18 Chandigarh University Students Recognised as NASA Citizen Scientists after International Asteroid Search Campaign

2 mins readUpdated on Apr 2, 2026 16:21 IST
A total of 26 students from Chandigarh University participated, organised into three research teams under the guidance of the University’s Astronomy Club. Out of these, two teams of 18 students received official recognition and certificates and earned the prestigious designation of NASA Citizen Scientists.
Chandigarh, India: Chandigarh University continues to scale new heights in global research engagement as 18 students from the University’s Astronomy Club have been officially recognised as NASA Citizen Scientists after successfully participating in the International Asteroid Search Campaign (IASC) — a global citizen-science initiative partnered with NASA. The campaign, which was conducted from October 15 to November 10, 2025, involved students analysing real telescope image datasets to identify near-Earth objects and Main Belt asteroids using professional astronomical tools and research methodologies. 

Global Scientific Contribution by CU Students

A total of 26 students from Chandigarh University participated, organised into three research teams under the guidance of the University’s Astronomy Club. Out of these, two teams of 18 students received official recognition and certificates and earned the prestigious designation of NASA Citizen Scientists. 
During the campaign, students worked with telescope datasets provided by the IASC portal and used Astrometrica software to analyse astronomical images through blink comparison techniques. Their findings were put together into Minor Planet Centre (MPC) report formats and submitted for validation as part of global asteroid monitoring efforts. 
 

Hands-On Research Experience with Real Astronomical Data

The participation offered students authentic exposure to real scientific workflows, including:
● Analysis of telescope images from international observatories
● Detection of moving celestial objects such as asteroids
● Learning professional astronomical software tools
● Collaborative research and global scientific reporting
● Participation in NASA-supported citizen science initiatives
The initiative significantly enhanced students’ analytical, technical, and collaborative skills while strengthening Chandigarh University’s standing in STEM innovation and global research participation. 

University Leadership Perspective

University officials highlighted that such global academic engagements reflect Chandigarh University’s commitment to experiential learning and research-driven education. The University noted that participation in NASA-linked scientific programmes enables students to move beyond classroom learning and contribute directly to real-world scientific discovery.
 

Strengthening CU’s Global Academic Footprint

The achievement focuses on Chandigarh University’s growing presence in international research collaborations and citizen-science initiatives. The University’s Astronomy Club continues to give mentorship, training sessions, and research opportunities to help students engage with global scientific programmes. With this recognition, Chandigarh University students join a worldwide network of contributors supporting astronomical research and planetary monitoring efforts.
 

About the University

Chandigarh University is one of India’s leading institutions known for its strong focus on academic excellence, research innovation, global collaborations, and industry-aligned education. The University actively promotes experiential learning, interdisciplinary research, and international exposure for students across domains.
 
Note: The views expressed in this article are of Chandigarh University and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha.

 

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Hi,

  • Batch size (Pharma UG+PG combined): 250–300 students

  • Placed: 159 students
     So:

  • The majority get opportunities, but not all

  • Some students:

    • Go for higher studies

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heena agrawal

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Hi,

Placement is almost good.

Placement Rate

Around 74–75% students get placed (B.Pharm)

Some students also go for higher studies (M.Pharm, MBA, etc.)

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heena agrawal

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Hi,

For B.Pharm at Chandigarh University:

Minimum: 50% (eligibility)

Safe score: 70%+

Very safe: 75–85%+

60–65% → borderline but possible

70%+ → good chance

80%+ → easy admission + scholarship chances

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heena agrawal

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Answered a week ago

Hi...

Minimum Academic Cutoff (Main Requirement)

  • You need at least 50–60% marks in 12th (PCB/PCM)

  • Subjects required: Physics + Chemistry + Biology/Maths

In practice:

  • 60%+ is commonly expected for safe admission

  • 50% is the basic eligibility, but competition may push it higher

 Expected Cutoff Range (Recent

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heena agrawal

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Answered 2 weeks ago

Chandigarh University provides good internship to the students of BE CSE AI and ML. Through the internships, students get to learn the subject with a practical approach. It also helps studnets to build network with respective industry leaders.

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Dhanya Arora

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

When you ask if CU (Chandigarh University) is better than LPU (Lovely Professional University) for Mechanical Engineering, the honest answer depends on what exactly you are looking for in your degree, and as an LPU student myself I can tell you it’s not a simple yes or no, but a comparison based on

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Think with V

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Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, students in the Biosciences programs at Chandigarh University get opportunities for field visits and educational tours. These are part of the learning process and are meant to improve practical knowledge. The university arranges visits to relevant places such as labs, biotech companies, and res

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Nishant Goutam

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CU is known for competitive placement records and strong industry tie-ups, especially in recent years. It has good coding culture and decent exposure to tech companies.

On the other hand, LPU offers a larger campus ecosystem, more CSE specializations (AI, Data Science, Cyber Security, Cloud, etc.), a

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Arshia Singh

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