The Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), a laboratory of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, located at Thrikkakara P.O., Kochi, Kerala, has released Advertisement No. NPOL/JRF/01/2026 for selection to the position of Junior Research Fellow (JRF). This NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 notification covers seven subject disciplines, including Mechanical Engineering (4 anticipated vacancies) and six other disciplines where vacancies are listed as "Anticipated." Selection is entirely through a walk-in interview, scheduled for 10 October 2026 (Saturday) at 09:30 hrs.
Quick facts about NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026:
- Who is recruiting: Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
- Post: Junior Research Fellow (JRF).
- Disciplines/vacancies: 7 disciplines – Mechanical Engineering has 4 vacancies; vacancies in the remaining 6 disciplines are listed as "Anticipated" (not a fixed number).
- Who can apply: Candidates with the essential qualification prescribed for the chosen discipline (typically BE/B.Tech with valid GATE, or ME/M.Tech, or a PG degree in Basic Science with valid NET/GATE), aged up to 28 years as on the date of the walk-in interview.
- Application/interview date: Walk-in interview on 10 October 2026 (Saturday) at 09:30 hrs – there is no separate online application window.
- Application mode: Walk-in interview only, at the venue specified below (no online or postal application).
- Location: Bhavan's Varuna Vidyalaya, NPOL Campus, Thrikkakara P.O., Kochi, Kerala – 682021.
DRDO NPOL Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF
NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence |
| Advertisement Number | NPOL/JRF/01/2026 |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Disciplines | 7 – Computer Science & Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Chemical Engineering/Rubber Technology/Polymer Technology/Nanotechnology/Materials Science; Opto Electronics; Electrical & Electronics/Electronics & Communication/Instrumentation Engineering; Physics; Oceanography/Ocean Technology/Meteorology |
| Total Vacancies | 4 confirmed (Mechanical Engineering); remaining disciplines listed as "Anticipated" |
| Application Mode | Walk-in interview only (no online application) |
| Walk-in Interview Date | 10 October 2026 (Saturday) at 09:30 hrs |
| Fellowship Duration | Initially 2 years, extendable as per rules |
| Monthly Emoluments | Rs. 37,000/- plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as admissible under the rules |
| Venue | Bhavan's Varuna Vidyalaya, NPOL Campus, Thrikkakara P.O., Kochi, Kerala – 682021 |
| Official Website | www.drdo.gov.in |
NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Number | NPOL/JRF/01/2026 |
| Walk-in Interview Date & Time | 10 October 2026 (Saturday) at 09:30 hrs |
| NET/GATE Validity Requirement | Must be valid as on the date of the walk-in interview |
| Age Reckoning Date | As on the date of the walk-in interview |
NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details
Vacancies are notified discipline-wise. Only Mechanical Engineering has a confirmed number of vacancies (4); the remaining six disciplines are listed as "Anticipated," meaning the exact number of vacancies will depend on requirement at the time of selection.
| Sl. No. | Subject/Discipline | No. of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Computer Science & Engineering | Anticipated |
| 2 | Mechanical Engineering | 04 |
| 3 | Chemical Engineering / Rubber Technology / Polymer Technology / Nanotechnology / Materials Science | Anticipated |
| 4 | Opto Electronics | Anticipated |
| 5 | Electrical & Electronics Engineering / Electronics & Communication Engineering / Instrumentation Engineering | Anticipated |
| 6 | Physics | Anticipated |
| 7 | Oceanography / Ocean Technology / Meteorology | Anticipated |
NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is discipline-specific and is based on the essential educational qualification listed for each subject area. Candidates with an essential qualification degree from a foreign university must obtain an equivalence certificate from the Association of Indian Universities, Delhi, and submit it along with their application documents. All qualifications must be from recognized Universities/Institutions, and where NET/GATE is prescribed, it must be valid as on the date of the walk-in interview. Candidates already working in Government, Public Sector Undertakings, or Autonomous Bodies should apply through proper channel.
NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 Qualification
| Discipline | Essential Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Computer Science & Engineering | BE/B.Tech in Computer Science Engg (1st Division) with valid GATE; or ME/M.Tech in Computer Science Engg (1st Division at both Graduate and Post Graduate level) |
| Mechanical Engineering | BE/B.Tech in Mechanical Engg (1st Division) with valid GATE; or ME/M.Tech in Mechanical Engg (1st Division at both Graduate and Post Graduate level) |
| Chemical Engineering / Rubber Technology / Polymer Technology / Nanotechnology / Materials Science | BE/B.Tech in the relevant discipline (1st Division) with valid GATE; or ME/M.Tech in the relevant discipline (1st Division at both Graduate and Post Graduate level) |
| Opto Electronics | BE/B.Tech in Opto Electronics (1st Division) with valid GATE; or ME/M.Tech in Opto Electronics (1st Division at both Graduate and Post Graduate level); or BE/B.Tech in Electrical & Electronics Engg/Electronics & Communication Engg (with at least one paper on Fibre Optics/Optoelectronics/Laser Technologies) in 1st Division with valid GATE |
| Electrical & Electronics Engineering / Electronics & Communication Engineering / Instrumentation Engineering | BE/B.Tech in the relevant discipline (1st Division) with valid GATE; or ME/M.Tech in the relevant discipline (1st Division at both Graduate and Post Graduate level) |
| Physics | Post Graduate Degree in Basic Science pertaining to the subject (1st Division) with valid NET/GATE |
| Oceanography / Ocean Technology / Meteorology | Post Graduate Degree in Basic Science pertaining to the subject (1st Division) with valid NET/GATE; or ME/M.Tech in Oceanography/Ocean Technology/Meteorology (1st Division at both Graduate and Post Graduate level) |
For the Graduate level, "1st Division" refers to a B.Sc or B.Tech degree, as applicable. The equivalent acceptable subjects/disciplines for the essential qualification are as per RAC, DRDO norms, and NET is deemed to include other relevant national-level fellowships awarded by Central Government Departments/Agencies. The decision of the Director, NPOL, on the prescribed qualifications, their equivalence, and relevance to the Laboratory is final.
NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 Age Limit
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Upper Age Limit | 28 years |
| Reference Date | As on the date of the walk-in interview (10 October 2026) |
| Age Relaxation | Relaxable for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBC candidates as per Government of India norms |
NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
The official notification does not mention any application fee for NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026.
NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 Stipend
Selected Junior Research Fellows receive monthly emoluments of Rs. 37,000/- plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as admissible under the rules. The Fellowship is awarded initially for a period of two years, extendable as per rules. The notification clarifies that the offer of a Fellowship does not confer on Fellows any right to absorption in DRDO.
NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
Selection for NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 is entirely through a walk-in interview; there is no separate written examination or online screening stage described in the notification. Key points of the process:
- Candidates appear for the walk-in interview on the notified date, time, and venue, along with all required original certificates and self-attested copies
- A panel of selected candidates is drawn up for both the currently notified vacancies and future vacancies, and this panel remains operative for a period of one year
- Empanelment does not, by itself, entitle a candidate to an offer of Fellowship – an offer is contingent upon vacancies actually arising during the year
- The Director, NPOL, reserves the right not to select any candidate if suitable candidates are not available
How to Apply for NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026
NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 Apply Online
NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 does not use an online application portal – interested and eligible candidates apply by appearing directly for the walk-in interview. The process is as follows:
- Appear for the walk-in interview on 10 October 2026 (Saturday) at 09:30 hrs, at Bhavan's Varuna Vidyalaya, in the campus of NPOL, Thrikkakara P.O., Kochi – 682021
- Carry all certificates/testimonials/Community Certificate/valid GATE or NET Score Card, etc., in original, for verification at the time of interview
- Also carry a set of self-attested copies of all testimonials/certificates
- Carry an original ID proof (Voter's ID/Aadhaar Card/PAN Card/Driving Licence)
- Carry one recent colour passport-size photograph
- Optionally, prospective candidates may e-mail a one-page bio-data to [email protected] in advance, to help NPOL make the necessary administrative arrangements for the interview
NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 Important Instructions
- Only candidates possessing the prescribed qualification(s) for a discipline need apply; candidates with a foreign university degree must obtain an equivalence certificate from the Association of Indian Universities, Delhi
- All qualifications must be from recognized Universities/Institutions, and NET/GATE (wherever prescribed) must be valid as on the date of the walk-in interview
- Candidates working in Government/Public Sector Undertakings/Autonomous Bodies should apply through proper channel
- Any additional information or amendments relating to this selection process will be updated only on the DRDO website (www.drdo.gov.in); candidates are advised to check the website regularly until the selection exercise concludes
- A Hindi version of the advertisement is also available on the DRDO website; in case of any ambiguity or dispute in interpreting the Hindi version, the instructions in the English version shall prevail
- Offer of a Fellowship does not confer any right on Fellows for absorption in DRDO