The Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), a premier DRDO establishment under the Ministry of Defence, has announced a walk-in recruitment drive for Junior Research Fellows across a wide range of engineering and science disciplines, including Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics, Physics, and Oceanography. This is a valuable opportunity for GATE/NET-qualified graduates and postgraduates who want to gain hands-on defence research experience while earning a fellowship stipend.
Since this is a walk-in interview process rather than an online application, candidates do not need to fill any form in advance — they simply need to appear at the venue in Kochi with the right documents on the appointed date. Here’s a complete breakdown of NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026, including eligibility, stipend, and what to carry to the interview.
NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 Overview
Particulars
Details
Organisation
Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), DRDO
Rs. 37,000 per month + HRA, for an initial 2-year fellowship
Official Website
drdo.gov.in
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is discipline-specific: candidates need a B.E./B.Tech degree in First Division along with a valid GATE score, or an M.E./M.Tech/postgraduate degree in First Division at both graduate and postgraduate levels with the applicable GATE/NET qualification, in disciplines such as Computer Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering/Rubber Technology/Polymer Technology/Nanotechnology/Materials Science, Opto Electronics, and Electrical & Electronics/Electronics & Communication/Instrumentation Engineering. For Physics, Oceanography/Ocean Technology, and Meteorology, candidates need a postgraduate degree in the relevant Basic Science stream with a valid NET or GATE score. The upper age limit is 28 years as on the date of the walk-in interview, with relaxation available for SC/ST/OBC candidates as per Government of India norms.
Selection Process
Walk-in interview conducted directly on the notified date and time
Verification of original certificates, testimonials, and community certificates (if applicable)
Verification of valid GATE/NET scorecards
Personal interview by the selection panel
Empanelment of selected candidates in a panel valid for one year, with offers made as and when vacancies arise (empanelment does not guarantee an offer)
Application Fee
Not specified in the notification.
How to Apply for NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026
Report directly at the walk-in venue on 10 October 2026 at 09:30 hrs — no advance online or offline application is required.
Carry all original certificates, testimonials, and valid GATE/NET scorecards.
Carry self-attested photocopies of all educational and eligibility documents.
Bring a valid photo ID proof such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, or Driving License.
Bring a recent color passport-size photograph.
Optionally, email a one-page bio-data to the official ID mentioned in the notification before the interview date.
Reach the venue — Bhavan’s Varuna Vidyalaya, NPOL campus, Thrikkakara P.O., Kochi – 682021 — well before the reporting time.
For more central and state government job updates, keep visiting Bharat Rozgar regularly.
Q1: When is the NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 walk-in interview?
A: The walk-in interview is scheduled for 10 October 2026 at 09:30 hrs.
Q2: What is the stipend for Junior Research Fellows at NPOL?
A: Selected JRFs will receive Rs. 37,000 per month plus HRA, for an initial fellowship period of 2 years.
Q3: What is the age limit for NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026?
A: The maximum age limit is 28 years as on the date of the walk-in interview, with relaxation for SC/ST/OBC candidates.
Q4: Is there an online application for these posts?
A: No, there is no online application; candidates must attend the walk-in interview directly with all required documents.
Q5: Does being empanelled guarantee a JRF offer?
A: No, empanelment through the interview creates a panel valid for one year, but offers depend on actual vacancies arising during that period.
Practical Tip: Since only Mechanical Engineering has a fixed vacancy number while other disciplines are “anticipated,” candidates in non-Mechanical streams should still attend the walk-in and get empanelled, as NPOL draws from this one-year panel whenever new project-based vacancies open up in their discipline.
