NPOL Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline
Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), DRDO Recruitment 2026 Notification has been released through Advertisement No. NPOL/JRF/01/2026 for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) posts in various engineering and science disciplines. The recruitment includes 04 fixed vacancies for Mechanical Engineering, while the number of vacancies for other disciplines has been mentioned as anticipated in the notification.
Candidates up to 28 years of age as on the date of the walk-in interview, with the prescribed B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech or postgraduate qualification along with valid GATE/NET qualification, as applicable to the discipline, are eligible to appear for these JRF vacancies. The selection process is through a walk-in interview, and there is no online application process. The walk-in interview is scheduled for 10 October 2026 at 09:30 hrs at Bhavan's Varuna Vidyalaya, in the campus of Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory, Thrikkakara P.O., Kochi – 682021.
Candidates can download the official notification PDF and attend the walk-in interview through the details provided below in this article.
NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF
Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), DRDO, Ministry of Defence, has released Advertisement No. NPOL/JRF/01/2026 for recruitment to Junior Research Fellow (JRF) posts in various disciplines. The recruitment covers Computer Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Rubber Technology, Polymer Technology, Nanotechnology, Materials Science, Opto Electronics, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, Physics, Oceanography, Ocean Technology and Meteorology. The notification mentions 04 fixed vacancies for Mechanical Engineering, while vacancies in other disciplines are anticipated. Candidates are advised to read the complete notification carefully for discipline-wise eligibility and requirements. The walk-in interview will be conducted on 10 October 2026 at 09:30 hrs at Bhavan's Varuna Vidyalaya, Kochi.
NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting organisation | Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), DRDO, Ministry of Defence |
| Post | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Advertisement number | NPOL/JRF/01/2026 |
| Disciplines | 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 |
| Vacancies | "Anticipated" for most disciplines; 04 fixed vacancies for Mechanical Engineering only (exact numbers for other disciplines are not specified in the notification) |
| Who can apply | Candidates holding the essential B.E/B.Tech or M.E/M.Tech/PG qualification (with valid GATE/NET, as applicable) specified for each discipline |
| Mode of selection | Walk-in interview (no online application) |
| Walk-in interview date | 10.10.2026 (Saturday) at 0930 hrs |
| Venue | Bhavan's Varuna Vidyalaya, in the campus of Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory, Thrikkakara P.O., Kochi – 682021 |
| Job location | Kochi, Kerala |
NPOL JRF Vacancy Details 2026
The table below lists the discipline-wise vacancies and essential educational qualification as given in the official notification. Where the notification states "Anticipated," the exact number of vacancies has not been fixed.
| Sl. No. | Discipline | 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 |
(*) denotes B.Sc/B.Tech at the graduate level, as noted in the official advertisement.
NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date / Details |
|---|---|
| Walk-in interview date (all disciplines) | 10.10.2026 (Saturday) at 0930 hrs |
NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria & Qualification
Eligibility is discipline-specific and detailed in the vacancy table above. In general terms:
| Sl. No. | Discipline | Essential Educational Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Computer Science & Engineering | B.E/B.Tech in Computer Science Engg in 1st Division with valid GATE qualification, OR M.E/M.Tech in Computer Science Engg in 1st Division at both Graduate* and Post Graduate level |
| 2 | Mechanical Engineering | BE/B.Tech in Mechanical Engg in 1st Division with valid GATE qualification, OR ME/M.Tech in Mechanical Engg in 1st Division at both Graduate and Post Graduate level |
| 3 | Chemical Engineering / Rubber Technology / Polymer Technology / Nanotechnology / Materials Science | BE/B.Tech in Chemical Engineering/Rubber Technology/Polymer Technology/Nanotechnology/Materials Science in 1st Division with valid GATE qualification, OR ME/M.Tech in the same fields in 1st Division at both Graduate* and Post Graduate level |
| 4 | Opto Electronics | BE/B.Tech in Opto Electronics in 1st Division with valid GATE qualification, OR ME/M.Tech in Opto Electronics in 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 qualification |
| 5 | Electrical & Electronics Engineering / Electronics & Communication Engineering / Instrumentation Engineering | BE/B.Tech in these fields in 1st Division with valid GATE qualification, OR ME/M.Tech in these fields in 1st Division at both Graduate and Post Graduate level |
| 6 | Physics | Post Graduate Degree in Basic Science pertaining to the subject/discipline in 1st Division with valid NET/GATE qualification |
| 7 | Oceanography / Ocean Technology / Meteorology | Post Graduate Degree in Basic Science pertaining to the subject/discipline in 1st Division with valid NET/GATE qualification, OR ME/M.Tech in Oceanography/Ocean Technology/Meteorology in 1st Division at both Graduate* and Post Graduate level |
NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 Age Limit
The upper age limit is 28 years as on the date of the walk-in interview. This is relaxable for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and OBC categories as per Government of India norms.
NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 Salary / Stipend
The Fellowship shall initially be awarded for a period of two years (extendable as per rules), with a monthly emolument of Rs. 37,000/- plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as admissible under the rules.
NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
Selection is made through a walk-in interview conducted on the notified date and time. Candidates must produce all original certificates/testimonials/community certificate/valid GATE/NET score card, along with a set of self-attested copies and an ID proof, at the time of the interview. A panel will be drawn from the interview for the vacancies available and future vacancies, and this panel will operate for a period of one year. Empanelment does not, by itself, entitle a candidate to an offer of Fellowship; this is contingent on the occurrence of vacancies 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 (Walk-in Interview Process)
There is no online application for this recruitment. Interested and eligible candidates may directly appear for the walk-in interview as per the process below:
- Report on 10.10.2026 (Saturday) at 0930 hrs at Bhavan's Varuna Vidyalaya, in the campus of Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory, Thrikkakara P.O., Kochi – 682021.
- Carry all original certificates and testimonials, community certificate (if applicable), and valid GATE/NET score card.
- Bring a set of self-attested copies of all testimonials/certificates.
- Carry an original ID proof (Voter's ID/Aadhaar card/PAN card/Driving License).
- Bring one recent colour passport-size photograph.
NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 – Important Information
- Official website for updates and the Hindi version of the advertisement: www.drdo.gov.in
- Any additional information or amendments relating to the selection process will be updated only on the official DRDO website, so candidates are advised to check it regularly until the selection process concludes.
- In case of any ambiguity or dispute in interpreting a clause in the Hindi version of the advertisement, the instructions in the English version shall prevail.
- An offer of Fellowship does not confer on Fellows any right for absorption in DRDO.
NPOL Junior Research Fellow Important Links
- Official Website: Click here
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026?
It is a recruitment drive by the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), DRDO, Ministry of Defence, to select Junior Research Fellows (JRF) across seven disciplines, vide Advertisement No. NPOL/JRF/01/2026.
How many vacancies are available in NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026?
Vacancies are marked as "Anticipated" for most disciplines, meaning the exact number has not been fixed. Only Mechanical Engineering has a specified number of 4 vacancies.
What is the last date to apply for NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026?
There is no online application or last date to apply, as selection is through a walk-in interview. The walk-in interview is scheduled for 10.10.2026 (Saturday) at 0930 hrs.
What is the qualification required for NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026?
Qualification varies by discipline and generally requires a B.E/B.Tech (with valid GATE) or M.E/M.Tech/PG degree (at Graduate and Post Graduate level) in 1st Division in the relevant field, as detailed in the vacancy table.
What is the age limit for NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026?
The upper age limit is 28 years as on the date of the walk-in interview, relaxable for SC/ST/OBC candidates as per Government of India norms.
What is the application fee for NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026?
The application fee is not specified in the official notification.
How can I apply for NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026?
There is no online application process. Eligible candidates should directly attend the walk-in interview on 10.10.2026 at Bhavan's Varuna Vidyalaya, in the NPOL campus, Thrikkakara P.O., Kochi – 682021, with all required original documents.