Call for Proposal 2026
India-Japan JOINT Research Science Programme
Are you looking for a Call for Proposal under a prestigious international research collaboration programme? The Department of Science & Technology (DST Recruitment initiative), Government of India, has announced the India-Japan Cooperative Science Programme (IJCSP) Call for Proposal 2026. This Life Science Vacancy and research funding opportunity invites eligible Indian researchers and scientists to submit proposals for Joint Research Projects and Joint Workshops/Seminars in collaboration with Japanese counterparts. Interested candidates can apply before 3rd September 2026.
About the Department of Science & Technology (DST)
The Department of Science & Technology (DST), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, is the country’s leading agency for promoting scientific research, innovation, international collaborations, and technology development. Through programmes such as the India-Japan Cooperative Science Programme (IJCSP), DST facilitates global partnerships that strengthen scientific excellence and address emerging societal challenges. The department actively supports researchers across diverse scientific disciplines, including Life Sciences, Agriculture, Engineering, Physical Sciences, and Computational Sciences.
Important Dates
| Programme Name | India-Japan Cooperative Science Program (IJCSP) |
| Organization | Department of Science & Technology (DST) |
| Last Date to Apply | 3rd September 2026 |
| Project Duration | Up to 2 Years |
| Funding Type | International Research Mobility Grant |
Key Responsibilities
- Submit proposals for Joint Research Projects and Joint Workshops/Seminars under IJCSP.
- Coordinate scientific and administrative activities between Indian and Japanese research teams.
- Ensure periodic scientific and financial reporting to DST and JSPS.
- Participate in collaborative international research activities.
- Strengthen bilateral scientific cooperation between India and Japan.
- Complete project activities within the approved program duration.
- Disseminate project outcomes and contribute towards addressing societal challenges.
Scientific Areas Covered
- Physical Sciences
- Chemical Sciences
- Life Science & Agriculture
- Mathematics & Computational Science
- Astronomy & Earth Science
- Materials & Engineering
Qualifications
- Joint application must include one Indian Principal Investigator (PI) and one Japanese Principal Investigator (PI).
- Indian PI and investigators should be scientists/faculty members working in regular capacity in Universities, Deemed Universities, Academic Institutes, National Research & Development Laboratories/Institutes, or Private nonprofit institutions carrying out R&D activities.
- The Indian PI should not be retiring or leaving the parent institute during the project duration.
- Japanese PIs must be full-time researchers employed at universities or research institutions recognized by JSPS.
- Indian and Japanese PIs must submit the same project proposal to their respective authorities.
- Projects must be drafted in English.
- Each PI can submit only one proposal.
Experience
- Researchers with ongoing national projects on similar scientific problems are preferred.
- Proposed collaborations should build upon existing research activities between Indian and Japanese teams.
- Applicants involved in the implementation of two or more DST-supported projects that are not expected to be completed by 31 March 2027 are not eligible to be members of the research team.
Skills Needed
- Scientific research expertise
- International research collaboration experience
- Proposal writing and documentation
- Project management skills
- Scientific reporting abilities
- Team coordination and communication
- Research dissemination capabilities
- Interdisciplinary collaboration skills
Duration of the Project
Project duration will be up to two years. Visits should be completed within one year and ten months.
Kind of Support Available
Support for Indian Researchers
- International airfare to and from designated research locations
- Visa fee
- Airport taxes
- Overseas medical insurance premium
- Airport transfers in India
- Contingency grant of ₹25,000 per year
- Support for Joint Workshops/Seminars in India
- Local travel cost of selected Indian participants
- Organizing expenses as per DST norms
Support for Japanese Researchers
- Accommodation in guest houses
- Per diem expenses
- Domestic travel expenses in India
- Airport transfers as per DST norms
Note: No support for consumables, manpower, equipment, or similar expenses will be provided under the mobility programme.
Proposal Submission Guidelines
- Applicants must submit duly filled application forms approved by the heads of institutions.
- Include curricula vitae of both research teams.
- Letter of intent exchanged between project coordinators.
Application Process
Indian researchers can download proposal formats from:
Completed applications and relevant documents must be submitted through the DST e-application system before 3 September 2026, 5:00 PM
Applicants must ensure that the Japanese counterpart submits an identical proposal to JSPS within the prescribed deadline.
Proposals submitted only on one side will not be considered.
Evaluation Criteria
- Scientific relevance of the research project
- Methodology and documentation
- Qualification of applicants
- Added value of staff exchanges
- Contribution to bilateral cooperation
- Contribution towards societal challenges
- Use and dissemination of project results
Preference will be given to applicants having ongoing national projects seeking collaboration with Japanese counterparts to bridge research gaps through mobility grants.
Publication of Results
For the Indian side, the list of selected projects will be uploaded on the DST website.
Contact Information
Dr. Sibashisa Dash
Scientist ‘D’, International Cooperation (Bilateral) Division
Department of Science and Technology
Ministry of Science and Technology
Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road
New Delhi – 110016
Tel: +91 (0)11 2659 0317
Email: [email protected]
This DST Recruitment 2026 Call for Proposal offers an excellent opportunity for researchers seeking international collaboration through the India-Japan Cooperative Science Programme. Scientists working in Life Science Vacancy domains and other research disciplines can leverage this prestigious funding programme to strengthen bilateral research partnerships and advance scientific innovation. Eligible candidates should submit their proposals before 3 September 2026 to take advantage of this valuable Call for Proposal opportunity.
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