National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details

NCPOR Recruitment 2026 Guide. Explore careers at the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, including Scientist roles, project staff, and salary details.

Last updated on: Jan 20, 2026 | Data sourced from official notifications
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The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) is India’s premier R&D institution responsible for the country’s research activities in the Polar and Southern Ocean regions. Operating under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), NCPOR is the nodal agency for the Indian Antarctic Program and maintains India’s permanent research stations: Bharati and Maitri in Antarctica, and Himadri in the Arctic. A career at NCPOR offers a unique blend of high-end laboratory research in Goa and adventurous field expeditions to the ends of the Earth.


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About National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)

National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) Logo

India began its National Antarctic Program under Department of Ocean Development (DOD) of the Government of India in 1981. A Centre dedicated to Antarctic Expeditions, named as ‘Antarctic Study Centre (ASC)’ was established at Goa in 1988. The ASC was subsequently upgraded into an autonomous institute National Centre for Antarctic & Ocean Research (NCAOR).

The main goals of the NCAOR are to plan, promote and execute the entire gamut of polar sciences and logistic activities of India in Antarctica, the Arctic and in the Southern Ocean. NCAOR is also responsible for the construction of new research stations and maintenance of existing stations in Polar Regions.

National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research also manages India’s flagged Oceanographic Research Vessel Sagar Kanya. It also charters different research vessels from local and international operators for its multifarious oceanographic research in coastal, tropical and Southern oceans. nacor gov in is the official website of National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research. NCAOR Director is the head and looks into all the matters of the department. Candidates look for www.ncaor.gov.in careers since the job is adventurous and there are ample opportunities and good pay scale.

National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR) recruitment offers great career opportunities for several posts such as Junior Research Fellow (JRF), Shipboard Assistant.

Interested candidates can pursue courses in Master's Degree in Environmental / Biological/Chemistry/Marine Science, B.Sc. in any branch of Science or Diploma in Engineering.


Official Address
National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India Headland Sada, Vasco-da-Gama, Goa 403804 India
Vasco-da-Gama, India - 403804
Contact Information

This organization has released 10 recruitment notifications in the last 3 years.

Expired / Closed Notifications

These jobs are closed for application and kept for record purposes.

About NCPOR Careers

FeatureOrganization Details
Organization TypeAutonomous Society under Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
HeadquartersVasco-da-Gama, Goa
Primary Entry GateDirect Recruitment, Walk-in-Interviews, or Contractual Projects
Salary Range₹35,400 - ₹2,18,200 (Plus specific allowances for expeditions)

🏛️ Organization Overview

The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) was established to spearhead India’s scientific presence in the Polar regions and to conduct deep-sea exploration.2 Located on the Headland Sada in Goa, the institute manages the logistical and scientific requirements of the Indian Scientific Expeditions to Antarctica (ISEA). Its research mandate spans multiple disciplines, including paleoclimatology, marine geology, cryosphere studies, and oceanography.

Beyond polar research, NCPOR is also involved in the exploration of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the International Indian Ocean Expedition.3 For professionals, NCPOR serves as a bridge between atmospheric sciences and marine biology, providing state-of-the-art facilities like the country's only ice-core archival and analytical facility. Working here often means contributing to global climate change discourse while representing India on international platforms like the Antarctic Treaty System.


💼 Key Job Profiles (Evergreen Roles)

  • Scientist (B, C, D, E, F): These are core research positions. Scientists are responsible for planning expeditions, conducting high-impact research, and publishing in international peer-reviewed journals. Roles require a Master’s or Ph.D. in Earth Sciences, Physics, or Marine Biology.
  • Project Scientist (I, II, III): These are typically project-linked positions (often under programs like PACER).4 While they may be on a contract basis, they offer essential entry-level experience for researchers in cryospheric or hydrothermal studies.
  • Scientific Assistant / Technical Officer: These roles focus on the maintenance of sophisticated scientific instruments, lab management in Goa, and providing technical support during field expeditions.
  • Administrative & Finance Officer: Handling the complex logistics of international expeditions, procurement of specialized polar gear, and general administration of the autonomous society.5

💰 Salary & Employee Benefits

NCPOR follows the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) pay matrix for regular employees and offers consolidated emoluments for project-based staff.

  • Scientist Grade: Starts at Level-10 (approx. ₹56,100 basic) and can go up to Level-14 or higher for senior positions.
  • Project Staff: Consolidated pay typically ranges from ₹56,000 + HRA for Project Scientist-I to over ₹78,000 + HRA for higher grades.6
  • Expedition Allowances: One of the most unique benefits is the Special Hardship Allowance provided to staff during their stay at Antarctic or Arctic stations, which significantly augments the base salary.
  • Standard Perks: Includes House Rent Allowance (HRA) at Goa rates, Medical facilities under CGHS/CS(MA) rules, and Leave Travel Concession (LTC).

🎯 Selection Process

The selection process at NCPOR varies based on the nature of the post:

  1. Screening: Shortlisting of applications based on academic merit, publication record (for scientists), and relevant experience.
  2. Written Exam: Usually conducted for administrative and technical assistant roles to test domain knowledge and general aptitude.
  3. Interview: * Direct Recruitment: A formal interview by a selection committee for permanent Scientist positions.
    • Walk-in-Interview: Frequently used for Project Scientist and JRF roles to ensure quick filling of time-bound project vacancies.7
  4. Medical Fitness: Mandatory for any staff participating in Polar expeditions to ensure they can withstand extreme environmental conditions.

💡 Expert Tips (How to Crack NCPOR Exams)

Master the "Earth System Science" Fundamentals

NCPOR exams and interviews focus heavily on the interaction between the atmosphere, ocean, and cryosphere. Strengthening your knowledge of climate modeling, stable isotope geochemistry, or marine geophysics will give you a significant edge.

Highlight Fieldwork and Cruising Experience

NCPOR values candidates who have experience in "rough weather" or remote field environments. If you have participated in oceanographic cruises or high-altitude Himalayan research, ensure this is prominent in your CV.

Technical Proficiency in Data Tools

For both technical and scientific roles, proficiency in tools like MATLAB, Python (for data analysis), GIS, or GMT is highly desirable.8 Being able to demonstrate data processing skills is often a deciding factor during technical interviews.


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: Verify at: www.ncpor.res.in

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The upper age limit generally ranges from 35 years for Scientist B to 50 years for Scientist D, with standard Government of India relaxations for reserved categories.

No, Project Scientist and Research Associate roles are typically contractual and co-terminus with the specific project duration, though they are often extended based on performance.

Candidates must undergo a rigorous medical examination at a designated government hospital (like AIIMS) to ensure they are fit for extreme cold and isolated environments.

While a Master's degree in a relevant field is the minimum for Scientist B, a Ph.D. is often listed as a 'Desirable Qualification' and becomes near-mandatory for higher grades (Scientist C and above).

NCPOR occasionally offers internships or dissertation opportunities for Master's students, but for regular or project recruitment, the degree must be completed by the application deadline.

The primary administrative and lab-based roles are located in Headland Sada, Goa. However, scientific staff are required to spend significant time at research bases in Antarctica or the Arctic.

Permanent employees may be required to sign a bond if they are sent for specialized international training or if they are handling sensitive polar logistics, as per MoES guidelines.

While NCPOR is an autonomous body, horizontal movement or deputation to other MoES units like NIOT or INCOIS is occasionally possible for permanent scientific staff.