Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), a premier laboratory of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, has invited eligible candidates for a walk-in interview for the position of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) under Advertisement No. NPOL/JRF/01/2026. The walk-in interview will be held on 10 October 2026 at 09:30 hrs at Bhavan’s Varuna Vidyalaya, NPOL Campus, Thrikkakara, Kochi, Kerala, for vacancies across seven disciplines including Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Electronics and Physics.
Important – Read Before You Attend: Three things to check before the walk-in date. First, only four vacancies in Mechanical Engineering are confirmed – the remaining six disciplines carry anticipated vacancies that depend on actual requirement, so a discipline being listed does not guarantee an opening. Second, this is a walk-in interview, not an online application – candidates must appear in person with original documents on the scheduled date; there is no separate registration portal. Third, selection also creates an empanelment valid for one year, meaning candidates may be offered a position later even if not selected on the interview day itself.
Overview
| Particular | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), DRDO, Ministry of Defence |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Advertisement Number | NPOL/JRF/01/2026 |
| Confirmed Vacancies | 4 (Mechanical Engineering) + anticipated vacancies in 6 other disciplines |
| Mode of Selection | Walk-in Interview |
| Interview Date | 10 October 2026 (Saturday), 09:30 hrs |
| Venue | Bhavan’s Varuna Vidyalaya, NPOL Campus, Thrikkakara P.O., Kochi, Kerala – 682021 |
| Fellowship Duration | 2 years, extendable |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Walk-in Interview | 10 October 2026 (Saturday) |
| Reporting Time | 09:30 hrs |
Vacancy Details
| Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 4 (confirmed) |
| Computer Science & Engineering | Anticipated |
| Chemical Engineering / Polymer Technology / Materials Science | Anticipated |
| Opto Electronics | Anticipated |
| Electrical & Electronics / Instrumentation Engineering | Anticipated |
| Physics | Anticipated |
| Oceanography / Ocean Technology / Meteorology | Anticipated |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Engineering disciplines: BE/B.Tech (First Division) with a valid GATE score, OR ME/M.Tech (First Division)
- Science disciplines: Postgraduate degree in the relevant Basic Science with a valid NET or GATE score
Age Limit
Maximum 28 years as on the date of interview (10 October 2026), with relaxation for SC/ST/OBC candidates as per government norms.
Fellowship and Tenure
| Particular | Detail |
|---|---|
| Stipend | Rs. 37,000 per month plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as admissible |
| Initial Tenure | 2 years |
| Extension | Extendable based on performance and requirement |
| Empanelment Validity | 1 year, for current and future vacancies |
Selection Process
Selection is through a walk-in interview followed by document verification. Candidates found suitable will be empanelled, and the empanelment list remains valid for one year for both current and future vacancies at NPOL.
Documents Required at Walk-in
- Original educational certificates from graduation onwards, with one set of self-attested photocopies
- Valid GATE or NET scorecard, as applicable
- Valid photo ID proof
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC), where applicable
- Recent passport-size photographs
- A one-page bio-data (recommended to be emailed in advance to the recruitment contact, where specified in the notification)
How to Attend the NPOL Walk-in Interview
- Check the discipline-wise eligibility and confirm you meet the qualification and age criteria as on 10 October 2026.
- Prepare original certificates along with one self-attested photocopy set of each document.
- Reach Bhavan’s Varuna Vidyalaya, NPOL Campus, Thrikkakara P.O., Kochi, Kerala – 682021 by 09:30 hrs on 10 October 2026.
- Complete on-the-spot registration and document verification.
- Appear for the interview as per the schedule announced on the spot.
Important Instructions
- This is a walk-in selection – there is no online application process for this recruitment.
- Candidates should reach the venue well before the reporting time to complete verification formalities.
- Only candidates meeting the discipline-specific qualification and valid NET/GATE requirement will be considered.
- Anticipated vacancies are subject to actual availability at the time of selection.
- Carrying incomplete documentation may lead to non-consideration at the venue itself.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification / Walk-in Details | Click Here |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
DRDO NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026 – FAQs
Q1. What is the mode of selection for DRDO NPOL JRF Recruitment 2026?
✅ Selection is through a walk-in interview on 10 October 2026 – there is no online application.
Q2. Where will the walk-in interview be held?
✅ At Bhavan’s Varuna Vidyalaya, NPOL Campus, Thrikkakara P.O., Kochi, Kerala – 682021, starting 09:30 hrs.
Q3. How many confirmed vacancies are there in this recruitment?
✅ 4 confirmed vacancies in Mechanical Engineering, with anticipated vacancies in six other disciplines.
Q4. What is the stipend for the JRF position?
✅ Rs. 37,000 per month plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as admissible.
Q5. What is the age limit to apply for this JRF post?
✅ Maximum 28 years as on the interview date, with relaxation for SC/ST/OBC candidates.
Q6. What qualification is required for engineering disciplines?
✅ BE/B.Tech (First Division) with a valid GATE score, or ME/M.Tech (First Division).
Q7. What qualification is required for science disciplines?
✅ A postgraduate degree in the relevant Basic Science with a valid NET or GATE score.
Q8. What is the initial duration of the fellowship?
✅ 2 years, extendable based on performance and requirement.
Q9. What does empanelment mean in this recruitment?
✅ Selected candidates are empanelled for 1 year, and may be offered a position for current or future vacancies during that period.
Q10. Which organisation is conducting this recruitment?
✅ Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), DRDO, under the Ministry of Defence.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes based on publicly available notices. Candidates are advised to cross-check every detail, including the walk-in date, venue and eligibility, on the official DRDO website before attending. JobShouter.com is not associated with DRDO or NPOL in any manner.
