CSIR NPL Technician Recruitment 2026 is now open for applications across six specialized trade disciplines at the National Physical Laboratory, India’s premier metrology institution under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research. With 20 positions spanning Electronics, Electrical, Computer Operations, Multimedia, Photography, and Automotive Trades, this recruitment offers a stable career in scientific research infrastructure and national standards development. NPL’s reputation for precision, innovation, and employee development makes this an attractive opportunity for technically skilled candidates seeking government sector stability.
The recruitment process invites applications exclusively by postal mode until 30th June 2026. Eligible candidates must possess an SSC (with Science) qualification paired with either an ITI certificate, apprenticeship training, or relevant work experience in their chosen trade. The selection comprises three competitive stages: initial screening, a trade-specific practical test, and a comprehensive written examination across Mental Ability, General Awareness, English, and Subject-specific papers totalling 400 marks. Selected candidates will join at Pay Level 2 with a basic salary of Rs. 19,900 per month and total monthly emoluments of approximately Rs. 44,428 (including HRA), along with standard Central Government benefits and National Pension System coverage.
Note: All information is sourced from the official notification. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official website before applying.
Notification Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | CSIR – National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), New Delhi |
| Advertisement Number | Rectt./02/2026 |
| Post Name | Technician (1) |
| Total Vacancies | 20 |
| Pay Level | Level 2 (Rs. 19,900 – 63,200) |
| Application Mode | By Post (Hard Copy) |
| Last Date to Apply | 30th June 2026 |
| Official Website | https://www.nplindia.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 28th May 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 30th June 2026 |
| Age Limit Calculated As On | 30th June 2026 |
| Trade Test / Written Exam | To be notified on the official website |
Age Limit
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Maximum Age | 28 years (as on 30th June 2026) |
| SC/ST Relaxation | 5 years (only for reserved posts) |
| OBC (NCL) Relaxation | 3 years (only for reserved posts) |
| PwBD (General) Relaxation | 10 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) Relaxation | 15 years |
| PwBD (OBC) Relaxation | 13 years |
| Ex-Servicemen Relaxation | 3 years (after deducting service period) |
| Government/CSIR Employees Relaxation | Up to 5 years (minimum 3 years continuous service) |
Educational Qualification
| Qualification Route | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Option 1: ITI Route | SSC/10th Standard (Science subjects, minimum 55% marks) + ITI certificate or national/state trade certificate in relevant discipline |
| Option 2: Apprenticeship Route | SSC/10th Standard (Science subjects, minimum 55% marks) + 2 years full-time apprentice training from a recognized institution |
| Option 3: Work Experience Route | SSC/10th Standard (Science subjects, minimum 55% marks) + 3 years work experience in relevant trade from Government Ministry/Department/Organization/PSU/Autonomous Body |
Vacancy Details by Trade
| Post Code | Trade Area | Total Vacancies | UR | EWS | OBC | ST | SC | PwBD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T2-01 | Electronics | 10 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 1 | – | 1 |
| T2-02 | Electrical | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | – | – | 1 |
| T2-03 | Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA) | 2 | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – |
| T2-04 | Multimedia, Animation and Special Effects | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | – |
| T2-05 | Digital Photographer / Photographer | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | – |
| T2-06 | Mechanic Motor Vehicle | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 20 | 7 | 3 | 9 | 1 | – | 2 |
Role & Responsibilities
NPL Technicians occupy critical operational positions within India’s foremost metrology and scientific standards institution. Daily responsibilities include maintaining precision laboratory equipment, conducting calibration tests across specialized disciplines, assisting senior technical staff in experiments and measurements, and ensuring adherence to international quality standards. Technicians work in controlled environments such as electronics labs, electrical testing facilities, or manufacturing workshops, requiring strong concentration, technical accuracy, and systematic documentation of results. The role demands familiarity with both analog and digital instruments, problem-solving under procedural constraints, and collaboration with scientists and engineers across multiple research divisions.
Career advancement in NPL follows a structured technical ladder, with opportunities to specialize further, move into supervisory positions overseeing junior technical staff, or transition into specialized roles such as Senior Technician or Technical Officer after demonstrating consistent performance and acquiring additional certifications. NPL’s designation as a Centre of Excellence under CSIR ensures employees benefit from exposure to cutting-edge research, regular skill-enhancement programs, and opportunities to contribute to national scientific initiatives. The organization is recognized for professional integrity, transparent promotion systems, and a work culture that values technical competency and innovation, making it an ideal employer for candidates committed to long-term scientific careers.
Salary Structure
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level 2 (Pay Matrix Rs. 19,900 – 63,200) |
| Basic Pay | Rs. 19,900 per month |
| Total Monthly Emoluments (approx.) | Rs. 44,428 per month (including HRA for Class X City) |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As applicable to Central Government employees |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | As applicable (or accommodation provided) |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | As applicable |
| Medical Reimbursement | As per CSIR rules |
| Leave Travel Concession (LTC) | As per CSIR rules |
| House Building Advance (HBA) | As per CSIR rules |
| Pension Coverage | National Pension System (NPS) |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / UR / OBC / EWS | Rs. 500 (via Demand Draft) |
| SC / ST | Exempted |
| PwBD (Persons with Disability) | Exempted |
| Women Candidates | Exempted |
| CSIR Employees | Exempted |
| Transgender | Exempted |
The Demand Draft must be drawn on any nationalized bank, payable at New Delhi, in favour of “Director, National Physical Laboratory.” Candidates are required to write their name and postcode on the reverse side of the DD.
Selection Process
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Stage 1: Screening | A Screening Committee will evaluate all applications using predetermined criteria to shortlist candidates for the Trade Test. |
| Stage 2: Trade Test (Qualifying) | Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a practical Trade Test in their chosen discipline. Only those qualifying this stage proceed to the written examination. |
| Stage 3: Written Examination | Candidates clearing the Trade Test will sit for a competitive written exam comprising three papers in objective (MCQ) format. |
| Merit List Preparation | Final ranking is based on combined marks from Paper II (General Awareness + English) and Paper III (Subject-specific). |
Exam Pattern for CSIR NPL Technician 2026
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration | Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mental Ability Test (General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning) | 50 | 100 (2 marks each) | 1 Hour | No Negative |
| Paper II | General Awareness | 25 | 75 (3 marks each) | 30 Minutes | -1 per wrong |
| Paper II | English Language | 25 | 75 (3 marks each) | 30 Minutes | -1 per wrong |
| Paper III | Concerned Subject / Trade | 50 | 150 (3 marks each) | 1 Hour | -1 per wrong |
| Total | 150 | 400 | 2.5 Hours |
Important Notes: Papers II and III are evaluated only for candidates meeting the minimum threshold score in Paper I. The specific cut-off marks for Paper I will be announced on the official website before the examination. The final merit list is compiled using combined marks from Papers II and III. Tie-breaking follows this sequence: higher marks in the Trade subject paper, fewer negative marks in the trade paper, fewer overall negative marks, date of birth (older candidates ranked higher), earlier acquisition of the essential qualification, and alphabetical order of the first name.
How to Apply for CSIR NPL Technician Recruitment 2026
- Download the official application form from the CSIR-NPL website at https://www.nplindia.in.
- Complete all sections of the form with accurate information, matching your name, date of birth, and parents’ names exactly as recorded in your SSC or Matriculation certificate.
- Affix a recent colour passport-size photograph on Part I of the application form and sign across it; attach another recent colour photograph on Part II without signing.
- Arrange a Demand Draft of Rs. 500 drawn from any nationalized bank valid for at least 3 months, made payable to “Director, National Physical Laboratory” at New Delhi. Write your name and postcode on the DD’s reverse.
- Gather self-attested copies of all mandatory documents (refer to the Documents Required section).
- If currently employed with a Government, CSIR, or PSU organization, obtain an NOC or forwarding letter from your employer (Proforma-VII) and send a hard copy through official channels; you may submit a duplicate copy before the application deadline.
- Write clearly on the envelope: “APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF TECHNICIAN(1) – (Post Code No. ____)”
- Post the complete application package to: Senior Controller of Administration, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr. K.S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi – 110012, ensuring delivery by 30th June 2026.
💡 Expert Tip: Candidates may apply for multiple trade categories but must submit separate application forms and corresponding Demand Drafts for each post code. Ensure your application packet is sent by registered post or speed post to avoid delivery delays, and retain the proof of posting as acknowledgment. Applications arriving after the deadline will be rejected without exception, regardless of postal delays.
Documents Required
Prepare self-attested photocopies of the following documents to attach to your application:
- Demand Draft of Rs. 500 (as applicable to your category)
- Recent colour passport-size photograph (pasted and signed on Part I of the application form)
- Recent colour passport-size photograph (pasted, unsigned, on Part-II of the application form)
- Date of Birth certificate (only SSC or Matriculation certificate accepted; no alternate documents permitted)
- Educational certificates and mark sheets covering all semesters/years supporting your essential qualification
- ITI or Trade Certificate, or work experience certificates in the relevant discipline
- Caste/Community certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) in the prescribed Government of India format, if applicable
- OBC Declaration Form (Proforma-I-A) – in addition to the community certificate for OBC (NCL) candidates
- PwBD (Disability) certificate (using applicable Proforma-IV, V, or VI) if claiming disability reservation
- Ex-Serviceman certificate, if applicable
- NOC or Forwarding Letter (Proforma-VII) from your current employer if employed in a Government, CSIR, PSU, or Autonomous Body
- Age Concession Certificate (Proforma-VIII) if you are a Government employee claiming age relaxation
- University or Institute conversion formula (CGPA/SGPA to percentage) if your marks are recorded in grade format
Documents in languages other than English or Hindi must include an attested English or Hindi translation.
Important Instructions
Applicants must ensure that all information entered in the application form matches exactly with supporting documents, particularly the name, date of birth, and family details as they appear in the SSC or Matriculation certificate; discrepancies may lead to outright rejection. The Demand Draft must be valid for at least 3 months from the submission date and remain valid until the completion of the selection process. Candidates are permitted to submit applications for multiple trade categories, provided each application is accompanied by a separate Demand Draft and submitted as an independent package. Self-attestation of all document copies is mandatory; applications with unattested photocopies will not be processed. The screening stage is not an interview but a documentary evaluation; shortlisted candidates will be notified through the official website or direct communication. Part-time work, daily wage employment, visiting faculty positions, or guest lecturer roles do not qualify as valid work experience; only full-time, continuous positions in recognized Government entities are counted. Candidates working in the Government or CSIR organizations must submit their NOC through the prescribed official channel to ensure authenticity.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online / Download Form | Click Here |
| Download Notification PDF | View Notification |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is CSIR NPL Technician Recruitment 2026?
Ans. CSIR NPL Technician Recruitment 2026 is an official notification released by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), New Delhi, to recruit 20 Technicians across six trade areas (Electronics, Electrical, COPA, Multimedia, Photography, and Motor Mechanic) permanently under Pay Level 2.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for CSIR NPL Technician Recruitment 2026?
Ans. The last date to submit applications is 30th June 2026. Applications must be received by post at the official address on or before this date; applications arriving after the deadline will be rejected without any consideration.
Q3. What is the age limit for CSIR NPL Technician Recruitment 2026?
Ans. The minimum age is 18 years and the maximum age is 28 years as on 30th June 2026. Age relaxations are provided for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), PwBD categories (up to 15 years depending on subcategory), and Government employees (up to 5 years for those with minimum 3 years continuous service).
Q4. What is the educational qualification required for CSIR NPL Technician Recruitment 2026?
Ans. Candidates must have SSC or 10th Standard with Science subjects (minimum 55% marks) plus one of the following: ITI certificate in the relevant trade, 2 years full-time apprentice training, or 3 years work experience in a Government/PSU organization in the same trade discipline.
Q5. How many vacancies are available in CSIR NPL Technician Recruitment 2026?
Ans. A total of 20 vacancies have been released: Electronics (10), Electrical (5), COPA (2), Multimedia (1), Digital Photographer (1), and Mechanic Motor Vehicle (1). Vacancies are distributed across General, OBC, SC/ST, EWS, and PwBD categories.
Q6. What is the salary for CSIR NPL Technician Recruitment 2026?
Ans. Selected candidates will be placed at Pay Level 2 with a basic salary of Rs. 19,900 per month and approximate total monthly emoluments of Rs. 44,428 (including HRA in Class X City), along with DA, TA, medical reimbursement, LTC, and pension coverage under the National Pension System.
Q7. What is the application fee, and how do I pay it?
Ans. The application fee is Rs. 500, payable via Demand Draft drawn on any nationalized bank, made out to “Director, National Physical Laboratory” at New Delhi. SC/ST, PwBD, Women, CSIR Employees, and Transgender candidates are exempted from the fee.
