Pune: The selection examination for the 'NASA Training Program' at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, in collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), will be conducted in Maharashtra in October 2024. 

This examination, organized by the Swan Research and Social Study Foundation in India, will be for students from grades 6 to 10. Applications for this exam can be submitted by September 15, 2024, as informed by Shashikant Kamble, Founder and President of the Swan Foundation, at a press conference. Also present were Hemant Jadhav, President of Amhi Punekar Foundation, Secretary Bhushan Gaikwad, Swan Research Foundation’s Joint Secretary Ajit Karke, Director Narayan Gaikwad, Umesh Wakhare, and others, stated a press release.

Shashikant Kamble said, "For the first time in India, the Swan Research and Social Study Foundation is examining the NASA Training Program selection for students from grades 6 to 10 in Maharashtra. This exam will also be held in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, and in SAARC countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Maldives. There will be separate question papers for each grade. The question papers will primarily cover subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Geography, and Intelligence. This will encourage students to study beyond the regular curriculum. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to study space-related research and practical experiments, which is significant for the upcoming generations. The ambassadors for this exam in India are Karthik Verma, an advocate from UNICEF, and Vaishnavi Honap, a scientist from ISRO. The Vice President of UNAI and former Director General of SAARC Rinchal Chopal and Ambassador for SAARC Suraj Gaikwad will also be involved."

Hemant Jadhav said, "The examination will be conducted in English and semi-English medium schools, as well as in district, municipal, and corporation schools across Maharashtra. Registration for the exam has started from July 15 and will be open until September 15. Selected students will be taken to the US Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama for training in November. Students will also have the opportunity to visit space camps in New York, Washington, and Orlando."

Ajit Karke said, "Today, parents often try hard to get their children involved in various reality shows. However, this exam will be highly significant from the perspective of space education. Students should visit https://swanrsfoundation.com/event/ to apply. For more information, contact 7058134582."