Are you looking for a promising career opportunity in the government sector, specifically in scientific and technical research? The CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) has announced its recruitment drive for 2026, offering a total of 18 vacancies for the position of Technical Assistant across various engineering and science disciplines. This comprehensive job description provides detailed information about eligibility criteria, application procedures, examination patterns, selection process, and other essential details to help you prepare and apply confidently for this coveted government job.
CSIR-NPL Recruitment 2026: An Overview
The CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, based in New Delhi, is India’s leading institute under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, specializing in metrology and applied sciences. The recruitment for 2026 aims to fill 18 Technical Assistant positions with competitive salaries, benefits, and career growth prospects.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Name | Technical Assistant Recruitment 2026 |
| Organization | CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi |
| Advertisement Number | NPL/Rectt./05/2025 |
| Number of Vacancies | 18 Posts |
| Job Category | Technical (Science & Engineering Disciplines) |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Location | New Delhi |
| Salary | ₹72,240/- per month in Level-06 (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400) |
| Application Last Date | 27th February 2026 (up to 11:59 PM) |
| Hard Copy Submission Last Date | 9th March 2026 |
| Official Website | nplindia.in |
Vacancy Details and Post Code Wise Breakdown
The vacancies are divided based on disciplines and Post Codes as detailed below:
| Post Code | Discipline/Area | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| TA01 | Mechanical Engineering | 5 |
| TA02 | Electronics/Electrical & Electronics/Electronics & Communication/Instrumentation Engineering | 6 |
| TA03 | Civil Engineering | 2 |
| TA04 | Computer Science/Information Technology | 1 |
| TA05 | Physics/Applied Physics | 3 |
| TA06 | Chemistry | 1 |
| Total | 18 |
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
Before submitting your application, it is crucial to ensure that you meet the specified eligibility standards, including educational qualifications and age limits.
Educational Qualification Requirements
The qualifications vary based on the discipline and Post Code, with detailed criteria as follows:
For TA01 – Mechanical Engineering (5 Posts):
Qualification: Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (minimum 3 years full-time, or 2 years lateral admission)
Minimum Marks: 60%
Experience: 2 years in relevant area
For TA02 – Electronics/Electrical & Electronics/Electronics & Communication/Instrumentation Engineering (6 Posts):
Qualification: Diploma in relevant engineering disciplines (3 years full-time or 2 years lateral)
Minimum Marks: 60%
Experience: 2 years in relevant field
For TA03 – Civil Engineering (2 Posts):
Qualification: Diploma in Civil Engineering (3 years full-time or 2 years lateral)
Minimum Marks: 60%
Experience: 2 years in relevant area
For TA04 – Computer Science/Information Technology (1 Post):
- Diploma in Computer Science/IT (3 years full-time or 2 years lateral)
- OR B.Sc. in Computer Science/Information Technology (minimum 60%)
- Experience: 2 years (Diploma) or 1 year (B.Sc.)
For TA05 – Physics/Applied Physics (3 Posts):
Qualification: B.Sc. in Physics or Applied Physics
Minimum Marks: 60%
Experience: 1 year in relevant field
For TA06 – Chemistry (1 Post):
Qualification: B.Sc. in Chemistry
Minimum Marks: 60%
Experience: 1 year in relevant discipline
Additional Eligibility Notes
- All educational qualifications must be from recognized government universities/institutes.
- Final results must be declared before or on the last date of application submission.
- Experience gained on part-time/daily wages or as visiting/guest faculty will NOT be counted.
- Experience considered only after minimum educational qualification is obtained.
- The main/core subject in B.Sc. must match the discipline applied for.
Age Limit and Relaxations
Maximum age for all posts: 28 years as on 27th February 2026.
Age relaxation is available as per government norms:
- SC/ST: +5 years
- OBC(NCL): +3 years
- Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD): 10 years (General), 15 years (SC/ST), 13 years (OBC)
- Ex-Servicemen: +3 years after deduction of military service
- Government Employees: +5 years (regular with 3+ years service), up to 10 years for SC/ST; up to 8 years for OBC
Note: Age relaxations are only for reserved categories and candidates should provide relevant certificates.
Salary and Additional Benefits
Salary Structure
| Position | Pay Level | Pay Scale | Approximate Monthly Emoluments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Assistant | Level-06 | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 | ₹72,240 (including HRA and other allowances) |
Additional Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA), if accommodation is not provided
- Transport Allowance (TA)
- Medical expenses reimbursement for employee and family
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- House Building Advance
- National Pension System (NPS)
- Promotion schemes for career growth
- Children Education Allowance
- Probation period: 1 year (may be extended)
Application Process & Important Dates
The application process is entirely online. Candidates should follow the below steps to apply successfully:
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
- Visit the official recruitment portal: recruitment.nplindia.org or nplindia.in/recruitments
- Create a valid email ID and register; note down login credentials.
- Log in to the portal and fill in all required personal, educational, and experience details.
- Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, and qualification/certification documents.
- Pay application fee (if applicable) via SBI Collect portal: Fee Payment Link
- Review all entries and submit the application form.
- Print the submitted application form for future reference.
- Send the hard copy of the signed application along with all relevant documents before the deadline to:
CSIR-National Physical Laboratory,
Dr. K.S. Krishnan Marg,
New Delhi – 110012
Envelope: “APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF ____________”, Post Code ___, Advertisement No. NPL/Rectt./05/2025
Key Dates to Remember
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | January 2026 |
| Start of Online Application | 28th January 2026 (from 10:00 AM) |
| Application Last Date | 27th February 2026 (up to 11:59 PM) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 27th February 2026 |
| Hard Copy Submission Last Date | 9th March 2026 |
| Trade Test (May/June 2026) | |
| Written Exam (July/August 2026) | |
| Results (Tentatively September 2026) |
Selection Procedure
The recruitment process involves multiple stages designed to assess your skills, knowledge, and suitability for the position:
Stage 1: Screening
A Screening Committee will evaluate applications based on eligibility, experience, and educational qualifications. Shortlisted candidates will be called for the Trade Test.
Stage 2: Trade Test (Qualifying)
This discipline-specific test evaluates practical skills relevant to the post. The schedule will be in May/June 2026. Only those qualifying will proceed to the next stage.
Stage 3: Written Examination
The written test is conducted in either OMR or computer-based format. It comprises three papers:
- Paper-I: Mental Ability Test (Qualifying, 50 questions, 2 marks each, 1 hour)
- Paper-II: General Awareness and English Language (50 questions, 3 marks each, 30 minutes)
- Paper-III: Concerned Subject (100 questions, 3 marks each, 90 minutes)
| Marking Scheme | Details |
|---|---|
| Paper-I | Qualifying only |
| Paper-II & III | Evaluation for final merit |
| Negative Marking | Yes, 1 mark per wrong answer in Paper-II and III |
Final Merit List
Performance in Papers II and III will determine the final ranking. Cut-off marks will be notified before the examination. In case of tie, priority will be given based on:
- Higher marks in concerned subject
- Fewer negative marks
- Age (older candidates preferred)
- Alphabetical order
How to Prepare and Apply?
Ensure all eligibility criteria are met before applying. Keep scanned copies of necessary documents ready. Regularly check the official website for updates on admit cards, exam dates, and results.
Important Links
Disclaimer & Important Notices
Interested candidates are advised to regularly visit the official CSIR-NPL website for updates, corrigenda, and further instructions. Candidates must ensure authenticity of all documents submitted and avoid any malpractices. The CSIR-NPL authorities reserve the right to cancel or modify recruitment processes without prior notice. No correspondence regarding selection status will be entertained outside the official channels.
For further assistance or to clarify doubts related to the application process, contact the helpdesk via email: contact@npl.res.in.
Good luck with your application! CSIR-NPL encourages qualified women candidates and candidates from all eligible categories to apply, reflecting its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the scientific workforce.