India-Japan Cooperative Science Programme (IJCSP) 2026

The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) have announced the India-Japan Cooperative Science Programme (IJCSP) 2026. This bilateral initiative invites joint research proposals and workshop applications from Indian and Japanese scientists to foster high-end technical exchanges. Operating under a strict mobility-only, reciprocal funding model, the programme enables researchers to combine resources and expertise across cutting-edge scientific domains.

To secure funding, collaborative teams must submit identical proposals simultaneously to both DST and JSPS. The final deadline for submission through the official online portals is September 3, 2026, by 5:00 PM, with selected projects scheduled to commence execution in June 2027.

Core Scientific Areas of Cooperation

Bilateral applications are strictly limited to the following six designated fields:

• Physical Sciences: Core physics, quantum mechanics, and advanced optics.

• Chemical Sciences: Molecular chemistry, synthesis, and chemical engineering.

• Life Sciences & Agriculture: Biotechnology, bio-medicine, and agricultural innovations.

• Mathematics & Computational Science: Data science, algorithms, and mathematical modelling.

• Astronomy & Earth Science: Space exploration, geology, and environmental sciences.

• Materials & Engineering: Nanotechnology, structural engineering, and smart materials.

Project Formats and Strict Duration Rules

Applicants can choose only one of two structural tracks for their submission:

• Joint Research Projects: Approved for a maximum duration of 2 years, requiring all international exchange visits to conclude within 1 year and 10 months.

• Joint Workshops/Seminars: Limited to a maximum duration of 1 week and must be hosted between June 1, 2027, and March 31, 2028.

Reciprocal Funding and Financial Limitations

The grant covers travel and logistical expenses but enforces strict restrictions on operational expenditures:

• Travel and Hosting: The sending side covers international airfare, visa fees, and medical insurance, while the receiving side provides local accommodation and domestic transit.

• Contingency Allowance: Indian research teams receive a baseline contingency grant of ?25,000 per year.

• Explicit Exclusions: Zero funding is provided for equipment procurement, hiring manpower/staff, or buying laboratory consumables.

Eligibility Criteria and Disqualifying Restrictions

The call outlines explicit academic requirements and strict anti-stacking guidelines for primary investigators:

• Indian PIs: Must hold regular faculty or scientist positions at UGC-recognised universities, national R&D laboratories, or private non-profit research institutes.

• Japanese PIs: Must be full-time researchers employed at institutions officially recognised by JSPS.

• The Multi-Project Cap: Scientists currently managing two or more active DST-supported international projects concluding after March 31, 2027, are strictly disqualified.

Official Timeline and Selection Process

• Application Deadline: September 3, 2026, via the DST Portal.

• Evaluation Metrics: Independent assessment by DST and JSPS focusing on scientific innovation, mutual synergy, and societal impact.

• Result Declaration: Bilateral selections will be finalised and announced in April/May 2027.