Indian students to visit Japan under Sakura Science Programme 2026

The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) under India’s Ministry of Education announced the selection of 56 students and four supervisors for the Sakura Science Programme 2026. A flag-off ceremony was held at the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in New Delhi, attended by Additional Secretary Archana Sharma Awasthi, NCERT Director Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani, and Economic Advisor A. Srija. The delegation, including 24 boys and 32 girls from government schools across 15 states and Union Territories, will visit Japan from May 24 to May 30. States represented include Assam, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, West Bengal, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. All participants are beneficiaries of the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) Scheme. The Sakura Science Programme, implemented by Japan’s Science and Technology Agency (JST) since 2014, promotes scientific learning and cultural exchange among Asian students. India has participated since 2016, with 674 students and 96 supervisors visiting Japan under the initiative. During the week-long visit, students will explore Japan’s advanced science and technology ecosystem while engaging with its cultural heritage. The Ministry of Education emphasized that the programme aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for experiential and engaging learning. The Ministry noted that such exposure broadens students’ perspectives and encourages innovation and global understanding. Japan’s technological advancements and educational ecosystem provide valuable opportunities for international exposure, according to the Ministry.