The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) – Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi, has released the latest notification for the recruitment of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) posts under Advertisement Number Advt.No.NPOL/JRF/01/2026. Candidates interested in DRDO jobs who meet the required eligibility criteria can attend the walk-in interview scheduled for 10 October 2026. Eligible candidates are advised to carefully read the complete notification to understand the educational qualifications, age limits, and required documents before applying. For the latest government job updates, keep visiting rojgar khabar.
DRDO NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 Details
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement No. | NPOL/JRF/01/2026 |
| Notification Release Date | September 2026 |
| Walk-in Interview Date | 10 October 2026 (Saturday) at 0930 hrs |
Disclaimer: Candidates are advised to confirm from the DRDO official website.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹ 0/- (Nil) |
| SC / ST / PH | ₹ 0/- (Nil) |
| All Category Female | ₹ 0/- (Nil) |
| Payment Mode | No Fee Required |
DRDO NPOL Recruitment 2026: Age Limit as on 10.10.2026
- Minimum Age: Not Specified.
- Maximum Age: 28 Years.
- Age Relaxation Extra as per Government of India and DRDO Recruitment Rules (Relaxable for SC, ST, and OBC candidates).
Post Name, Vacancy Details, and Eligibility Criteria
Total Vacancies: 04 (Anticipated)
| Post & Discipline | Vacancies | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| JRF – Computer Science & Engineering | Anticipated | • B.E/B.Tech in Computer Science Engg in 1st Division with valid GATE qualification. OR • M.E/M.Tech in Computer Science Engg in 1st Division both at Graduate (B.Sc/B.Tech) and Post Graduate level. |
| JRF – Mechanical Engineering | Anticipated | • B.E/B.Tech in Mechanical Engg in 1st Division with valid GATE qualification. OR • M.E/M.Tech in Mechanical Engg in 1st Division both at Graduate and Post Graduate level. |
| JRF – Chemical Engg/ Rubber Tech/ Polymer Tech/ Nanotech/ Materials Science | Anticipated | • B.E/B.Tech in relevant disciplines in 1st Division with valid GATE qualification. OR • M.E/M.Tech in relevant disciplines in 1st Division both at Graduate (B.Sc/B.Tech) and Post Graduate level. |
| JRF – Opto Electronics | Anticipated | • M.E/M.Tech in Opto Electronics in 1st Division both at Graduate and Post Graduate level. OR • B.E/B.Tech in EEE/ECE (with at least one paper on Fibre Optics/Optoelectronics/Laser Technologies) in 1st Div with valid GATE. |
| JRF – Electrical & Electronics Engg/ ECE/ Instrumentation Engg | Anticipated | • B.E/B.Tech in EEE/ECE/Instrumentation Engg in 1st Division with valid GATE qualification. OR • M.E/M.Tech in EEE/ECE/Instrumentation Engg in 1st Division both at Grad (B.Sc/B.Tech) and Post Grad level. |
| JRF – Physics | Anticipated | • Post Graduate Degree in Basic Science (Physics) in 1st Division with valid NET/GATE qualification. |
| JRF – Oceanography/ Ocean Technology/ Meteorology | Anticipated | • Post Graduate Degree in Basic Science pertaining to the subject in 1st Division with valid NET/GATE. OR • M.E/M.Tech in Oceanography/Ocean Tech/Meteorology in 1st Div both at Graduate (B.Sc/B.Tech) and PG level. |
(Note: NET qualification also includes relevant national level fellowships awarded by Central Govt Departments/Agencies. Foreign degree holders must submit an equivalence certificate from AIU, Delhi).
Mode of Selection Process
The selection for the Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions at DRDO NPOL will be based on the following sequential stages:
- Initial Screening: Shortlisting based on the submitted one-page bio-data via email.
- Walk-in Interview: Face-to-face personal interview assessing technical and subject knowledge.
- Document Verification: Checking original educational certificates, valid GATE/NET scorecards, age proof, and category certificates on the day of the interview.
- Final Empanelment: A merit panel will be drawn valid for a period of one year. Offer of fellowship depends on vacancy occurrence.
DRDO NPOL JRF Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2026
| Subject / Process | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Walk-in Interview | N/A | Based on Performance | Varies |
Note: There is no written examination for this recruitment. Candidates will be evaluated directly through a Walk-in Interview. Candidates should have a strong fundamental understanding of their respective B.E/B.Tech or M.E/M.Tech/M.Sc core subjects.
How to Attend Walk-in for DRDO NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026
Interested and eligible candidates who wish to apply for the DRDO NPOL Junior Research Fellow post must follow these steps to attend the Walk-in Interview:
- Step 1: Prepare a comprehensive one-page bio-data detailing your educational qualifications, GATE/NET scores, and personal information.
- Step 2: E-mail this one-page bio-data to hrd.npol@gov.in prior to the interview date to help the organization make necessary administrative arrangements.
- Step 3: Ensure you possess all original certificates, mark sheets, valid GATE/NET Score card, Community certificate (if applicable), and an ID proof (Voter’s ID/Aadhaar card/PAN card/Driving License).
- Step 4: Prepare one set of self-attested photocopies of all the aforementioned documents along with one recent color passport-size photograph.
- Step 5: Reach the interview venue on 10 October 2026 (Saturday) at 0930 hrs.
- Interview Venue: Bhavan’s Varuna Vidyalaya, in the campus of NAVAL PHYSICAL & OCEANOGRAPHIC LABORATORY, THRIKKAKARA P.O., KOCHI 682021.
- Step 6: Candidates currently working in Government/Public sector undertakings/Autonomous bodies must produce a “No Objection Certificate” (Through Proper Channel) at the time of the interview.
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Important Links
| Important Links | Direct Links |
|---|---|
| Download Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Important Question about DRDO NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 (FAQ)
Q1. What is the interview date for DRDO NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026? Ans. The walk-in interview for the DRDO NPOL Junior Research Fellow positions is scheduled to be held on 10 October 2026 (Saturday) at 0930 hrs.
Q2. Where is the venue for the DRDO NPOL walk-in interview? Ans. The venue is Bhavan’s Varuna Vidyalaya, located in the campus of Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Thrikkakara P.O., Kochi – 682021.
Q3. Is there any prior application required before attending the interview? Ans. Yes, prospective candidates are required to e-mail their one-page bio-data to hrd.npol@gov.in before the interview day for administrative arrangements.
Q4. What is the upper age limit for this DRDO JRF vacancy? Ans. The maximum age limit is 28 years as of the date of the walk-in interview (10.10.2026). Age relaxations apply for SC, ST, and OBC candidates as per Government of India norms.
Q5. Is a valid GATE or NET score mandatory for this recruitment? Ans. Yes, a valid GATE or NET score is mandatory for candidates applying with a B.E/B.Tech or Post Graduate Degree in Basic Sciences. However, candidates possessing an M.E/M.Tech degree in 1st Division at both graduate and post-graduate levels may apply without GATE.
Q6. What will be the monthly salary/stipend for the selected candidates? Ans. The selected Junior Research Fellows will receive a monthly stipend of ₹ 37,000/- plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as admissible under the rules.