The Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education flagged off a group of Indian students for the Sakura Science Programme 2026 during a ceremony held at NCERT in New Delhi. The programme aims to provide students with international exposure to advanced science, technology, and cultural learning in Japan.
From May 24 to May 30, 2026, 56 students and four supervisors from India will participate in the week-long programme alongside students from Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. The selected students include 24 boys and 32 girls from government schools across 15 states and Union Territories, including Assam, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and West Bengal.
All participating students are beneficiaries of the National Means cum Merit Scholarship (NMMS) Scheme of the Government of India. The exchange programme is organised by the Japan Science and Technology Agency under the Japan Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science, popularly known as the Sakura Science Programme. India has been participating in the initiative since 2016.
The programme offers students an opportunity to experience Japan’s scientific advancements, innovation ecosystem, and rich cultural heritage. So far, 674 Indian students and 96 supervisors have visited Japan under the initiative, with the previous batch travelling in August 2025.
Officials at the event highlighted that the programme aligns with the vision of the Ministry of Education and the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasises experiential and holistic learning. Educational exposure visits are considered important in helping students gain practical knowledge, broaden their perspectives, and encourage scientific curiosity.
Japan’s blend of technological innovation and cultural traditions is expected to provide students with valuable global exposure and inspire future learning opportunities in science and technology.
