DRDO NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026: Walk-in Interview

DRDO NPOL Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

The Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), a part of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), has announced recruitment for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions. This recruitment is for candidates with specific educational qualifications and is being conducted through a walk-in interview.

Job Highlights

Organization: Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), DRDO, Ministry of Defence

Post Name: Junior Research Fellow (JRF)

Application Mode: Walk-in Interview only

Interview Date: 10 October 2026 (Saturday)

Interview Time: 09:30 hrs

Location: Kochi, Kerala

Monthly Emoluments: Rs. 37,000/- plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as admissible.

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

Vacancies are available across 7 subject disciplines. For Mechanical Engineering, there are 4 confirmed vacancies. For the other six disciplines, the number of vacancies is listed as "Anticipated," meaning the exact number will be determined based on the requirement at the time of selection.

Eligibility Criteria and Qualification

Candidates must meet the essential educational qualification for the discipline they are applying for. All qualifications must be from recognized Universities/Institutions. If a foreign university degree is held, an equivalence certificate from the Association of Indian Universities, Delhi, is required.

Note: "1st Division" for Graduate level refers to a B.Sc or B.Tech degree, as applicable. NET is considered to include other relevant national-level fellowships awarded by Central Government Departments/Agencies.

Candidates already working in Government, Public Sector Undertakings, or Autonomous Bodies must apply through the proper channel.

Age Limit

The upper age limit for candidates is 28 years as on the date of the walk-in interview (10 October 2026).

Age relaxation is applicable for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBC candidates as per Government of India norms.

Application Fee

Not specified in the official notification.

Stipend / Fellowship

Selected candidates will receive a monthly emolument of Rs. 37,000/- plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as admissible under the rules.

The fellowship duration is initially for 2 years, extendable as per rules.

Selection Process

Selection for the Junior Research Fellow position will be based entirely on a walk-in interview. Candidates need to attend the interview with all required documents.

How to Apply

There is no online application process. Interested and eligible candidates must attend the walk-in interview directly at the specified venue and time. Ensure you carry all necessary original documents and their photocopies.

Venue for Walk-in Interview: Bhavan's Varuna Vidyalaya, NPOL Campus, Thrikkakara P.O., Kochi, Kerala – 682021.

Important Instructions

• Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before attending the interview.
• The NET/GATE qualification must be valid on the date of the walk-in interview.
• Candidates should bring their updated resume, original certificates, mark sheets, and proof of identity.
• Attending the walk-in interview does not guarantee selection.
• The decision of the Director, NPOL, regarding qualifications and selection is final.

Important Links

Official Website → Click Here

Notification PDF → Click Here

FAQs

Q1: What is the post being recruited for?
A1: The recruitment is for the post of Junior Research Fellow (JRF).

Q2: How many vacancies are available?
A2: Mechanical Engineering has 4 confirmed vacancies. Other disciplines have "Anticipated" vacancies.

Q3: What is the last date to apply?
A3: There is no last date for application as it is a walk-in interview. The interview is scheduled for 10 October 2026.

Q4: What is the educational qualification required?
A4: The qualification varies by discipline, generally requiring a BE/B.Tech with valid GATE or ME/M.Tech, or a Post Graduate Degree in Basic Science with valid NET/GATE.

Q5: What is the age limit for the JRF post?
A5: The upper age limit is 28 years as on 10 October 2026, with relaxations for reserved categories.

Q6: Is there an application fee?
A6: The application fee is not specified in the official notification.

Q7: How will candidates be selected?
A7: Selection will be based on a walk-in interview.

Q8: Where is the walk-in interview venue?
A8: The interview will be held at Bhavan's Varuna Vidyalaya, NPOL Campus, Thrikkakara P.O., Kochi, Kerala – 682021.