| CSIR NPL Recruitment 2026 :- CSIR NPL is now open for applications. The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) – National Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi, India’s premier National Metrology Institute, invites online applications from enthusiastic and qualified young Indian citizens for the post of Technical Assistant. This recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 18 vacancies across various engineering and scientific disciplines. The selected candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and development in areas of metrology, quantum science, materials, and instrumentation. |
CSIR NPL Recruitment 2026 Details
| Post Code & Area | Total Posts | Reservation Status (UR / OBC-NCL / EWS / SC / ST) | Essential Educational Qualifications & Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| TA01 (Mechanical Engineering) | 5 | UR: 2, OBC(NCL): 2, EWS: 1 | Diploma in Mechanical Engg. (≥3 years or 2 years lateral entry) with 60% marks + 2 years relevant experience. |
| TA02 (Electronics/Electrical/Instrumentation Engg.) | 6 | UR: 2, OBC(NCL): 1, EWS: 1, ST: 2 | Diploma in relevant stream (≥3 years or 2 years lateral entry) with 60% marks + 2 years relevant experience. |
| TA03 (Civil Engineering) | 2 | UR: 1, OBC(NCL): 1 | Diploma in Civil Engg. (≥3 years or 2 years lateral entry) with 60% marks + 2 years relevant experience. |
| TA04 (Computer Science/Information Tech.) | 1 | OBC(NCL): 1 | 1. Diploma in CS/IT (≥3 years or 2 years lateral entry) with 60% + 2 years experience. OR 2. B.Sc. (CS/IT) with 60% + 1 year experience. |
| TA05 (Physics / Applied Physics) | 3 | UR: 1, OBC(NCL): 1, SC: 1 | B.Sc. (Physics/Applied Physics) with 60% marks + 1 year relevant experience. |
| TA06 (Chemistry) | 1 | UR: 1 | B.Sc. (Chemistry) with 60% marks + 1 year relevant experience. |
CSIR NPL Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date & Timeline |
|---|---|
| Start of Online Application & Fee Payment | 28 January 2026 (from 10:00 AM) |
| Activation of Fee Payment Link | 28 January 2026 (from 3:00 PM onwards) |
| Last Date for Online Application & Fee Payment | 27 February 2026 (up to 11:59 PM) |
| Last Date for Receipt of Hard Copy | 09 March 2026 (must reach by this date) |
| Tentative Schedule for Trade Test | May / June 2026 |
| Tentative Schedule for Written Exam | July / August 2026 |
CSIR NPL Recruitment 2026 Age Limit
| Criteria | Details(As on 27.02.2026) |
|---|---|
| Maximum Age Limit | 28 Years for all posts. |
| Age Relaxation | SC/ST: +5 years OBC(NCL): +3 years Government/CSIR Employees: Up to +5 years Note: Age relaxation is applicable only for posts reserved for the respective categories. |
| Cut-off Date | All age and qualification criteria will be determined as on the closing date: 27 February 2026. |
CSIR NPL Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee | Mode of Payment |
|---|---|---|
| General / UR / OBC / EWS | ₹500 | Online only via the link on the recruitment portal. |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women / Ex-Servicemen | Exempted | Must upload valid proof of category during application. |
CSIR NPL Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
| Stage | Type | Details & Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: Trade Test | Qualifying (No marks for final merit) | A practical/skill test in the relevant trade/discipline. Only candidates recommended by the Screening Committee will be called. |
| Stage 2: Competitive Written Examination (OMR/Computer Based) | Merit-Based (Marks counted for final selection) | Consists of three papers (total 200 questions, 550 marks, 3 hours). • Paper-I (Mental Ability): 50 Qs, 100 marks, 1 hour. Qualifying in nature. • Paper-II (General Awareness & English): 50 Qs, 150 marks, 30 mins. • Paper-III (Concerned Subject): 100 Qs, 300 marks, 90 mins. |
| Important Notes | 1. Negative Marking: Applies in Paper-II and Paper-III (-1 mark per wrong answer). 2. Final Merit: Prepared only based on marks in Paper-II & Paper-III. 3. Tie-Breaker: As per CSIR rules (higher marks in Paper-III, fewer negatives, older age, etc.). |
CSIR NPL Recruitment 2026 Syllabus
| Paper | Subject / Section | Likely Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Mental Ability Test | General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Problem Solving, Situational Judgement. |
| Paper-II | General Awareness | Current Affairs, History, Geography, Indian Polity, General Science, Awards, Sports, etc. |
| English Language | Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Synonyms, Antonyms, Error Spotting. | |
| Paper-III | Concerned Subject | Technical Subject Knowledge specific to the post code applied for (e.g., Mechanical Engg. principles for TA01, Physics fundamentals for TA05, Computer Science for TA04, etc.). |
Mandatory Documents Checklist (Self-Attested Copies):
- Printout of Online Application Form (Signed).
- Application Fee E-receipt (if paid).
- Matriculation/10th Certificate (for Date of Birth Proof).
- All Educational Certificates & Mark Sheets (Diploma/B.Sc. Degree, etc.).
- CGPA to Percentage Conversion Certificate (if applicable).
- Experience Certificate(s) on organization letterhead with clear dates.
- Caste/Community Certificate (SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/EWS) in Govt. of India format.
- OBC(NCL) candidates: Additional ‘Non-Creamy Layer’ Declaration Form.
- PwBD/Ex-Servicemen Certificate (if applicable).
- Government/CSIR Employees: No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer.
- Gazette Notification for Name Change (if applicable).
How to Apply ?
| Step | Action Required |
|---|---|
| 1. Online Application | 1. Visit the official portal: https://recruitment.nplindia.org or https://www.nplindia.in/index.php/recruitments/. 2. Register and fill the online application form between 28.01.2026 and 27.02.2026. 3. Pay the application fee online (if applicable). 4. Take a printout of the final submitted application form before 11:59 PM on 27.02.2026. |
| 2. Send Hard Copy by Post | 1. Sign the printout at the designated place. 2. Paste a photograph (same as uploaded) and sign across it. 3. Attach self-attested copies of all required documents (see checklist below). 4. Send via Speed/Registered Post in an envelope superscribed with “APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF [Post Name], Post Code [Code], Advt. No. NPL/Rectt./05/2025”. 5. Ensure it reaches on or before 09 March 2026 to: Recruitment & Assessment Section, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr. K.S.Krishnan Marg, New Delhi-110012 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: I have a B.Tech degree. Can I apply for a post requiring a Diploma in this CSIR NPL Recruitment 2026?
A1: The essential qualification is specifically a Diploma or B.Sc. (for TA04, TA05, TA06) as mentioned against each post code. Possessing a higher qualification (like B.Tech) does not make you eligible if you do not hold the prescribed essential qualification. You must meet the exact criteria stated.
Q2: Is the Trade Test a written exam? What is its purpose for CSIR NPL Recruitment 2026?
A2: The Trade Test is a practical or skill-based test (not written) designed to assess your hands-on proficiency in the relevant engineering or scientific trade (e.g., mechanical, electronics). It is qualifying in nature, meaning you must pass it to be eligible for the next stage (Written Exam), but its marks are not added to your final merit score.
Q3: I am an OBC candidate. What is the crucial requirement for my certificate in this CSIR NPL Recruitment 2026?
A3: Your OBC certificate must be in the prescribed Government of India format for appointments under the Central Government. It must clearly state that you belong to the Non-Creamy Layer (NCL). Additionally, you must submit a separate ‘Form of Declaration’ affirming your Non-Creamy Layer status based on income for the last three financial years. Certificates based on state lists or in other formats will be rejected.
Q4: Can I apply for more than one Post Code (area) in this CSIR NPL Recruitment 2026?
A4: Yes. You can apply for multiple post codes if you meet the specific eligibility criteria for each one. However, you must submit separate online applications and pay separate fees (if applicable) for each post code.
Q5: Where will the admit card and all updates be published?
A5: All updates, including lists of shortlisted candidates, Trade Test/Written Exam dates, and e-Admit Cards for download, will be published only on the official CSIR-NPL website: https://www.nplindia.in. No separate calls/letters will be sent. Candidates are responsible for checking the website regularly.