CPRI Recruitment 2026: Central Power Research Institute Jobs Notification, Eligibility, Exam

CPRI Recruitment 2026: Organization Overview & Jurisdiction

The Central Power Research Institute (CPRI), established in 1960 by the Government of India and functioning as an autonomous premier society under the Ministry of Power, is the apex research, development, testing, and certification body for India's electrical power sector. Headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, with state-of-the-art testing units in Bhopal, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ghaziabad, Guwahati, and Nashik, CPRI provides critical technical support to electrical utilities, manufacturers, and academic institutions worldwide. It is an accredited member of the Short-Circuit Testing Liaison (STL), placing Indian power testing credentials on par with premier international laboratories.

Key Post Cadres & Regular Vacancies

• Engineering Officer Grade-I (EO Gr-I): Elite engineering cadre recruited across Electrical, Electrical & Electronics, Mechanical, Civil, and Chemical disciplines. Officers lead applied research, high-voltage equipment testing, and diagnostic investigations.
• Scientific Assistant: Specialized laboratory research cadre deployed in chemical, environmental, oil, and insulation materials testing.
• Engineering Assistant: Technical supervisory personnel managing testing bays, experimental rigs, instrumentation, and short-circuit test setups.
• Technician Grade-I: Skilled technical support cadre holding ITI certifications in Electrician, Machinist, or Wireman trades, operating laboratory apparatus and heavy power transformers.
• Assistant Grade-II: Administrative, secretarial, and finance personnel driving digitized document workflows, public procurement (GeM), storekeeping, and personnel management.

Eligibility Norms & Educational Qualifications

Candidates aspiring for appointments at CPRI must adhere strictly to the recruitment qualifications prescribed under the official CPRI Recruitment Rules:

• Engineering Officer Grade-I: First Class B.E. / B.Tech degree in Electrical / Electrical & Electronics / Mechanical / Civil / Chemical Engineering with a valid GATE score or top merit in CPRI's National CBT.
• Scientific Assistant: First Class B.Sc Degree in Chemistry / Physics from a recognized university with relevant laboratory experience.
• Engineering Assistant: First Class 3-year State Board Diploma in Engineering (Electrical / Mechanical / Civil).
• Technician Grade-I: 10th Standard (Matriculation) pass with ITI / National Trade Certificate (NTC) in Electrician or relevant trade.
• Assistant Grade-II: First Class Bachelor's Degree in Commerce, Arts, Business Administration, or Science with minimum 30 WPM English typing speed on computer.
• Age Limits: Minimum 18 years. Maximum age limit is typically 30 years for Engineering Officer Gr-I, 35 years for Scientific/Engineering Assistants, and 28 years for Technician and Assistant posts. Upper age relaxations of 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC-NCL, and 10 to 15 years for PwD candidates apply as per Government of India guidelines.

Selection Process & Computer Based Test (CBT) Pattern

CPRI adopts a rigorous, merit-driven, digitized selection protocol conducted nationwide:

1. Screening / GATE Shortlisting: For Engineering Officer Grade-I, initial shortlisting is often carried out based on valid GATE percentiles or an all-India Computer Based Test (CBT).
2. Computer Based Test (CBT): Objective assessment featuring 100 to 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) covering Core Engineering / Discipline Knowledge (75%) and General Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Numerical Ability, and English Comprehension (25%). A negative marking of 0.25 marks applies for incorrect answers.
3. Trade / Skill Test: Qualifying practical skill tests are administered for Technician Grade-I (hands-on workshop tasks) and Assistant Grade-II (English typing & computer proficiency).
4. Document Scrutiny & Medical Fitness: Physical verification of academic credentials, caste certificates, and institutional fitness standards prior to formal appointment.

Pay Scale, Allowances & Promotion Hierarchy

Salaries at CPRI are structured in accordance with the 7th Central Pay Commission (7th CPC) under Central Government autonomous institution norms:

• Engineering Officer Grade-I: Pay Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500), initial in-hand salary approx. ₹92,000 to ₹98,000/month.
• Scientific / Engineering Assistant: Pay Level 6 (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400), initial in-hand salary approx. ₹58,000 to ₹64,000/month.
• Assistant Grade-II: Pay Level 4 (₹25,500 – ₹81,100), initial in-hand salary approx. ₹42,000 to ₹47,000/month.
• Technician Grade-I: Pay Level 2 (₹19,900 – ₹63,200), initial in-hand salary approx. ₹33,000 to ₹38,000/month.
• Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA at 30% for Bengaluru Class-X city), Transport Allowance (TA + DA on TA), Children Education Allowance, NPS contribution, comprehensive medical health scheme, and gratuity.