The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, in collaboration with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), has officially released the DST IJCSP 2026 Call for Proposals for the India-Japan Cooperative Science Programme (IJCSP). The programme invites applications for Joint Research Projects and Joint Workshops/Seminars to promote bilateral scientific collaboration between Indian and Japanese scientists.
Interested eligible Indian researchers/scientists can apply online through the DST e-application system from the date of notification until 3rd September 2026. Applicants must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and submit identical proposals to both DST and JSPS. Selected projects are likely to be started in June 2027. All updates and final selection lists will be uploaded on the DST website, and no separate communication will be sent.
DST IJCSP 2026 Notification
The DST IJCSP 2026 Call for Proposals Notification PDF is provided below for candidates’ reference. This document contains complete details about the programme, eligibility criteria, application process, important dates, and evaluation procedure. Aspirants can refer to it to ensure they meet all requirements before applying. The notification also includes instructions for online submission, proposal format, and financial guidelines.
Download DST IJCSP 2026 Call for Proposals Notification PDF
DST IJCSP 2026: Overview
The DST IJCSP 2026 provides an excellent opportunity for Indian and Japanese researchers to collaborate on joint research projects and organize workshops/seminars in various scientific areas. Below is a detailed overview with all key information for aspirants.
| Programme | India-Japan Cooperative Science Programme (IJCSP) |
|---|---|
| Organizing Bodies | Department of Science and Technology (DST), India & Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) |
| Types of Support | Joint Research Projects & Joint Workshops/Seminars |
| Areas of Cooperation | Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Life Science & Agriculture, Mathematics & Computational Science, Astronomy & Earth Science, Materials & Engineering |
| Project Duration | Up to 2 years (Visits to be completed within 1 year and 10 months) |
| Application Mode | Online through DST e-application system |
| Last Date for Submission | 3rd September 2026 (by 5:00 PM) |
| Evaluation Results | Likely to be informed in April/May 2027 |
| Project Start Date | Likely to be started in June 2027 |
| Official Website | www.dst.gov.in / www.onlinedst.gov.in |
| Contact Person | Dr. Sibashisa Dash, Scientist ‘D’, International Cooperation (bilateral) Division |
DST IJCSP 2026: Areas of Cooperation
The support is available to the following scientific areas:
| S. No. | Area | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Physical Sciences | PS |
| 2 | Chemical Sciences | CS |
| 3 | Life Science & Agriculture | NS |
| 4 | Mathematics & Computational Science | MCS |
| 5 | Astronomy & Earth Science | AES |
| 6 | Materials & Engineering | MS |
DST IJCSP 2026: Who Can Apply?
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Principal Investigator (PI):
- Must be a scientist/faculty member working in a regular capacity in:
- Universities/Deemed Universities
- Academic Institutes
- National Research & Development Laboratories/Institutes
- Private non-profit institutions carrying out R&D activities
- Should not be retiring or leaving the parent institute during the proposed duration of the project.
- Must have a Co-PI designated as a member of the project team.
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Eligibility Criteria for Japanese Principal Investigator (PI):
- Must be a full-time researcher employed at Universities or other research institutions recognized by JSPS.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Applicants (Important):
- Indian applicants who are involved in the implementation of two or more projects that were previously supported by DST (International Group) and that are not expected to be completed by 31st March 2027 are not eligible to be a member of the research team.
Other Conditions:
- Each Principal Investigator (PI) must submit only one proposal.
- Both Indian and Japanese PIs must submit the same project proposal to respective authorities.
- Proposals submitted in only one country will not be considered for evaluation.
- Projects must be drafted in English.
DST IJCSP 2026: Types of Support
1. Joint Research Projects
- Duration: Up to 2 years (Visits to be completed within 1 year and 10 months)
- Support for exchange of researchers and contingency @ ₹25,000 per year
- No other support like consumables, manpower, or equipment should be expected or proposed
2. Joint Workshops/Seminars
- Duration: Up to 1 week (During the period between 1 June 2027 and 31 March 2028)
- Either Joint Research Project or Joint Workshop will be supported, not both
DST IJCSP 2026: Kind of Support Available
The sending side provides international travel cost, and the receiving side provides local hospitality including accommodation charges, per-diem, and local travel.
For Indian Researchers (Visits to Japan):
| Items | Support Provided |
|---|---|
| International Airfare | To and from the designated research location |
| Airport Taxes | Included |
| Visa Fee | Included |
| Overseas Medical Insurance | For approved visit duration |
| Airport Transfers | In India |
For Japanese Researchers (Visits to India):
| Items | Support Provided |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | In guest house |
| Per Diem | As per DST norms |
| Domestic Travel Expenses | In India including airport transfers |
For Joint Workshops/Seminars in India:
- Local travel cost of selected Indian participants
- Organizing expenses as per DST norms
DST IJCSP 2026: How to Apply Online?
Candidates applying for the DST IJCSP 2026 must complete the process online through the DST e-application system. A valid personal email ID is mandatory, as all communications will be sent accordingly. Applicants are required to submit identical proposals to both DST and JSPS.
| Step | Procedure |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the official DST website at www.dst.gov.in or www.onlinedst.gov.in |
| 2 | Download the proposal formats from the International Cooperation Division section. |
| 3 | Fill the application form with all required details including project title, duration, investigator details, technical information, etc. |
| 4 | Attach required documents including Curricula Vitae of both research teams and Letter of Intent exchanged between coordinators. |
| 5 | Ensure the application is approved by the Head of the Institution. |
| 6 | Submit the completed application form through the e-application system at www.onlinedst.gov.in in DST format ONLY. |
| 7 | Ensure that an application with an identical title has been submitted by the Japanese counterpart to JSPS by the due date. |
| 8 | Submit the application on or before 3rd September 2026 by 5:00 PM through proper channel. |
DST IJCSP 2026: Evaluation of Proposals
Proposals will be initially evaluated at the national level. Project proposals will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
| S. No. | Evaluation Criteria |
|---|---|
| 1 | Scientific relevance of the research project |
| 2 | Methodology and documentation |
| 3 | Coherent Qualification of the applicants |
| 4 | Added value of the proposed staff exchanges for project activities |
| 5 | Added value to the bilateral cooperation |
| 6 | Contribution of the project in addressing societal challenges |
| 7 | Use and dissemination of results |
Preference Criteria:
- Preference will be given to applicants having ongoing national project on the same problem and wish to connect with their counterpart through Indo-Japanese joint collaboration to bridge the research gap through mobility grant in accomplishing the objectives of the ongoing national project.
Evaluation Process:
- Proposals will be evaluated independently by DST in India and JSPS in Japan using their own procedures.
- Decision towards funding will be mutually agreed based on the gradings (on 1 to 10 scale) received on the two sides.
- Coordinators are likely to be informed in April/May 2027 about evaluation results.
- The jointly approved projects are likely to be started in June 2027.
Important:
- Only jointly submitted proposals to DST and JSPS will be considered.
- Proposals submitted in only one country will not be considered.
DST IJCSP 2026: Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Release of Call for Proposals | June 2026 |
| Last Date for Submission of Proposals | 3rd September 2026 (by 5:00 PM) |
| Evaluation Results Communication | April/May 2027 |
| Project Start Date | June 2027 |
DST IJCSP 2026: Documents Required
For Joint Research Projects:
- Duly filled application form (available at www.dst.gov.in / www.onlinedst.gov.in)
- Curricula Vitae of both research teams (Indian and Japanese)
- Letter of Intent exchanged between the coordinators of the project
- Approval from Head of the Institution
- Brief Bio-data of Indian and Japanese PIs highlighting expertise in the proposed field
- List of publications highlighting those relevant to the proposed project
- Ongoing/Completed projects details of Indian PI
- Letter from Japanese PI agreeing with objectives and work plan
For Joint Workshops/Seminars:
- Duly filled application form for Joint Workshops/Seminars
- List of expected participants (Indian and Foreign)
- Details of estimated expenditure
- Clearance for participation of foreign scientists (if workshop in India)
- Approval from Head of Institution
DST IJCSP 2026: Financial Details
For Joint Research Projects:
| Items of Expenditure | 1st Year | 2nd Year | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visits from India to Japan | |||
| Number of visits and duration | 2 visits, max 30 days each | 2 visits, max 30 days each | |
| International Airfare (economy class) | As per actual | As per actual | |
| Local travel in India | As per actual | As per actual | |
| Visa fee | As per actual | As per actual | |
| Overseas medical insurance | As per actual | As per actual | |
| Visits from Japan to India | |||
| Number of visits and duration | 2 visits, max 30 days each | 2 visits, max 30 days each | |
| Accommodation in Guest House | As per DST norms | As per DST norms | |
| Per diem @ ₹2,500 per day | As per DST norms | As per DST norms | |
| Local travel in India | As per DST norms | As per DST norms | |
| Contingency @ ₹25,000 per year | ₹25,000 | ₹25,000 | ₹50,000 |
For Joint Workshops/Seminars:
| Items of Expenditure | Grant Requested |
|---|---|
| TA for Indian Scientists/Invited Speakers | As per DST norms |
| Local Hospitality for Other Participants | As per DST norms |
| Organizational Expenses (Food, Printing, Stationary, Transport etc.) | As per DST norms |
| Local Hospitality for Foreign Scientists (Accommodation, per diem, local travel) | As per DST norms |
| Misc (please specify) | As per DST norms |
| Total (should not exceed Rs 10 lakhs) | Up to Rs 10 lakhs |
Note on Funding:
- Visit of one person is to be counted as one visit. (one visit = one person)
- Continuation in the second year would depend upon its progress assessed by DST.
- At the end of each financial year, the PI is required to submit Utilisation Certificates and Statement of Expenditure in prescribed format.
FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for DST IJCSP 2026?
Ans: The last date to apply for DST IJCSP 2026 is 3rd September 2026 by 5:00 PM. Proposals must be submitted online through the DST e-application system at www.onlinedst.gov.in by this date.
Q2. What is the India-Japan Cooperative Science Programme (IJCSP)?
Ans: IJCSP is a bilateral scientific collaboration programme conducted by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), India and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) to promote joint research and workshops between Indian and Japanese scientists.
Q3. What types of support are available under DST IJCSP 2026?
Ans: The programme supports Joint Research Projects (up to 2 years) and Joint Workshops/Seminars (up to 1 week). Either Joint Research Project or Joint Workshop will be supported, not both.
Q4. What are the areas of cooperation under DST IJCSP 2026?
Ans: The support is available for Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Life Science & Agriculture, Mathematics & Computational Science, Astronomy & Earth Science, and Materials & Engineering.
Q5. Who is eligible to apply for DST IJCSP 2026?
Ans: Indian scientists/faculty members working in regular capacity in Universities, Academic Institutes, National R&D Laboratories, and private non-profit institutions doing R&D are eligible. The Indian PI should not be retiring during the project duration. Each PI can submit only one proposal.
Q6. Do both Indian and Japanese PIs need to submit proposals?
Ans: Yes, both Indian and Japanese PIs must submit the same project proposal to respective authorities (DST and JSPS). Proposals submitted in only one country will not be considered for evaluation.
Q7. What is the duration of the Joint Research Project?
Ans: The duration of the projects would be up to two years. Visits to be completed within one year and 10 months.
Q8. What financial support does DST provide under the programme?
Ans: DST provides international airfare, visa fee, overseas medical insurance for Indian researchers, and local hospitality (accommodation, per diem, local travel) for Japanese researchers. Contingency @ ₹25,000 per year is also provided. No support for consumables, manpower, or equipment.
Q9. What is the maximum budget for Joint Workshops/Seminars?
Ans: The total budget for Joint Workshops/Seminars should not exceed Rs 10 lakhs.
Q10. How are proposals evaluated?
Ans: Proposals are evaluated independently by DST in India and JSPS in Japan using their own procedures. Funding decisions are based on mutual agreement on gradings (on 1 to 10 scale) received on both sides.
Q11. When will the results be announced?
Ans: Coordinators are likely to be informed in April/May 2027 about evaluation results. The jointly approved projects are likely to be started in June 2027.
Q12. Where will the results be published?
Ans: For the Indian side, the list of selected projects will be uploaded on the DST website – www.dst.gov.in
Q13. Are Indian applicants with ongoing DST projects eligible?
Ans: Indian applicants who are involved in the implementation of two or more projects that were previously supported by DST (International Group) and that are not expected to be completed by 31st March 2027 are not eligible to be a member of the research team.
Q14. What documents are required for proposal submission?
Ans: Documents required include duly filled application form, Curricula Vitae of both research teams, Letter of Intent between coordinators, and approval from Head of the Institution. For Japanese PIs, a letter agreeing with the objectives and work plan is also required.
Q15. Can I apply for both Joint Research Project and Joint Workshop?
Ans: No, either Joint Research Project or Joint Workshop will be supported, not both. Applicants must choose one type of support.
