Government of India Announces JDS Scholarship 2025-27 for Studying in Japan for Public Officers

The Government of India, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), invites applications from All India Service officers and Central Civil Services Group A officers for the Japan Development Scholarship (JDS). This two-year Master’s Degree Programme aims to foster skilled human resources by offering advanced expertise in various fields. The scholarship is fully funded by JICA and will be hosted at five top universities in Japan from September/October 2025 to September 2027.

About the JDS Programme

The JDS Programme is designed to empower talented young officers who are expected to take on leadership roles in India. The scholarship will provide an opportunity to study at prestigious Japanese universities, offering advanced training in key areas including Public Policy, Urban Engineering, International Relations, Administrative Policy, and Development Studies.

The programme will be conducted entirely in English and aims to strengthen bilateral ties between India and Japan by cultivating graduates with a deep understanding of Japanese culture and expertise.

Participating Universities and Programs

University	Master’s Programme	Number of Officers Sponsored
Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Tokyo (GraSPP)	Master of Public Policy, International Programme	3
Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo	Master Programme on Urban Engineering	2
Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies, Waseda University	Master Programme on International Relations	2
Graduate School of International and Public Policy, Hitotsubashi University	Master Programme on International and Administrative Policy	1
Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies, Kobe University	Master Programme on International Studies, Economics, Laws, Political Science	1

Eligibility Criteria

The JDS Scholarship is available to officers meeting the following criteria:

• Must belong to All India Services or Central Civil Services Group A.
• Should have completed at least seven years of Group ‘A’ service.
• Age limit: Not exceeding 45 years as of April 1st of the year of arrival in Japan.
• Must possess a Bachelor’s degree.
• Should have proficiency in English.
• Good health (both mental and physical).
• Not serving in the Armed Forces or as Defence civilian officers.

Diversity and inclusion are key values of the programme, encouraging officers from diverse backgrounds, including officers posted in challenging areas, to apply.

Application Process

• Applications are to be submitted through the JDS Portal: https://scholarship.jds21.com/india.
• Applicants to the University of Tokyo (GraSPP) must also apply separately on the GraSPP portal.
• Applicants can apply to up to two graduate schools.

Selection Process

The selection process for the JDS Programme is thorough, involving multiple rounds of assessments:

1. Preliminary Screening: Applications are initially screened by the JDS agent.
2. IELTS Examination: All applicants must take the IELTS Academic Module, except those with valid scores or a Certificate of English Proficiency.
3. Mathematics Exam: Applicants to the University of Tokyo (Engineering) and Kobe University are required to take a Mathematics exam.
4. Document Screening and Technical Interviews: Conducted by faculties from the respective universities.
5. Comprehensive Interview: Final selection is carried out by an Operating Committee (OC) co-chaired by representatives from India and Japan.

Scholarship Benefits

The JDS Scholarship covers a wide range of allowances and expenses, ensuring a smooth transition to life in Japan:

• Round-trip airfare and other transportation fees.
• Travel insurance (Arranged by JDS agent).
• Outfit Allowance: JPY 100,000 upon arrival.
• Housing Preparation Allowance: JPY 224,000.
• Monthly Scholarship: JPY 147,000.
• Book Allowance and Seminar Allowance: JPY 30,000 and JPY 50,000 respectively.
• Tuition Fees and Admission Fees: Covered by the JDS agent.

Important Deadlines

• Applications Open: October 2024
• Application Deadline: 8th November 2024
• IELTS and Mathematics Exams: November/December 2024
• Final Selection Interviews: March 2025
• Departure for Japan: August 2025
• Program Commencement: September/October 2025

Additional Requirements

Selected officers are required to sign a bond to serve the Government of India for a minimum of five years after completing the programme. This commitment ensures that the skills and knowledge gained through the JDS Scholarship are utilized in contributing to India’s development.

The programme encourages applications from all communities and backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of diversity in public service. Interested officers are advised to visit the official JDS website for further details on application requirements and guidelines.

Contact Information

For more information, reach out to the JDS Project Office:

• Address: Collative, Global Foyer, White House, NBCC Plaza, Pushp Vihar, Saket, New Delhi 110017
• Tel: +91 92665 21079
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://scholarship.jds21.com/india

Apply today and seize the opportunity to study in Japan, enhancing your expertise and contributing to India’s development!

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Official Training Circular