CSIR NPL Recruitment 2026: Walk-in for Project Posts

Introduction

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL), a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), has announced a recruitment drive for various purely temporary and contractual positions. This recruitment is for ongoing externally funded and time-targeted sponsored projects. Interested candidates can appear for a walk-in interview scheduled for October 21 and 22, 2026. A total of 41 vacancies are available across different project roles, including Project Associate, Project Assistant, Senior Research Fellow, Research Associate, Junior Research Fellow, Project Research Scientist, and Project Technical Support. Eligibility criteria vary for each post, requiring specific educational qualifications such as M.Sc., B.Sc., B.Tech., Ph.D., or Diploma in relevant engineering or science disciplines, along with post-qualification experience in some cases. The maximum age limit for all positions is 35 years. Monthly emoluments range from Rs. 18,000/- + HRA to Rs. 58,000/- + HRA, depending on the post and candidate's qualifications. Detailed information regarding specific roles, qualifications, experience, and interview dates is available in the official notification. Candidates are advised to carefully read the official notification for complete details before attending the walk-in interview.

CSIR NPL Recruitment 2026 Overview

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

The recruitment drive aims to fill 41 vacancies for various project-based positions. Specific details on the number of vacancies for each post are available in the official notification.

Educational Qualifications and Eligibility

Candidates must possess the essential educational qualifications as specified for each post. For posts requiring NET/GATE qualification, candidates must have successfully cleared CSIR-UGC NET including Lectureship/Assistant Professorship, GATE, or equivalent national-level examinations conducted by Central Government Departments. All results must have been declared by the time of application; candidates awaiting results or in their final semester are not eligible. Any experience required must be post-qualification experience.

• Project Associate-II: M.Sc. in Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry / Organic Chemistry with 2 years' experience in relevant R&D.
• Project Assistant-II: B.Sc (PCM)/3 years Diploma in Chemical Engineering/Technology OR B.Sc. in Chemistry/03 years Diploma in Chemical Engineering/Technology.
• Senior Research Fellow (SRF): M. Sc Chemistry or B. Tech. in Chemical Engineering, with NET/GATE qualification and 2 years' research experience.
• Research Associate-I: Ph.D. awarded in Chemistry with experience in Cement and Building materials, cement testing.
• Junior Research Fellow (JRF): M.SC. in Environmental Science with NET/GATE qualification.
• Project Research Scientist-I (Non Medical): Post Graduate Degree in environmental science or atmospheric science OR PhD in Atmospheric Sciences, with experience in Air Quality Monitoring.
• Project Technical Support-I: Three-Year Graduate Degree in Environmental science/physics/chemistry / biology with 1 year experience OR Post graduate degree in environmental science, physics, chemistry or biology.
• Project Associate - I: Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology (Electronics/Instrumentation/Biotechnology/Biomedical) OR BE/B.Tech Electronics / Electrical OR M.Sc. in Physics/Electronics. Preference for GATE qualified or experienced candidates.

Other Conditions: Applicants must be citizens of India. Candidates who have already served in CSIR-NPL or any other CSIR lab for 6 years or more are not eligible. The tenure for selected candidates will be initially for a short duration, extendable based on performance and project needs.

Age Limit

The maximum age limit for all the posts is 35 years as of the specified dates for each interview session (21.10.2026 or 22.10.2026, as applicable). Age relaxations are not specified in the supplied notification.

Application Fee

The official notification does not specify any application fee for these positions.

Salary and Emoluments

The consolidated remuneration, referred to as stipend, for the project staff varies based on the post and qualifications. The monthly emoluments range from Rs. 18,000/- + House Rent Allowance (HRA) to Rs. 58,000/- + HRA.

• For candidates selected through National Eligibility Tests (NET/GATE) or equivalent, the emoluments are higher.
• For others who do not fall under the above category, a different stipend is applicable as mentioned in the notification.

Selection Process

The selection for all advertised positions will be based on a Walk-in Interview. Candidates are required to attend the interview on the specified dates with all necessary documents. The performance of the candidates during the interview will be the primary basis for selection.

Application Procedure

Interested and eligible candidates are required to appear for a Walk-in Interview. Candidates can apply for a maximum of two posts. If applying for more than one post, a separate application must be submitted for each post code.

1. Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before attending the interview.
2. Candidates are advised to carry their updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) along with all relevant original certificates and self-attested photocopies.
3. The interview dates are staggered based on post codes:

• 21 October 2026: For posts with code 1.0 to 17.0.
• 22 October 2026: For posts with code 18.0 to 36.0.

Required Documents

Candidates attending the walk-in interview should be prepared to submit or show the following documents:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Original certificates and mark sheets for all educational qualifications.
• Proof of date of birth.
• Experience certificates (if applicable).
• NET/GATE qualification certificates (if applicable).
• Any other relevant documents as specified in the official notification.
• Self-attested photocopies of all the above documents.

Important Instructions and Common Mistakes

Candidates should carefully read the official notification before applying. A common mistake is applying for posts when results are awaited or when final semester results are yet to be declared; such applications are not considered. Ensure that any experience mentioned is strictly post-qualification. Candidates who have already completed six years of service in CSIR labs are ineligible. It is crucial to note that a candidate can apply for a maximum of two posts, and separate applications are required for each. The interview dates are specific to post code ranges, so ensure you attend on the correct day.

Official Notification and Application Links

For detailed information and to download the official notification, please visit the link below:

Download Official Notification

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The walk-in interviews are scheduled for 21 October 2026 and 22 October 2026, depending on the post code.

The maximum age limit for all positions is 35 years.

The official notification does not mention any application fee.

No, a candidate may apply for a maximum of two posts. A separate application is required for each post.

The selection process involves a Walk-in Interview.