DRDO NPOL Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 – Walk in

The Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) , a laboratory of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) , Ministry of Defence, Government of India, located at Thrikkakara P.O., Kochi, Kerala, has released Advertisement No. NPOL/JRF/01/2026 for selection to the position of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) . This NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 notification covers seven subject disciplines, including Mechanical Engineering (4 anticipated vacancies) and six other disciplines where vacancies are listed as "Anticipated." Selection is entirely through a walk-in interview, scheduled for 10 October 2026 (Saturday) at 09:30 hrs.

Eligibility is discipline-specific and is based on the essential educational qualification listed for each subject area. Candidates with an essential qualification degree from a foreign university 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/Institutions, and where NET/GATE is prescribed, it must be valid as on the date of the walk-in interview. Candidates already working in Government, Public Sector Undertakings, or Autonomous Bodies should apply through proper channel. NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 Qualification 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 Electrical & Electronics Engineering / Electronics & Communication Engineering / Instrumentation Engineering 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) Physics Post Graduate Degree in Basic Science pertaining to the subject (1st Division) with valid NET/GATE Oceanography / Ocean Technology / Meteorology Post Graduate Degree in Basic Science pertaining to the subject (1st Division) with valid NET/GATE; or ME/M.Tech in Oceanography/Ocean Technology/Meteorology (1st Division at both Graduate and Post Graduate level) For the Graduate level, "1st Division" refers to a B.Sc or B.Tech degree, as applicable. The equivalent acceptable subjects/disciplines for the essential qualification are as per RAC, DRDO norms, and NET is deemed to include other relevant national-level fellowships awarded by Central Government Departments/Agencies. The decision of the Director, NPOL, on the prescribed qualifications, their equivalence, and relevance to the Laboratory is final. NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 Age Limit Particular Details Upper Age Limit 28 years Reference Date As on the date of the walk-in interview (10 October 2026) Age Relaxation Relaxable for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBC candidates as per Government of India norms

1. Candidates appear for the walk-in interview on the notified date, time, and venue, along with all required original certificates and self-attested copies
2. A panel of selected candidates is drawn up for both the currently notified vacancies and future vacancies, and this panel remains operative for a period of one year
3. Empanelment does not, by itself, entitle a candidate to an offer of Fellowship – an offer is contingent upon vacancies actually arising during the year
4. The Director, NPOL, reserves the right not to select any candidate if suitable candidates are not available