CSIR-NPL Technical Assistant Recruitment 2026

Only 5 days left to send your hard copy — CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in New Delhi is hiring 18 Technical Assistants across 6 engineering and science streams. If you have a Diploma or B.Sc. with some work experience, this is your chance to join India's top measurement science lab under CSIR with a starting take-home of about Rs. 72,240 per month.

Key Highlights

• Work at India's premier measurement science laboratory under CSIR, New Delhi
• 6 specialisations — Mechanical, Electronics, Civil, CS/IT, Physics, Chemistry
• Electronics/Electrical stream has the most seats (6 out of 18 posts)
• Online application already closed — hard copy must reach NPL by 09 March 2026
• Transferable to any CSIR lab or institute across India
• NOC needed if you are already working in a government department or PSU

Available Posts

Selection Process

You will first go through a Trade Test (practical/skill test) which is qualifying in nature — you just need to pass it. Then comes the main written exam (OMR or computer-based, 200 MCQs in 3 hours). Your final merit is based only on Paper-II and Paper-III scores, so focus your preparation there. Paper-I (Mental Ability) is also qualifying only.

Preparation Tips for CSIR-NPL Technical Assistant Exam

• Paper-I (Mental Ability, 50 questions) has no negative marking — attempt all questions to clear the qualifying cutoff
• Paper-II has General Awareness (25 Qs) and English (25 Qs) with 3 marks per question and -1 negative marking — skip if unsure
• Paper-III (your subject) carries 300 marks out of 450 total scoring marks — this paper decides your rank
• You get 90 seconds per question in Paper-III — practise Diploma or B.Sc. level problems in your subject
• Read current affairs from the last 6 months for the General Awareness section
• Take at least 5 mock tests to manage the 3-hour exam duration

Documents You'll Need

Key documents to keep ready:

• Diploma or B.Sc. mark sheets and certificates (with 60% proof)
• Experience certificate (post-qualification, relevant field)
• NOC from current employer (if working in government/CSIR/PSU)
• Category certificate in GoI format (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD, if applicable)
• Passport-size photo (max 50 KB) and scanned signature (max 50 KB)

See the complete document list in the section below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the salary of Technical Assistant in CSIR-NPL?

A. The pay is Level-06 in 7th CPC (Rs. 35,400 to Rs. 1,12,400 per month). With Delhi HRA and other allowances, you can expect around Rs. 72,240 per month at the start.

Q. What is the last date to apply for CSIR-NPL Technical Assistant 2026?

A. Online application closed on 27 February 2026. The hard copy of your application must reach CSIR-NPL by 09 March 2026 via Speed Post or Registered Post.

Q. Is there negative marking in CSIR-NPL Technical Assistant exam?

A. Yes, Paper-II and Paper-III have -1 mark for each wrong answer. Paper-I (Mental Ability) has no negative marking.

Q. What is the exam pattern for CSIR-NPL Technical Assistant 2026?

A. The exam has 3 papers in 3 hours — Paper-I (50 Qs, Mental Ability, qualifying), Paper-II (50 Qs, GK + English), and Paper-III (100 Qs, your subject). Total 200 questions for 550 marks.

• Assist scientists and researchers in conducting experiments and technical tasks
• Operate and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment in your specialisation area
• Record experimental data, prepare technical reports, and maintain lab records
• Follow safety protocols and standard operating procedures in the laboratory
• Support calibration, testing, and measurement activities at the national standards lab