National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details

Explore CSIR NPL Recruitment 2026. Authoritative guide on Scientist, Technical Assistant, and Technician vacancies, pay levels (Level 2-14), and CSIR gateways.

Last updated on: Jan 27, 2026 | Data sourced from official notifications
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Candidates seeking a career at the National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) must typically possess a Ph.D. for Scientist roles, or a Diploma/B.Sc. for technical support positions. Eligibility is centered on technical expertise in Metrology, Applied Physics, or Engineering, with many entries requiring valid CSIR NET or GATE 2026 scores. Applicants must meet specific age criteria, generally up to 28 years for Technical Assistants and 32-45 years for Scientists, with relaxations provided as per Government of India rules.

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About National Physical Laboratory

National Physical Laboratory Logo

The National Physical Laboratory is the National Metrology Institute of India and a Premier Research Laboratory in the field of Physical Sciences. The National Physical Laboratory was established in 1943 by the Governing Body of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) , with a view to pave way for using science and technology as a means for industrial growth and development. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone for the laboratory on January 4, 1947, and it was one of the first National Laboratory to be set-up under the CSIR. On January 21, 1950, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel inaugurated the NPL building.

National Physical Laboratory recruitment offers great career opportunities for several posts such as Skilled Manpower, Skilled Manpower (IT), Project Assistant, Project Assistant Level-III (IT), Project Assistant Level-II (ECE), Project Assistant Level-III (Physics), Project Assistant Level-III (Engineering), Junior Research Fellow (JRF), Senior Research Fellow (SRF), Research Associate-I, Project Fellow.

Interested candidates can pursue courses in Graduate (B.A./B.Com/B.Sc.) . in any stream + One-year Diploma /Certification in Networking/Network Hardware, B. Tech. or BE in IT or Computer Science, BE/B Tech. Computer Science/Information Technology, ME/M.Tech. Computer Science, ME/M.Tech IT/Software Engg or B. Tech (Computer Science (IT), BE/B Tech. Electronics/ECE/ Communication Engineering, ME/M.Tech Electronics/ECE/ Communication Engg., M.Sc (Physics), M.Sc (Engineering Physics/Instrumentation), M.Tech. (Solar & Alternate Energy, Materials Science), Ph.D. (Chemical Science/ Physical Science), M.Sc.(Physics/Applied Optics/Applied Physics) for a great career at National Physical Laboratory Delhi.


Official Address
National Physical Laboratory Dr. K.S. Krishnan Marg New Delhi - 110012 India
New Delhi, Delhi - 110012
Contact Information

This organization has released 4 recruitment notifications in the last 3 years.


Organization Overview

The CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the National Metrology Institute (NMI) of India, established by an Act of Parliament. As a premier laboratory under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), it is the custodian of 'National Standards' and maintains the Indian Standard Time (IST). Located in New Delhi, CSIR-NPL is at the forefront of research in Quantum Metrology, Advanced Materials, and Environmental Sciences, making it a pinnacle destination for scientific and technical careers in India.

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About CSIR-NPL Careers

DetailsInformation
Institute TypeNational Metrology Institute (CSIR Laboratory)
HeadquartersNew Delhi, India
Primary Entry GatewaysCSIR NET, GATE 2026, Trade Tests, Written Exams
Salary Range₹19,900 to ₹2,18,200 (Pay Level 2 to Level 14)
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Key Job Profiles

CSIR-NPL offers structured career opportunities for researchers, engineers, and administrative professionals:

  • Scientific Roles: Scientist, Senior Scientist, Principal Scientist, and Chief Scientist.
  • Technical Roles: Technical Assistant (Mechanical/Electronics/Civil), Technician, and Technical Officer.
  • Administrative Roles: Section Officer (SO), Assistant Section Officer (ASO), and Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA).
  • Project Staff: Project Associate, JRF, and SRF (typically on a contract/tenure basis).

Salary & Benefits

Positions at CSIR-NPL are governed by the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) pay matrix, offering competitive central government scales:

  • Scientist (Entry): Level-11 (Starting Basic ₹67,700).
  • Technical Assistant: Level-6 (Starting Basic ₹35,400).
  • Technician (Grade II): Level-2 (Starting Basic ₹19,900).
  • Allowances: Includes Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA) at Delhi rates, Transport Allowance (TA), and CSIR-specific health schemes.

Selection Process

The recruitment methodology is rigorous, ensuring high standards for India's National Metrology Institute:

  1. Scientist Positions: Initial screening based on research publications and impact factors, followed by a personal interview before a specialized selection committee.
  2. Technical Assistant/Technician: A two-stage process featuring a Trade Test (Qualifying) followed by a Written Competitive Examination (Paper I, II, and III).
  3. Administrative Staff: Selection is primarily based on written examinations and skill tests (typing/stenography) conducted by CSIR.
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How to Crack CSIR-NPL Exams

  • Focus on Metrology: For technical roles, strengthen your understanding of measurement standards, SI units, and calibration protocols as these are central to NPL's mission.
  • Written Exam Strategy: In the Technical Assistant exam, Paper I (Mental Ability) is qualifying, but Paper II and III (General Awareness/Specialized Subject) carry negative marking. Accuracy is key.
  • GATE/NET Prep: Aspiring Scientists should maintain a high GATE 2026 percentile or CSIR NET rank, as these are often used for initial shortlisting in the CSIR ecosystem.
  • Trade Proficiency: For Technician roles, ensure practical hand-on experience in your ITI trade, as the qualifying Trade Test is strictly evaluated.


Mandatory Disclaimer: All details are sourced from official notifications. MySarkariNaukri.com provides informational guidance only and is not affiliated with any government agency.

Verification Source: Official CSIR-NPL Website

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Technical Assistants provide crucial support in maintaining national measurement standards, assisting scientists in R&D projects, and managing laboratory instrumentation.

The upper age limit is generally 28 years for General/EWS candidates, with relaxations for SC/ST (5 years) and OBC (3 years) as per government norms.

Yes, GATE scores are frequently used for shortlisting candidates for Project Staff, Junior Research Fellowships (JRF), and sometimes for Scientist 'B' entries.

Yes, all permanent recruits typically undergo a probation period of two years, during which their performance and conduct are monitored before confirmation.

Scientists focus on core research and innovation, while Technical Officers focus on the operation, maintenance, and development of sophisticated technical infrastructure.

Yes, CSIR follows the Flexible Supplementing Scheme (FSS) for scientists and the Assessment Promotion Scheme (APS) for technical staff, allowing for merit-based promotions.

Yes, all CSIR-NPL positions are open to Indian citizens from any state, provided they meet the educational and age eligibility criteria.

For most direct recruitment cycles, candidates must submit an online application and then send a signed hard copy with supporting documents by post.