DRDO NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026: Eligibility,Stipend, Walk-In
DRDO NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026: Eligibility, Stipend, Walk-In Date
Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi has announced Junior Research Fellow (JRF) opportunities for 2026.
The recruitment covers several engineering and science disciplines. The walk-in interview is scheduled for 10 October 2026 at 9:30 AM at NPOL, Thrikkakara, Kochi.
DRDO NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation |
| Laboratory | NPOL, Kochi |
| Post | Junior Research Fellow |
| Advertisement No. | NPOL/JRF/01/2026 |
| Notification date | 1 September 2026 |
| Last date | 10 October 2026 |
| Walk-in interview | 10 October 2026 |
| Interview time | 9:30 AM |
| Fellowship | ₹37,000 per month + applicable HRA |
| Maximum age | 28 years |
| Initial fellowship period | 2 years |
| Location | Thrikkakara, Kochi, Kerala |
The official DRDO vacancy page lists the recruitment from 1 September to 10 October 2026.
Vacancy details
NPOL has listed JRF opportunities in these areas:
| No. | Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Computer Science & Engineering | Anticipated |
| 2 | Mechanical Engineering | 4 |
| 3 | Chemical Engineering / Rubber Technology / Polymer Technology / Nanotechnology / Materials Science | Anticipated |
| 4 | Opto Electronics | Anticipated |
| 5 | Electrical & Electronics Engineering / Electronics & Communication Engineering / Instrumentation Engineering | Anticipated |
| 6 | Physics | Anticipated |
| 7 | Oceanography / Ocean Technology / Meteorology | Anticipated |
The notification uses the term “anticipated” for several disciplines, meaning the panel may be used against vacancies that arise during the validity period.
Educational qualification
Computer Science & Engineering
Candidates need:
- B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering with First Division and valid GATE qualification
OR
- M.E./M.Tech in Computer Science Engineering with First Division at both graduate and postgraduate levels.
Mechanical Engineering
Candidates need:
- B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering with First Division and valid GATE qualification
OR
- M.E./M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering with First Division at both graduate and postgraduate levels.
There are 4 stated vacancies for Mechanical Engineering in the notification.
Chemical and materials-related disciplines
Candidates can apply with B.E./B.Tech in:
- Chemical Engineering
- Rubber Technology
- Polymer Technology
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
The B.E./B.Tech route requires First Division and a valid GATE qualification.
The M.E./M.Tech route requires First Division at both graduate and postgraduate levels.
Opto Electronics
Candidates can apply through:
- B.E./B.Tech in Opto Electronics with First Division and valid GATE
- M.E./M.Tech in Opto Electronics with First Division at graduate and postgraduate levels
The notification also accepts B.E./B.Tech in Electrical & Electronics Engineering or Electronics & Communication Engineering where the course includes at least one paper in Fibre Optics, Optoelectronics or Laser Technologies, along with a valid GATE qualification.
Electrical, Electronics and Instrumentation
Eligible graduate disciplines include:
- Electrical & Electronics Engineering
- Electronics & Communication Engineering
- Instrumentation Engineering
The B.E./B.Tech route requires First Division and valid GATE qualification.
Candidates with M.E./M.Tech in these disciplines can also apply when they have First Division at both graduate and postgraduate levels.
Physics
Candidates need a postgraduate degree in the relevant basic science subject with First Division and valid NET/GATE qualification.
Oceanography, Ocean Technology and Meteorology
Candidates can apply with a relevant postgraduate degree in Basic Science with First Division and valid NET/GATE qualification.
The notification also allows M.E./M.Tech in Oceanography, Ocean Technology or Meteorology with First Division at both graduate and postgraduate levels.
Age limit
The maximum age is 28 years as on the date of the walk-in interview.
Age relaxation is available for eligible SC, ST and OBC candidates according to Government of India rules.
DRDO NPOL JRF stipend
Selected fellows will receive ₹37,000 per month plus applicable House Rent Allowance (HRA).
The fellowship is initially awarded for 2 years and can be extended according to the applicable rules.
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification published | 1 September 2026 |
| Application period | 1 September to 10 October 2026 |
| Walk-in interview | 10 October 2026 |
| Reporting/interview time | 9:30 AM |
The DRDO vacancy page confirms 10 October 2026 as the closing date, while the detailed advertisement gives the same date for the walk-in interview.
Walk-in interview details
Date: 10 October 2026
Time: 9:30 AM
Venue:
Bhavan’s Varuna Vidyalaya
Campus of Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory
Thrikkakara P.O.
Kochi, Kerala – 682021
Candidates should reach the venue with their original documents and required copies.
Documents required
Candidates should carry:
- Original educational certificates
- Original mark sheets
- Valid GATE/NET score card, where applicable
- Community certificate, where applicable
- Government photo ID
- One recent colour passport-size photograph
- Self-attested copies of certificates and testimonials
- Other documents supporting the qualification
The notification specifically lists Voter ID, Aadhaar card, PAN card or Driving Licence as acceptable ID proof examples.
How to apply
This recruitment is through a walk-in interview.
Candidates should:
- Check that their qualification matches the required discipline.
- Make sure the required GATE or NET qualification is valid on the interview date.
- Prepare a one-page bio-data.
- Email the bio-data to hrd.npol@gov.in for administrative arrangements.
- Attend the walk-in interview on 10 October 2026.
- Carry original certificates and one set of self-attested copies.
- Carry a valid photo ID and recent colour photograph.
The email is intended for administrative arrangements. Candidates still need to appear for the walk-in interview with their documents.
Selection process
NPOL will conduct the selection through the walk-in interview process.
A panel will also be avaliable for future vacancies. The panel will operate for 1 year.
Being included in the panel does not by itself guarantee a fellowship. An offer depends on vacancies becoming available during the panel’s validity period.
Important points for candidates
Candidates must have qualifications from recognized universities or institutions.
Candidates with degrees from foreign universities need an equivalence certificate from the Association of Indian Universities, Delhi.
who already working in a government department, PSU or autonomous body should apply through the proper channel.
GATE or NET qualification, wherever required, must remain valid on the date of the walk-in interview.
The fellowship does not provide a right to permanent absorption in DRDO.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date for DRDO NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026?
The last date is 10 October 2026.
When is the NPOL JRF walk-in interview?
The walk-in interview is scheduled for 10 October 2026 at 9:30 AM.
How many Mechanical Engineering vacancies are available?
The notification lists 4 vacancies for Mechanical Engineering.
Which disciplines are covered?
The recruitment covers Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical and materials-related disciplines, Opto Electronics, Electrical and Electronics, Instrumentation, Physics, Oceanography, Ocean Technology and Meteorology.
What is the DRDO NPOL JRF stipend?
The fellowship is ₹37,000 per month plus applicable HRA.
What is the maximum age?
The upper age limit is 28 years as on the walk-in interview date, with applicable relaxation for SC, ST and OBC candidates.
Is GATE required for every discipline?
No. The requirement depends on the discipline. Engineering routes generally require valid GATE, while the Physics and certain science routes accept valid NET/GATE as specified in the notification.
Where will the interview be held?
The interview will be held at Bhavan’s Varuna Vidyalaya in the NPOL campus, Thrikkakara, Kochi, Kerala – 682021.
Is the JRF a permanent DRDO job?
No. It is a research fellowship. The initial fellowship period is 2 years and may be extended according to the rules.
Official notification and application
The current DRDO vacancy page lists Advertisement No. NPOL/JRF/01/2026.
