DRDO NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 Notice Out: Mechanical Engineering and Other Research Fellow Vacancies, Walk-In on October 10

• DRDO NPOL is recruiting Junior Research Fellows across seven engineering and science disciplines.
• Candidates need prescribed B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech or postgraduate qualifications with GATE/NET where applicable.
• Walk-in interviews will be held October 10, 2026, with ₹37,000 monthly stipend plus HRA.

The Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratory in Kochi, is conducting recruitment for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions across engineering and science disciplines. Four vacancies are confirmed for Mechanical Engineering, while requirements in Computer Science, Chemical/Materials, Opto Electronics, Electrical/Electronics, Physics and Oceanography-related disciplines are listed as anticipated.

Selection for DRDO NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 will be conducted through a walk-in process on October 10, 2026. Candidates are required to report at 9:30 AM at Bhavan’s Varuna Vidyalaya, NPOL Campus, Thrikkakara, Kochi, with their original certificates and supporting documents.

The fellowship carries monthly emoluments of ₹37,000 plus House Rent Allowance as applicable under DRDO rules. The initial fellowship period is two years and may be extended according to the applicable norms.

DRDO NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026

NPOL is seeking candidates from seven broad engineering and science subject areas for Junior Research Fellow positions. Mechanical Engineering currently has four specified vacancies, while the remaining disciplines have anticipated requirements.

NPOL JRF Vacancy Details

The recruitment covers seven subject groups. Only Mechanical Engineering has a fixed vacancy count in the available details.

Candidates should not treat an approximate overall figure as a confirmed vacancy count because six of the seven discipline groups are specifically listed as anticipated.

Qualification for Engineering Disciplines

For the engineering disciplines, candidates can qualify through either of the prescribed academic routes.

Applicants with B.E./B.Tech in the relevant discipline must have secured First Division and possess a valid GATE score.

Alternatively, candidates with M.E./M.Tech in the relevant discipline can apply provided they have secured First Division at both Graduate and Postgraduate levels, subject to the discipline-specific requirements in the advertisement.

The engineering disciplines covered include Computer Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical/Materials-related fields, Opto Electronics and Electrical/Electronics-related branches.

Qualification for Physics, Oceanography and Related Fields

For the science disciplines, candidates with a postgraduate degree in the relevant Basic Science subject such as Physics or Oceanography require First Division along with a valid NET/GATE qualification.

Candidates possessing M.E./M.Tech in Oceanography, Ocean Technology or Meteorology may also be eligible where they have secured First Division at the applicable academic levels.

Candidates should verify the exact degree and subject combination corresponding to their discipline from the NPOL advertisement before attending the selection.

Age Limit

The maximum age for the JRF positions is 28 years as on October 10, 2026, the date of the walk-in interview.

Relaxation for SC, ST and OBC candidates will apply according to Government of India rules.

JRF Salary and Fellowship Period

Selected Junior Research Fellows will receive ₹37,000 per month plus HRA as admissible under DRDO rules.

The appointment is a research fellowship and should not be treated as a regular permanent DRDO appointment.

GATE and NET Requirements

Candidates applying through an eligibility route that requires GATE or NET must possess a valid score or qualification as on the interview date.

Applicants should bring the original GATE/NET score card or certificate along with a self-attested copy for verification.

Candidates possessing foreign degrees must obtain the required equivalence from the Association of Indian Universities.

Walk-In Interview Details

Candidates should report at the venue with the prescribed application information, original certificates and supporting documents.

Documents to Bring

Candidates attending the walk-in should carry their original educational and other eligibility certificates along with self-attested copies.

They should also bring the applicable community/category certificate, valid GATE or NET score card, a valid photo identity document and one recent passport-size colour photograph.

Acceptable identity documents include Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN Card and Driving Licence, subject to the instructions in the advertisement.

Optional Advance Registration by Email

Candidates may send a one-page bio-data in advance to hrd.npol@gov.in for administrative arrangements. This advance email is described as optional and does not replace attendance at the walk-in selection.

Candidates serving in Government departments, PSUs or Autonomous Bodies should comply with the proper-channel requirements applicable to them.

How to Attend DRDO NPOL JRF Walk-In 2026

1. Visit the DRDO website and download the NPOL JRF recruitment advertisement.
2. Check the qualification requirements for the discipline in which you intend to appear.
3. Ensure that the required GATE or NET qualification is valid on October 10, 2026, where applicable.
4. Prepare the required bio-data/application details and supporting certificates.
5. Candidates may email a one-page bio-data to hrd.npol@gov.in in advance for administrative purposes.
6. Carry original certificates and self-attested copies of educational qualifications, GATE/NET score card, category certificate and identity proof.
7. Bring one recent passport-size colour photograph.
8. Report at Bhavan’s Varuna Vidyalaya, NPOL Campus, Thrikkakara P.O., Kochi – 682021 on October 10, 2026 at 9:30 AM.
9. Complete document verification and participate in the selection process as directed by NPOL officials.

Important Links

Candidates should read the complete NPOL JRF advertisement before attending, particularly for discipline-specific qualifications, GATE/NET conditions, age relaxation, document requirements and fellowship terms.