ADB-Japan Scholarship Program Selection Process 2026
How Candidates are Selected
The selection process is highly competitive and involves multiple stages. Applicants must first gain admission to an approved postgraduate course in one of the participating academic institutions. The academic institution then screens and ranks applicants based on its own selection criteria, while adhering to ADB's eligibility requirements. A shortlist of candidates is recommended by the institution to the ADB for scholarship consideration. The final scholarship awardees are selected by the ADB from among these nominees. Key selection criteria include a superior academic record, relevant professional work experience, and alignment with ADB's development objectives. Preference is given to women candidates and applicants demonstrating greater financial need. Some institutions may conduct an oral examination as part of their screening process.
Verification Flow
Institute Nodal Officer Verification
Your college/school checks your bonafide status, fees paid, and marks cards against the database.
District Welfare Officer / State Board Sanction
The state/central department approves the budget release for verified records based on category quotas.
Fund Disbursement via DBT
The bank issues direct fund credits to Aadhaar-seeded accounts using treasury payment systems.
FAQs for ADB-Japan Scholarship Program
Q.Can I apply directly to the Asian Development Bank for the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program?
No, direct applications to the ADB are not accepted. You must apply for admission to a Master's program at one of the ADB-JSP designated academic institutions and indicate your interest in the scholarship through their application process. The institution will then recommend eligible candidates to the ADB.
Q.Is the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program available for PhD studies or undergraduate degrees?
No, the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program is exclusively for Master's degree programs in development-related fields such as economics, business and management, science and technology, and other relevant areas. It does not support undergraduate or doctoral studies.
Q.What is considered a 'superior academic record' for eligibility?
A 'superior academic record' generally means a strong performance in your Bachelor's degree. While specific percentage marks may vary by institution, it is informally considered to be a GPA equivalent to about 3.5 out of 4.0 or higher.
Q.Are there any restrictions on returning to my home country after completing the scholarship?
Yes, a core condition of the scholarship is that recipients must agree to return to and work in their home country for at least two years after the completion of their studies. This commitment is central to the program's goal of contributing to the economic and social development of ADB's developing member countries.