LOTUS Program FY2026 : The Government of Japan has announced the LOTUS Program for FY2026, which is a golden opportunity for Indian Masters, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. Under this program, about 1,000 Indian students will get an opportunity to do research in top universities and research institutes of Japan. This initiative is part of the India Japan Circulation of Talented Youths in Science Programme.
The objective of this program is to strengthen scientific cooperation between India and Japan and to provide opportunities to young Indian researchers for international exposure and career development. So let us know what is the application process for Indian PhD scholars under LOTUS Program 2026.
Who can apply for LOTUS Program FY2026?
Candidates applying for this program must be below 40 years of age and must be affiliated with an Indian university or research institute. Candidates cannot apply independently. Applications can only be made through the Principal Investigator (PI) of the university or research institute in Japan that will host the selected candidate. The last date of application is 9 June 2026. The post-application review and selection process will take place between June and August 2026, and the final results may be declared at the end of August.
What are the focus areas of the program
The LOTUS program gives priority to students and researchers who are working in emerging and high-impact research areas. This includes Artificial Intelligence (AI), Biotechnology, Energy and Renewable Energy, Material Science, Quantum Technology, Semiconductors and Telecom. Also, if a researcher is doing interdisciplinary research related to these areas, then it can also be considered.
What are the two tracks of the LOTUS program?
In FY2026, the program is divided into two tracks. In which the first one is LOTUS Basic. The research stay in this is up to 12 months. Its objective is to create basic cooperation and joint supervision with Japanese professors. The other one is LOTUS ASPIRE (new track). This research stay is for 36 months. Its objective is to achieve deep collaboration and clear research results. This includes additional funding and structured assessment. The LOTUS ASPIRE track fosters deep and results-driven collaboration, increasing both the scale and impact of research.
Academic Benefits in LOTUS Program 2026
Selected participants of the LOTUS Program 2026 receive both financial and academic assistance. He will be given a monthly stipend of around Rs 1.4 lakh, which includes living and boarding expenses. In addition, additional funds are also available for expenses related to research activities, travel and collaboration in Japan, but travel expenses from India to Japan are not included in this. Other benefits of the program include access to Japan’s advanced research infrastructure, international academic networking opportunities, and potential pathways to future internships or employment in Japan.
What is the application process for LOTUS Program 2026
1. Official website of Principal Investigator, PI of Research Institute for LOTUS Program 2026 Application https://www.jst.go.jp/program/india/en/call/ Go to.
2. Fill the application form here and upload all the required documents.
3. Now get the application form submitted under PI.
4. After submission, you will get information about the success of the application and further process through email.
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