Govt Job Alert: DST IJCSP 2026: India-Japan Cooperative Science Programme Call for Proposals Out, Apply Online for Joint Research Projects & Workshops
| Organization | Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India & Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) |
| Scheme Name | India-Japan Cooperative Science Programme (IJCSP) 2026 |
| Last Date | 3rd September 2026 (by 5:00 PM) |
| Apply Mode | Online via DST e-Application Portal |
The Department of Science and Technology (DST), under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, has announced the official call for proposals for the India-Japan Cooperative Science Programme (IJCSP) 2026. This prestigious bilateral initiative is conducted in active partnership with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). The primary objective of this program is to foster, promote, and advance scientific cooperation between Indian and Japanese researchers through joint research initiatives and interactive bilateral workshops or seminars.
For the 2026 cycle, eligible Indian scientists, academicians, and researchers working in regular positions are invited to submit their joint proposals. This program serves as an exceptional platform to combine resources, share state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, and generate high-impact scientific outcomes that benefit both nations. Interested applicants must submit their proposals online before the designated deadline in September 2026.
Key Highlights and Important Dates
Understanding the timeline is crucial for planning a successful bilateral application. Because this is a joint program, both the Indian Principal Investigator (PI) and the Japanese counterpart must coordinate their submissions perfectly. Below is the detailed schedule for the DST IJCSP 2026 cycle.
| Event / Milestone | Crucial Details & Deadlines |
|---|---|
| Application Window Status | Open (Active Now) |
| Last Date for Submission | 3rd September 2026 (Strictly by 5:00 PM IST) |
| Evaluation Period | Late 2026 to Early 2027 |
| Declaration of Results | April / May 2027 (Expected) |
| Project Commencement Date | June 2027 (Tentative) |
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To maintain high academic and scientific standards, DST has laid down specific eligibility parameters for Indian applicants. It is mandatory for applicants to review these requirements to avoid administrative rejection of their proposals.
| Eligibility Parameter | Detailed Requirements & Conditions |
|---|---|
| Eligible Institutions | Indian Universities, Academic Institutes, National R&D Laboratories, and Private Non-Profit R&D Organizations. |
| Employment Status of PI | Must hold a regular, permanent faculty or scientific position. Ad-hoc or temporary staff are not eligible. |
| Retirement Clause | The Indian Principal Investigator must not be due for retirement during the active duration of the project. |
| Proposal Limits | Each Principal Investigator is restricted to submitting only one proposal under this call. |
| Ongoing Project Restriction | Researchers with 2 or more ongoing DST International Group projects not finishing by 31st March 2027 are ineligible. |
Financial Support and Funding Pattern
The IJCSP is primarily an exchange-based support program designed to facilitate mobility between scientists of both countries. The financial support structure is structured to cover travel, stay, and minor operational overheads rather than heavy capital expenditures.
| Expense Category | Funding Provisions & Limits |
|---|---|
| Travel Support (Indian Team) | DST provides international airfare, actual visa fees, and overseas medical insurance. |
| Hospitality (Japanese Team in India) | DST covers local accommodation, per diem allowances, and domestic travel within India. |
| Contingency Grant | An annual contingency grant of ₹25,000 is provided to the Indian research team. |
| Non-Funded Items | No financial support is provided for consumables, manpower recruitment, or major equipment. |
| Financial Reporting | PIs must submit Utilisation Certificates (UC) and Statement of Expenditure (SE) at the end of each financial year. |
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Applying for the DST IJCSP 2026 requires meticulous coordination and adherence to guidelines. Follow these steps to ensure your application is submitted successfully without errors:
- Coordinate with Japanese Partner: Before initiating the online process, establish contact with your Japanese counterpart. Ensure that both of you agree on the research title, objectives, methodology, and division of work.
- Download Formats: Visit the official online portal of the Department of Science and Technology. Navigate to the International Cooperation Division section and download the specific proposal formats for Joint Research Projects or Joint Workshops.
- Draft the Proposal: Fill out the application form carefully. You must include the project title, planned duration, complete investigator details, technical work plan, and expected outcomes.
- Obtain Institutional Approval: The application must be endorsed and approved by the Head of your Institution (Vice-Chancellor, Director, or Registrar) with an official seal.
- Prepare Supporting Documents: Gather the updated Curricula Vitae (CV) of both the Indian and Japanese research teams, a formal Letter of Intent signed by both coordinators, and a consent letter from the Japanese PI.
- Submit Online via DST Portal: Upload the completed application in the prescribed DST format exclusively through the e-application portal at
www.onlinedst.gov.in. - Ensure Identical Titles: Verify that your Japanese collaborator submits an identical proposal with the exact same title to JSPS in Japan before their corresponding deadline.
- Final Submission: Complete the final submission on the portal before 3rd September 2026, 5:00 PM IST. Keep a printed copy of the submitted proposal for future administrative reference.
Evaluation and Selection Criteria
Once the application window closes, all received proposals undergo a rigorous peer-review process conducted independently by DST in India and JSPS in Japan. The final selection is made through mutual consensus between both agencies. The primary evaluation criteria include:
- Scientific merit, novelty, and technological relevance of the proposed research.
- Coherent qualification, expertise, and complementary strengths of both the Indian and Japanese investigators.
- Necessity and clear value addition of the bilateral cooperation.
- Opportunities for young researchers and PhD scholars to gain international exposure.
- Feasibility of the work plan and clear strategies for the dissemination and use of research results.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The final date for submitting your online application on the DST portal is 3rd September 2026, strictly by 5:00 PM IST. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Indian scientists or faculty members working in a regular capacity in recognized Indian Universities, Academic Institutes, National R&D Laboratories, or private non-profit R&D institutions are eligible. The PI must not be retiring during the project tenure.
No. The IJCSP program does not provide financial support for consumables, manpower (like JRF/SRF salaries), or laboratory equipment. It primarily covers travel, visa fees, medical insurance, local hospitality, and a minor annual contingency of ₹25,000.
Indian researchers who are currently managing two or more ongoing projects supported by the DST International Group that are not scheduled to conclude by 31st March 2027 are not eligible to be part of the proposed research team.
The evaluation results are expected to be communicated to the respective project coordinators in April or May 2027. The approved joint research projects are tentatively scheduled to commence in June 2027.
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Bilateral Collaboration: Joint initiative between DST (India) and JSPS (Japan) for research projects and workshops.
- Strict Deadline: Online applications must be completed on the DST portal by 3rd September 2026 (5:00 PM).
- Identical Proposals Required: Both the Indian and Japanese partners must submit identical proposals to their respective agencies.
- Mobility Support Focus: Funding covers international travel, visa fees, medical insurance, and local hospitality.
- Project Timeline: Results will be declared in April/May 2027, with projects commencing in June 2027.