DRDO NPOL JRF 2026: ₹37,000 Stipend & Walk-In Details
DRDO's Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) in Kochi is hiring Junior Research Fellows (JRFs) with a stipend of Rs 37,000/month. Engineering and science graduates with valid GATE/NET scores can attend the walk-in interview on October 10, 2026.
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The Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) in Kochi, a unit of DRDO, is looking for Junior Research Fellows (JRFs). This is a great chance for engineering and science graduates to work on defense research projects. Selected candidates will get a monthly stipend of Rs 37,000 plus HRA.
NPOL is hiring for multiple disciplines including Computer Science, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Electronics, Opto Electronics, Physics, and Oceanography. If you meet the eligibility criteria and have a valid GATE/NET score, you can attend the walk-in interview.
DRDO NPOL JRF 2026: At a glance
AspectDetailOrganization | Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), DRDO
Position | Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
Stipend | Rs 37,000 per month + HRA
Duration | Initially 2 years (extendable as per rules)
Disciplines | Computer Science, Mechanical, Chemical, Opto Electronics, Electrical & Electronics, Electronics & Communication, Instrumentation, Physics, Oceanography, Ocean Technology, Meteorology, Rubber Technology, Polymer Technology, Nanotechnology, Materials Science
Age Limit | 28 years (relaxation for SC/ST/OBC as per Govt. norms)
Interview Date | October 10, 2026 (Saturday) at 09:30 AM
Location | Kochi, Kerala
DRDO NPOL JRF eligibility criteria
To apply for the Junior Research Fellow positions at NPOL, you need specific educational qualifications and a valid GATE/NET score. The age limit is 28 years as of the interview date, with relaxations for reserved categories.
Educational qualifications
- Computer Science & Engineering: B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science Engg in 1st Division with valid GATE, OR M.E./M.Tech in Computer Science Engg in 1st Division at both graduate and postgraduate levels.
- Mechanical Engineering: B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engg in 1st Division with valid GATE, OR M.E./M.Tech in Mechanical Engg in 1st Division at both graduate and postgraduate levels.
- Chemical Engineering/Rubber Technology/Polymer Technology/Nanotechnology/Materials Science: B.E./B.Tech in these fields in 1st Division with valid GATE, OR M.E./M.Tech in these fields in 1st Division at both graduate and postgraduate levels.
- Opto Electronics: B.E./B.Tech in Opto Electronics in 1st Division with valid GATE, OR M.E./M.Tech in Opto Electronics in 1st Division at both graduate and postgraduate levels. Alternatively, B.E./B.Tech in Electrical & Electronics Engg/Electronics & Communication Engg (with at least one paper on Fibre Optics/Optoelectronics/Laser Technologies) in 1st Division with valid GATE.
- Electrical & Electronics Engineering/Electronics & Communication Engineering/Instrumentation Engineering: B.E./B.Tech in these fields in 1st Division with valid GATE, OR M.E./M.Tech in these fields in 1st Division at both graduate and postgraduate levels.
- Physics: Post Graduate Degree in Physics in 1st Division with valid NET/GATE.
- Oceanography/Ocean Technology/Meteorology: Post Graduate Degree in these basic sciences in 1st Division with valid NET/GATE, OR M.E./M.Tech in Oceanography/Ocean Technology/Meteorology in 1st Division at both graduate and postgraduate levels.
Your NET/GATE qualification must be valid on the date of the walk-in interview. If you have a degree from a foreign university, you need an equivalence certificate from the Association of Indian Universities, Delhi.
Age limit
The upper age limit is 28 years as of the walk-in interview date (October 10, 2026). Age relaxation applies for SC, ST, and OBC candidates as per Government of India norms.
Stipend and fellowship details
Selected Junior Research Fellows will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 37,000. In addition to this, you will get House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per DRDO rules. The fellowship is initially for two years and can be extended based on performance and project requirements.
This is a solid stipend for a research fellowship, comparable to other DRDO opportunities and often higher than typical project assistant roles. For more such opportunities, you can browse all opportunities on Talentd.
How to apply for DRDO NPOL JRF 2026
The selection process for the DRDO NPOL JRF is through a walk-in interview. There is no online application form to fill beforehand, but sending your bio-data via email is recommended for administrative purposes.
- Prepare your documents: Gather all original certificates, testimonials, community certificate (if applicable), and your valid GATE/NET score card. Click here to download detailed advertisement.
- Make copies: Bring one set of self-attested photocopies of all your documents.
- Get ID and photo: Carry an original ID proof (Voter’s ID/Aadhaar card/PAN card/Driving License) and one recent color passport-size photograph.
- Email bio-data (optional but recommended): Send your one-page bio-data to hrd.npol@gov.in. This helps NPOL make arrangements for the interview.
- Attend walk-in interview: Report for the interview on October 10, 2026 (Saturday) at 09:30 AM at Bhavan’s Varuna Vidyalaya, located within the NAVAL PHYSICAL & OCEANOGRAPHIC LABORATORY campus, THRIKKAKARA P.O., KOCHI 682021.
Candidates working in government or public sector organizations should apply through the proper channel.
Important things to know
- Panel formation: NPOL will create a panel of selected candidates. This panel will be active for one year to fill current and future vacancies. Being empaneled does not guarantee an offer; it depends on actual vacancies.
- No absorption: The fellowship does not grant any right for permanent absorption into DRDO.
- Updates: Any additional information or amendments related to this selection will be posted only on the DRDO website (www.drdo.gov.in). Check the website regularly for updates.
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Radhika is a Technical Content Writer at Talentd, where she creates clear, practical, and research-driven content focused on jobs, internships, career guidance, and technology. She specializes in simplifying complex technical topics and turning them into easy-to-understand resources for students and fresh graduates. At Talentd, Radhika contributes to articles related to hiring updates, interview preparation, career roadmaps, and industry trends, helping thousands of learners stay informed and make better career decisions. Her work focuses on delivering accurate, actionable, and student-friendly content that supports the growing Talentd community.