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 solid career track in scientific research infrastructure and national standards development. NPL’s reputation for precision, innovation, and employee development makes it an excellent employer for technically skilled candidates seeking government sector employment.
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.
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 accurately and post the application package, along with a recent photograph, self-attested document copies, and the Rs. 500 Demand Draft, directly to: Senior Controller of Administration, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr. K.S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi – 110012. Ensure your application is delivered 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. Q: What exactly is the CSIR NPL Technician Recruitment for 2026?
Ans. A: The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research’s National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) in New Delhi has announced 20 Technician vacancies. These permanent positions span six different trades, including Electronics, Electrical, and Motor Mechanic, offering placement at Pay Level 2.
Q2. Q: When is the final deadline to submit my application?
Ans. A: Your offline application package must reach the CSIR-NPL office by June 30, 2026. Keep in mind that they strictly reject any applications that arrive after this date, regardless of postal delays.
Q3. Q: What are the age requirements for these Technician roles?
Ans. A: As of June 30, 2026, applicants need to be between 18 and 28 years old. The organization also provides standard age relaxations, such as 5 years for SC/ST candidates, 3 years for OBC, and additional extensions for PwBD and eligible government employees.
Q4. Q: What kind of educational background do I need to apply?
Ans. A: You must have passed your 10th standard (SSC) with Science subjects, scoring at least 55%. Additionally, you need an ITI certificate in your specific trade, two years of full-time apprenticeship training, or three years of relevant government/PSU work experience.
Q5. Q: How are the 20 vacancies divided among the trades?
Ans. A: The openings include 10 spots for Electronics, 5 for Electrical, 2 for COPA, and 1 each for Multimedia, Digital Photographer, and Mechanic Motor Vehicle. These are further categorized across General, OBC, SC/ST, EWS, and PwBD reservations.
Q6. Q: What salary can selected candidates expect?
Ans. A: Recruits are placed at Pay Level 2. The basic pay is Rs. 19,900, which brings the estimated total monthly earnings to around Rs. 44,428. This total includes the House Rent Allowance (HRA) for a Class X city, along with other standard government benefits like DA, TA, and National Pension System coverage.
Q7. Q: How much is the application fee and what is the payment method?
Ans. A: General, OBC, and EWS candidates need to pay Rs. 500 using a Demand Draft made payable to the “Director, National Physical Laboratory” in New Delhi. If you belong to the SC/ST, PwBD, or Transgender categories, or if you are a female applicant or existing CSIR employee, you are completely exempt from this fee.
