LOTUS Programme 2026

LOTUS Programme is a research exchange and collaboration programme run by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) to support circulation of talented researchers between India and Japan. Based on the reference postings, it is used to fund research stays in Japan for participants affiliated with Indian universities or research institutes, especially under LOTUS Basic and LOTUS-ASPIRE formats.

The programme primarily supports Master's, PhD, and PostDoc-level participants involved in joint research with a Japanese host institution. Reference opportunities mention placements at institutions such as the University of Tsukuba and Kyoto University, with research themes ranging from information retrieval, generative models, and natural language processing to aerospace propulsion systems, thermofluidics, plasma physics, and related engineering fields.

Funding typically includes travel support, a monthly living allowance or stipend, and research funding. One posting states that LOTUS Basic may provide a monthly allowance of 275,000 JPY for up to one year, while LOTUS-ASPIRE may provide larger multi-year support packages covering living and research expenses. Exact benefits can vary by call, host lab, and programme track.

Eligibility in the postings centers on applicants who are currently enrolled at, or affiliated with, an Indian university or research institute. Some calls specify that applicants must be 40 years old or under at the time of exchange participation. Applications appear to require a joint research plan with a Japanese principal investigator, and in some cases the Japanese host submits the proposal through Japan's e-Rad system rather than the student applying independently.

Students interested in LOTUS should identify a suitable Japanese supervisor, confirm the relevant LOTUS track and host-lab requirements, and prepare academic records, research materials, and any documents requested by the host institution or PI. Because calls can be highly lab-specific, applicants should always check the current call instructions and host guidance carefully.