
The Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), a part of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), is inviting applications for the position of Junior Research Fellow (JRF). There are a total of 4 vacancies available for this post, with the walk-in interview scheduled for 10 October 2026.
NPOL Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026, 4 Posts: Overview
| Organization | Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Advt No | NPOL/JRF/01/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 4 |
| Application Mode | Walk-in interview only (no online application) |
| Job Location | Bhavan’s Varuna Vidyalaya, NPOL Campus, Thrikkakara P.O., Kochi, Kerala – 682021 |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
Important Dates
The following dates are crucial for the application process. Make sure to note them down to avoid missing any important deadlines.
| Walk-in Interview Date & Time | 10 October 2026 (Saturday) at 09:30 hrs |
| Advertisement Number | NPOL/JRF/01/2026 |
| 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 |
Application Fee
According to the official notification, there is no application fee for the NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026.
| Category | Application Fee |
| All Categories | Nil |
Age Limit
Candidates applying for the position must be under the age of 28 years as of the date of the walk-in interview. There are provisions for age relaxation for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBC categories as per Government of India norms.
| Upper Age Limit | 28 years |
| Reference Date | As on the date of the walk-in interview (10 October 2026) |
Vacancy Details
The vacancies are notified discipline-wise. Mechanical Engineering has confirmed vacancies, while other disciplines are listed as “Anticipated,” meaning the exact number of vacancies will depend on requirements at the time of selection.
| Subject/Discipline | No. of Vacancies |
| Computer Science & Engineering | Anticipated |
| Mechanical Engineering | 04 |
| Chemical Engineering / Rubber Technology / Polymer Technology / Nanotechnology / Materials Science | Anticipated |
| Opto Electronics | Anticipated |
| Electrical & Electronics Engineering / Electronics & Communication Engineering / Instrumentation Engineering | Anticipated |
| Physics | Anticipated |
| Oceanography / Ocean Technology / Meteorology | Anticipated |
Eligibility and Educational Qualification
Eligibility for the Junior Research Fellow position is discipline-specific and is based on the essential educational qualifications listed for each subject area. Candidates with degrees from foreign universities 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 or institutions. Where NET/GATE is prescribed, it must be valid as on the date of the walk-in interview. Candidates already employed in Government, Public Sector Undertakings, or Autonomous Bodies should apply through the proper channel.
| 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 |
Salary and Pay Scale
The monthly emoluments for the position of Junior Research Fellow are set at Rs. 37,000, along with House Rent Allowance (HRA) as admissible under the rules.
| Monthly Emoluments | Rs. 37,000/- plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) |
Selection Process
The selection for the NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 will be conducted entirely through a walk-in interview. Candidates will need to bring all required original certificates and self-attested copies for verification.
- Appear for the walk-in interview on the specified date and time.
- Bring all required original certificates and self-attested copies.
- Interviews will be conducted by a panel.
- A panel of selected candidates will be drawn up for the currently notified vacancies and future vacancies.
- Empanelment does not guarantee an offer of Fellowship.
How to Apply
Candidates must attend the walk-in interview at the specified venue. There is no online or postal application process.
- Check eligibility criteria based on your discipline.
- Gather all required documents and certificates.
- Visit the venue on the date of the walk-in interview.
- Arrive at the venue by 09:30 hrs.
- Submit your documents for verification.
- Participate in the interview process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for NPOL Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026?
The last date to apply is the date of the walk-in interview, which is 10 October 2026.
Is there an application fee for this recruitment?
No, there is no application fee for NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026.
What is the eligibility criteria for the Junior Research Fellow position?
Candidates must have the essential qualification prescribed for their chosen discipline and be under 28 years of age.
How will the selection process be conducted?
Selection will be conducted entirely through a walk-in interview; there is no written examination or online screening.
How can I apply for the Junior Research Fellow position?
Candidates must attend the walk-in interview at the specified venue on the designated date with all required documents.
NPOL Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026, 4 Posts – Notification PDF
| NPOL Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026, 4 Posts – Important Links | |
|---|---|
| DRDO NPOL Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF | Click Here |
| www.drdo.gov.in | Click Here |
| Official Sources | |
|---|---|
| Source 1 | drdo.gov.in |
| Source 2 | drdo.gov.in |