  • Faculty members may be included as co-authors in the submissions, providing guidance in research design, methodology, and presentation.

  These new additions are designed to create a sustainable ecosystem of learning, mentorship, and scientific excellence, particularly strengthening the academic fabric of institutions in underserved regions.

  Official Notification: Visit Here