National Space Day: Gujarat Students Set for Statewide Space Quiz

GANDHINAGAR: From the historic touchdown of Chandrayaan-3 near the Moon’s south polar region to a new generation of young space enthusiasts in Gujarat, National Space Day 2026 will bring India’s extraordinary space journey into classrooms and science centres across the state.

The Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST) will celebrate the third National Space Day on August 23, 2026, with a statewide Space Quiz for students of Classes 6 to 12. The programme will be conducted from 9 am to 12 noon through Regional Science Centres and District Lok Vigyan Kendras across Gujarat.

National Space Day commemorates India’s landmark achievement on August 23, 2023, when Chandrayaan-3 successfully soft-landed on the Moon, making India the first country to reach the lunar south polar region. The landing site was subsequently named Shiv Shakti Point.

The Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover mission marked a defining chapter in India’s space programme and prompted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare August 23 as National Space Day.

The quiz, organised by GUJCOST under the Department of Science and Technology, will test students on Indian space missions, ISRO, Chandrayaan, satellites, space technology, basic space science and the contributions of Indian scientists. Participation will be free.

GUJCOST Director General Digvijay Singh D. Jadeja said the initiative aims to connect students from all 34 districts of Gujarat and encourage scientific curiosity, innovation and exploration.

“This Space Quiz will give students an opportunity to learn about India’s remarkable space journey, test their knowledge and compete with fellow young minds from across Gujarat,” he said.

All participants will receive certificates, while the top three students in every district will receive merit certificates. In an added incentive, the top three students from each district, along with their families, will be given a free visit to Gujarat Science City in Ahmedabad.

GUJCOST, recognised by ISRO as a Space Tutor, has invited schools and students across Gujarat to participate.

“National Space Day is not just about celebrating a historic landing on the Moon; it is about inspiring the next generation to look beyond the horizon,” the organisers said.

Students can contact their nearest Regional Science Centre or Lok Vigyan Kendra for participation details. Ahmedabad students can take part at Gujarat Science City.