CSIR-NPL Project Staff Recruitment 2026 — 57 Vacancies

CSIR-NPL is hiring 57 project staff in New Delhi for externally funded and time-bound research projects. If you have B.E./B.Tech, M.Sc, M.Tech, MCA, Ph.D or related science and engineering qualifications, you can attend the walk-in interview. Interviews will be held from 15 June to 19 June 2026, based on the post code. Salary ranges from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 42,000 per month plus HRA, depending on the post and NET/GATE/national exam status.

CSIR-National Physical Laboratory Project Staff Recruitment 2026 - 57 Posts

CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), New Delhi has released Advertisement No. Rectt./03/2026 for project-based positions under different sponsored research schemes. The notice covers Project Associate-I, Project Associate-II, Junior Research Fellow, Senior Research Fellow and Senior Project Associate posts across physics, chemistry, electronics, computer science, AI/ML, environmental science and related areas. No written exam is mentioned; candidates have to appear for walk-in interview with the filled application form and supporting documents.

The recruitment is useful for candidates who want hands-on research work in metrology, quantum standards, AI/ML, pollution control devices, smart meters, solar cells and advanced materials. These are not permanent posts; the engagement is purely temporary and contractual, linked to project funds and project tenure. CSIR-NPL also states that total engagement as project staff in CSIR labs cannot exceed 6 years.

Vacancy Breakdown

• Project Associate-I: 38 posts
• Project Associate-II: 16 posts
• Junior Research Fellow: 1 post
• Senior Research Fellow: 1 post
• Senior Project Associate: 1 post

Total: 57 posts across 46 post codes. A candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 post codes, and a separate application is needed for each post code.

Who Can Apply?

Project Associate-I

• Qualification: You need the qualification listed against the post code, such as B.E./B.Tech, M.Sc, MCA or equivalent in the relevant discipline.
• Common disciplines: Computer Science, IT, Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Biotechnology, Data Science and related subjects.
• NET/GATE benefit: Some Project Associate-I posts pay higher stipend to candidates with CSIR-UGC NET, GATE or national-level exam qualification.

Project Associate-II, SRF and Senior Project Associate

• Project Associate-II: You generally need the relevant M.Sc/B.E./B.Tech/MCA qualification plus 2 years of research and development experience, or the higher degree specified for that post.
• Senior Research Fellow: You need the relevant technical qualification plus 2 years of research experience and selection through NET/GATE or a national-level process.
• Senior Project Associate: You need M.Sc with 3 years R&D experience or a Ph.D in Physics for the listed post code.

General Conditions

• Citizenship: You must be an Indian citizen.
• Completed qualification: Your required result must already be declared. Final semester/result-awaited candidates are not accepted.
• Experience: Any required experience must be post-qualification experience.
• Current CSIR project staff: You need a No Objection Certificate from the current PI if you are already working as CSIR project staff.

Age Limit

• Junior Research Fellow: up to 28 years as on the relevant interview date.
• Senior Research Fellow: up to 32 years as on the relevant interview date.
• Project Associate-I / Project Associate-II: up to 35 years as on the relevant interview date.
• Senior Project Associate: up to 40 years as on the relevant interview date.
• Age relaxation: SC, ST, OBC, PwBD and women candidates get relaxation as per Government of India rules.

Salary

• Project Associate-I: Rs. 25,000 + HRA or Rs. 31,000 + HRA per month, depending on NET/GATE/national exam status and post code.
• Project Associate-II: Rs. 28,000 + HRA or Rs. 35,000 + HRA per month, depending on the post code and eligibility condition.
• Junior Research Fellow: Rs. 37,000 + HRA per month.
• Senior Research Fellow / Senior Project Associate: Rs. 42,000 + HRA per month.
• Allowances: HRA is payable as mentioned in the post-wise table.

Application Fee

• No application fee is mentioned in the CSIR-NPL advertisement.
• You should still carry all required documents because document checking happens at registration/interview.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

Selection for CSIR-NPL project staff is through walk-in interview and document checking. If many candidates report for a post, CSIR-NPL may use shortlisting based on academic qualification and experience before interview.

1. Registration and Document Check: Report between 09:00 AM and 10:00 AM with the filled application form, original certificates and self-attested copies.
2. Screening / Shortlisting: A screening committee may shortlist candidates when applications are high.
3. Walk-in Interview: Attend the interview for your post-code day. You may answer in Hindi during the interview.
4. Final Document Verification: Original educational, experience, NET/GATE and category certificates are checked before engagement.

How to Apply

1. Go to the CSIR-NPL recruitment page at nplindia.in.
2. Download the official advertisement and project staff application form.
3. Check your post code, qualification, age limit, stipend and interview date carefully.
4. Fill the application form and attach self-attested copies of certificates from secondary examination onwards.
5. Carry a latest passport-size colour photograph, original documents, experience proof and NET/GATE certificate if applicable.
6. Report to the Auditorium, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr. K.S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi - 110012 between 09:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
7. Attend the walk-in interview on the date fixed for your post code.

Important Dates

• Walk-in Interview for Post Codes 1.0 to 12.0: 15 June 2026
• Walk-in Interview for Post Codes 13.0 to 22.0: 16 June 2026
• Walk-in Interview for Post Codes 23.0 to 32.0: 17 June 2026
• Walk-in Interview for Post Codes 33.0 to 39.0: 18 June 2026
• Walk-in Interview for Post Codes 40.0 to 46.0: 19 June 2026
• Registration Time: 09:00 AM to 10:00 AM

• Work on assigned research tasks in metrology, materials, AI/ML, electronics, physics, chemistry or environmental projects
• Handle experiments, field testing, data collection and laboratory measurements as required by the project
• Develop software, algorithms, prototypes, calibration tools or analytical workflows for assigned technical work
• Prepare technical reports, research notes, presentations and project documentation
• Operate laboratory instruments, sensors, data systems and scientific equipment safely
• Assist scientists and principal investigators with project milestones and review work
• Maintain confidentiality of project data, records, reports and research outputs