Sakura Science Programme 2026

Recently, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) under the Ministry of Education flagged off a delegation of Indian students selected for the Sakura Science Programme 2026 from the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), New Delhi, for a visit to Japan.

Sakura Science Programme

• The Sakura Science Programme is a prestigious international student exchange initiative of Japan, officially known as the Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science.
• The programme was launched in 2014 with the primary objective of fostering interest in science and technology among young people across Asia and other countries, promoting scientific curiosity, and strengthening international cooperation. India began participating in the programme in 2016.
• The programme is implemented by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).
• Under this initiative, selected students are invited to Japan for short-term visits, where they get an opportunity to experience Japan’s cutting-edge scientific and technological advancements as well as its rich cultural heritage.

Objectives of the Programme

• The Sakura Science Programme aims to nurture global talent capable of contributing to innovation in science and technology.
• The programme provides a common platform for talented students and researchers from different countries, enabling them to benefit from each other’s experiences and knowledge.
• The major objectives of the programme are:
  • To develop future innovators and talented human resources in the field of science and technology.
  • To promote international brain circulation through the exchange of knowledge, skills, and talent.
  • To strengthen collaboration between Japanese educational and research institutions and their counterparts in other countries.
  • To promote science and technology diplomacy (Science Diplomacy).
  • To enhance mutual understanding, cooperation, and friendship among youth from different countries.

Sakura Science Programme 2026: Indian Delegation

• For the year 2026, a total of 56 students and 4 supervisors have been selected from India. The delegation will visit Japan from 24 May to 30 May 2026. Students from Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa are also participating in the programme.
• The Indian delegation comprises 24 boys and 32 girls, all selected from government schools across the country.
• The delegation includes students from Assam, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and West Bengal.

Link with National Scholarship Scheme

• All students participating in the Sakura Science Programme 2026 are beneficiaries of the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) Scheme of the Government of India.
• The scheme provides financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker sections to help them continue their education.

Opportunities for Students in Japan

• Under the programme, students visit leading scientific institutions, universities, research centres, and technological establishments in Japan.
• They get first-hand exposure to modern scientific equipment, laboratories, and innovations.
• In addition, students are introduced to Japanese culture, traditions, social values, and the education system.
• Thus, the programme is not limited to scientific learning alone but also serves as an important medium for cultural exchange.

India’s Participation and Achievements

• India has been actively participating in the programme since 2016. According to the Ministry of Education, 674 Indian students and 96 supervisors have visited Japan under this initiative so far. The previous batch travelled to Japan in August 2025.

In Line with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

• The Sakura Science Programme is aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes holistic, experiential, and practical learning. Such international educational exposure visits broaden students’ knowledge, skills, creativity, and global outlook.
• Students gain direct exposure to places of scientific, technological, and cultural significance, helping them develop innovation, research aptitude, and global understanding.