The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research - National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) has released a highly anticipated job notification for ambitious technical professionals. The CSIR-NPL Recruitment 2026 drive aims to fill 20 vacancies for the esteemed positions of Technical Assistant and Technician (1). If you have a passion for science, precision, and technology, this is an exceptional opportunity to build a stable and rewarding career in one of India’s premier scientific institutions.

Working at NPL offers unparalleled exposure to cutting-edge research and metrology standards. The organization is seeking dedicated individuals holding relevant Diplomas or ITI certifications who are ready to contribute to national scientific progress.

The online application process has officially commenced today, May 28, 2026. Interested and eligible candidates are strongly advised to complete their applications well before the closing date of June 30, 2026, to avoid any last-minute technical glitches.

About the Recruiter

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), operating under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India. Located in New Delhi, NPL serves as the "National Metrology Institute" (NMI) of India. Its primary mandate is to maintain the National Standards of Measurement, including the Indian Standard Time (IST), and provide highly accurate calibration services. Working at CSIR-NPL means being at the forefront of scientific standard-setting, research, and industrial calibration, directly contributing to the nation's technological and industrial backbone.

Posts and Breakdown: Qualification, Age, & Salary Overview

Before applying, ensure you meet the strict criteria set by CSIR-NPL for these technical roles:

  • Technical Assistant:

    • Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess a first-class Diploma in Engineering/Technology (typically 3 years full-time) in the relevant discipline (e.g., Electronics, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.) from a recognized Institute/Organization with at least two years of relevant experience. (OR) B.Sc. with minimum 60% marks and relevant one-year experience.

    • Age Limit: Maximum 28 years.

    • Salary Structure: Pay Level-6 (₹35,400 - ₹1,12,400) as per the 7th Pay Commission, plus DA, HRA, and TA as applicable.

  • Technician (1):

    • Educational Qualification: Candidates should have passed the SSC/10th Standard with Science subjects with a minimum of 55% marks, PLUS hold an ITI certificate or National/State trade certificate in the relevant trade (e.g., Fitter, Electrician, Electronics Mechanic).

    • Age Limit: Maximum 28 years.

    • Salary Structure: Pay Level-2 (₹19,900 - ₹63,200) as per the 7th Pay Commission, plus DA, HRA, and TA as applicable.

(Note: Age relaxation is applicable for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen candidates as per Government of India rules).

Detailed Overview of the Job Profile

The roles of Technical Assistant and Technician are critical to the smooth functioning of NPL’s laboratories:

  • Technical Assistant: You will assist senior scientists in conducting high-precision experiments, operating and maintaining complex analytical instruments, data acquisition, and ensuring the laboratory adheres to strict metrology standards.

  • Technician (1): Your duties will include the installation, maintenance, repair, and calibration of laboratory equipment. You will be responsible for workshop duties, electrical/mechanical fittings, and providing essential technical support for ongoing research projects.

Important Dates

Mark your calendars with these vital dates for the CSIR-NPL recruitment:

Event

Date

Notification Release Date

May 28, 2026

Starting Date for Online Application

May 28, 2026

Last Date for Online Application Submission

June 30, 2026

Admit Card Release

To be announced

Examination / Trade Test Date

To be announced

How to Apply

Eligible candidates can apply online by following these steps:

  1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official website of CSIR-NPL at nplindia.in.

  2. Navigate to the Careers Section: Look for the "Careers" or "Recruitments" tab on the homepage.

  3. Find the Advertisement: Locate the specific advertisement for "Recruitment of Technical Assistant and Technician (1) - 2026" and click on it.

  4. Register Online: If you are a new user, register yourself by providing a valid email ID and mobile number to generate your login credentials.

  5. Fill the Application Form: Log in and fill out the detailed online application form with your personal, educational, and experience details.

  6. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph, signature, and relevant educational/category certificates in the specified format.

  7. Pay Application Fee: Pay the required non-refundable application fee (usually ₹100 for UR/OBC/EWS; SC/ST/PwBD/Women/CSIR Employees are generally exempt) via the online payment gateway.

  8. Submit and Print: Submit the application form finally before June 30, 2026, and take a printout of the submitted form for future reference.

Selection Process

The selection process for CSIR-NPL is rigorous and designed to test technical proficiency:

  1. Screening of Applications: A duly constituted committee will screen the online applications to shortlist candidates based on the advertised criteria.

  2. Trade Test / Skill Test: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a Trade Test (for Technicians) or Skill Test (for Technical Assistants) in their respective disciplines. This test is generally qualifying in nature.

  3. Written Competitive Examination: Those who qualify the Trade/Skill test will be called for a written examination (OMR or Computer Based Objective Type).

  4. Final Merit List: The final selection will be made based strictly on the marks obtained in the written examination.

  5. Document Verification: Final confirmation of employment is subject to successful document verification.

Important Links

Use these direct links to access the official notification and application portal:

Link Type

Direct URL

Official Website

nplindia.in

Official Notification PDF

Available on the NPL Careers page

Apply Online Link

Available on the NPL Careers page

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When is the last date to apply for the CSIR-NPL recruitment 2026? The online application window closes on June 30, 2026. Candidates should apply well before this deadline.

2. How many vacancies are available in total? There are a total of 20 vacancies, divided between the posts of Technical Assistant and Technician (1). Please refer to the official notification for the exact discipline-wise breakdown.

3. What is the basic educational requirement for the Technical Assistant post? Candidates generally need a first-class Diploma in a relevant Engineering/Technology discipline with two years of experience, or a B.Sc. with 60% marks and one year of experience.

4. Can 10th pass candidates apply for the Technician (1) post? Yes, 10th pass candidates (with Science subjects and minimum 55% marks) can apply, provided they also possess an ITI certificate or a National/State trade certificate in the relevant trade.

5. What is the upper age limit for these posts? The maximum age limit is 28 years for general category candidates. Age relaxations apply for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen as per government norms.

6. What is the salary of a Technical Assistant at CSIR-NPL? A Technical Assistant is placed in Pay Level-6, with a basic pay of ₹35,400 per month, plus allowances, making the gross salary quite attractive.

7. Is the Trade Test mandatory for the Technician post? Yes, the Trade Test is mandatory. It is qualifying in nature, and only those who pass it will be eligible to appear for the final written examination.

8. Will there be an interview for the Technical Assistant or Technician posts? No, as per current Government of India guidelines for Group C and Group B (Non-Gazetted) posts, there will be no interview. Selection is based purely on the written exam performance after qualifying the skill test.

9. Can candidates from outside New Delhi apply? Yes, this is a Central Government organization, and eligible candidates from anywhere in India can apply. However, the initial posting will likely be in New Delhi.

10. How can I pay the application fee? The application fee (usually ₹100, if applicable) must be paid online through the payment gateway provided during the online application process (Net Banking/Debit Card/Credit Card/UPI).