Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Admission
Program
Curriculum
Infrastructure
Dr. Kalpana Chawla was an Indian-American astronaut who made history as the first
woman of Indian origin in space. She tragically lost her life in the Space Shuttle
Columbia disaster in 2003. Chawla’s legacy continues to inspire millions around the
world, particularly in the fields of space exploration and space education.
The Kalpana Chawla Space Academy is the country’s first educational academy
administered under the Vidya Niketan Education Trust (VNET) dedicated to inspiring
and educating students about science, technology, and space from school to higher
education. Our mission is to develop scientists and cater to education and industry
for nation-building purposes. Named after the late renowned astronaut Dr. Kalpana
Chawla, the academy aims to develop students to become world-class scientists in
diverse fields.
Both Adv. Bapusaheb Bhonde High School & Jr. College and KCSA are entities operating
under their parent body Vidya Niketan Education Trust (VNET).
The trust has illustrious trustees associated with VNET to fulfill the vision into
reality for KCSA through its mission of Nation Building and Transformation,
nurturing students to become future scientists. Notable trustees include Mr. Keki
Mistry and Ms. Meenakshi Sheshadri, renowned actress, to name a few. Please visit leadership-team for more
information on our Trustees and Governing Board members.
India’s space economy is poised to reach $100 billion by 2040, driven by increased
government spending, private sector participation, startup ecosystem, and
technological advancements. India has a rare confluence of STEAM talent,
cost-competitive technology development, and space missions supported by a conducive
regulatory environment. India plays a prominent role in the global space sector
through its space agency ISRO, providing cost-effective satellite launch services
and achieving notable milestones such as the Mars Orbiter Mission and Chandrayaan
missions. India excels in developing remote sensing advanced satellite technologies
for communication, Earth observation, and navigation, enhancing both domestic and
international space capabilities. India collaborates extensively with global space
agencies, contributing to joint missions and international satellite launches. Its
space technology supports critical applications like telemedicine and disaster
management, demonstrating its practical benefits for societal development. The space
sector also bolsters India’s economic growth and strategic capabilities, solidifying
its position as a key player in space exploration and technology.
The Kalpana Chawla Space Academy is in the lap of Mother Nature at Lonavala,
Maharashtra, India. You may reach us at 1800 2673940 or contact@kcsa.org.in.
To be eligible to apply for admission to the KCSA Space Science Program, you
need to first clear the selection process:
- Registration for KCSA Entrance Test (KCSAET): Fill out the registration form for the entrance test.
- Entrance Exam & Interview:
- Appear for the Entrance Test.
- Shortlisted candidates will be called for a Personal Interview.
- Selection: Once selected, the admission process will be initiated by the admission team.
- Fill Out the Application Form: Complete the online or offline application form with necessary personal and educational details.
- Submit Required Documents: Provide supporting documents such as transcripts, certificates, and identification as specified in the application guidelines.
- Fee Payment: Complete the fee payment process.
- Follow Up: Contact the admissions office if you need assistance with the relocation of your ward.
Any student in the 6th grade from across India is eligible to appear for the
KSCAET. The admissions will be given in the 7th grade CBSE or State board.
Please visit our website at www.kcsa.org.in, go
to the admissions page, and complete the registration process. The
registration is open from 15 February 2025 to 10 March 2025.
The entrance test is expected to begin by 25 February 2025 and end by 15
March 2025.
The location, date, and time of the entrance test will be communicated to
you once the registration process is complete.
The results will be declared by the end of March 2025.
The KSCAET will assess students' abilities in problem-solving, application
of concepts, critical thinking, and lateral thinking skills. The test will
cover topics related to space science, general science, mathematics, and
general knowledge focused on the field of science.
The entrance test consists of two papers, each of 75 minutes, and will be
multiple-choice questions (MCQ) based. A 30-minute break will be given
between the two tests.
The first round of screening is entrance test. After clearing the entrance
test, the final round will be an interview with prominent scientists,
educationists, academicians, and industry professionals. The final selection
of a student is based on interview only.
- KCSA has signed an MoU with ISRO for educational guidance and support to our program.
- Board of Studies with experts from prominent scientific institutions from across India and abroad.
- The pedagogy of curriculum is experiential. The curriculum is 80 percent activity-based and 20 percent theory.
- 10 state-of-art labs such as Avionics, Earth Science, Astro Physics to name a few.
- 200+ Experiments, Internships, and Capstone Projects.
A6: The batch size proposed for the program is 50 students. However, the
batch size may increase or decrease at management’s discretion.
The program is a first-of-its-kind full-time, six-year residential course
i.e 7th grade to 12th grade. It is designed for students with a scientific
bent of mind. The curriculum is experiential as 80% of the curriculum is
activity-based which includes but not limited to 10 state-of-art labs,
collaborative projects, 200+ experiments, industry visits and exposure to
institutions of scientific eminence and capstone projects.
Once selected, the aspirants will be guided by the admission team through
the admission process. For any further questions or clarification, please
feel free to reach out to us. Best of luck to all the aspiring learners!
For the academic year 2025-26, the admissions are open only for citizens of
India.
Yes, both entrance exam and interview will be conducted.
KCSA program will be delivered for four hours after the regular school
hours. The hours may extend as per the requirement of the curriculum.
The program is for 6 years i.e 7th grade to 12th grade. The fee to be paid
is Rs 4 Lacs per academic year which includes School fee (CBSE or State
Board), Hostel Fee, Transport, Food Facility, Sports and KCSA fee.
Additionally, the uniform and books are also included in the fee. The fee
for academic year 2025-26 is 4 Lacs.
The scholarship for first year will be declared based on the discretions of
the management. The scholarships will be offered to the students from second
year of the course if the performance criteria set for the first academic
year of the program is met by the student.
- Career Counselling: Personalized guidance to help students explore career options and prepare for the job market.
- Internship/Higher Education: The academy intends to work with industry partners and the space-focused startup ecosystem to provide internships and career advancement opportunities for students.
- Networking Opportunities: Access to industry events, seminars, and conferences where students can connect with professionals and potential employers.
Yes, the certification shall be provided by the Kalpana Chawla Space
Academy.
We do not offer any online programs as on today. However, we do plan to
create online programs in future. Check the academy’s website or contact for
information on online workshops and webinars.
The student shall be considered a drop-out if he/she chooses to discontinue
the KCSA curriculum. In such cases any advance fee paid shall not be
refunded. Any pending fee must be cleared before obtaining the transfer
certificate.
Yes, KCSA is open to collaborate with schools, educational institutions,
museums, and other organizations to provide educational programs, workshops,
and events. These partnerships can enhance access to KCSA’s resources and
reach a broader audience of students and educators.
To improve the learning outcomes, we have adopted experiential learning as our core
pedagogy. Hence, our 80% of the curriculum will be delivered through activity-based
learning. We have introduced 10 state-of-the-art labs, 200+ experiments,
Collaborative Projects, visits to institution of scientific eminence, Internships,
workshops delivered by industry practitioners, and Capstone Project.
KCSA has signed an MoU with Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to seek
resources and expertise to advance space science education. The academy benefits
from ISRO’s involvement in offering specialized training programs, workshops, and
lectures led by space experts. ISRO also collaborates on projects and research
opportunities, enriching the academy's curriculum with practical space technology
insights. Additionally, ISRO's support includes facilitating access to space
missions and experiments, enhancing the educational experience for students. This
partnership helps inspire and cultivate the next generation of space scientists and
engineers.
KCSA’s Governing Board and Board of Studies includes Scientist, Researchers and
Industry Practitioners for varied scientific fields. They are involved in
continuously upgrading our curriculum, making it relevant for the future needs of
the space sector.
The academy offers a range of courses and outreach programs over the entire 6-year program with 80% activity-based learning:
- Practical-based learning: In-class learning with a major emphasis on practical learning in science, technology, and space science.
- Workshops, seminars, webinars, exhibitions, and training: For students and learners in science, technology, and space science.
- Summer/Winter Boot camps: Focused on space exploration and STEAM activities.
- Certification Programs: In collaboration with universities, offering courses in science, technology, space science, and related fields.
- Educational Outreach: Programs for schools, parents, citizens, and community groups to promote interest in space science.
Our core modules include activity-based Science and Mathematics, STEAM (Science,
Technology, Art/Architecture, Engineering, and Math) Learning, Astrophysics,
Astrogeology, Earth Science, Rocketry, Aeronautics, Astronomy, Avionics,
Geomagnetism, Seismology, Astrochemistry, Information Technology, Computer
Networking, Virtual Reality as well as Sanskrit along with Physical and Spiritual
Development. For more details, please refer the link https://kcsa.org.in/curriculum
curriculum
Yes, KCSA will be arranging guest lectures, presentations, and visits from
professionals working in the space industry, including astronauts, engineers,
scientists, and entrepreneurs. These interactions provide students with valuable
insights into various career paths and opportunities in the field of space
exploration.
The KCSA infrastructure has been developed in a sprawling 12,500 sq. ft. area at the Adv. Bapusaheb Bhonde High School.
We also offer hostel and food facilities with a very secure and safe environment, ensured through our partner tie-up.
For more details, please refer to the following link: KCSA Infrastructure Details
The academy provides various facilities and resources such as:
- KCSA Infrastructure: Currently spread across 12,500 sq. ft.
- Laboratories: Ten state-of-the-art laboratories for hands-on experiments and research.
- Activity-based Learning: 200+ experiments.
- Simulation Software: For space mission simulations and modeling.
- Library and Study Materials: Access to books, journals, and online resources related to space science.
- Computer Laboratory: For practical and research work.
- Industrial and Field Visits: For practical and research exposure.
- Internships: Internship opportunities for industry interface.
- Projects: Micro, mini, and major projects for students.
VNET is a Trust which operates Adv. Bapusaheb Bhonde High School & Jr College which
is affiliated to the Maharashtra State Board.
VNET has collaborated with CBSE Board affiliated School - Sinhgad Public School,
Lonavala. The Hostel facility is also in Sinhagad Campus which spreads across 100
acres with Hostel, Food facilities, Medical and Playground infrastructure.
KCSA prioritizes the safety and well-being of all participants in its programs. The
academy adheres to safety guidelines and protocols established by relevant
authorities and ensures that qualified staff members supervise all activities.
Additionally, KCSA has policies in place to address medical emergencies and other
contingencies.
The ABBHS and KCSA are being administered under the same trust – Vidya Niketan
Education Trust. ABBHS is a non-residential and non-aided school. The residential
facility is being offered only for the KCSA students as of now.
We have two food facilities with capacity of 100 people providing on vegetarian
food. We provide a medical service through a 25-bed medical college and hospital
situated in the Sinhgad Campus. Campus with experienced medical practitioners,
nursing staff and other staff. The hospital also has 24/7 Ambulance service.
Visits may be possible, but they typically require prior arrangement. Contact the
academy to inquire for guided tours, open house events, or special visitor programs.
Yes, we do provide hostel facility for students. The hostel infrastructure is
secured with ample cameras and is also manned by male and female wardens. We also
have security at the campus.
There are several ways you can support the Kalpana Chawla Space Academy's mission:
You can make a donation, volunteer your time or expertise, promote awareness about the academy’s programs, or participate in fundraising events. Every bit of support helps us continue our work and make a difference in the world of space education and exploration.
If you are interested in supporting KCSA, feel free to reach out to us by emailing contact@kcsa.org.in.
