Job Notification Summary & Quick Facts

CSIR - National Physical Laboratory (NPL), India's premier statutory National Metrology Institute established by an act of Parliament, is recruiting 20 Technician (1) positions across six specialized technical trades. This recruitment offers young Indian citizens with ITI qualifications or relevant technical experience an opportunity to work in cutting-edge scientific domains including quantum metrology, nanotechnology, precision measurement, and biomedical instrumentation at one of India's scientific research institutions.

OrganizationCSIR - National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi
Post NameTechnician (1)
 Advertisement Advertisement No. Rectt./02/2026
Total Vacancies20 Posts
Category of JobCentral Government Scientific Institution
Application ModeOffline (By Post Only)
Official Websitewww.nplindia.in
Last Date for Receipt30.06.2026

Total Vacancies Breakdown & Responsibility Structure

The recruitment comprises 20 technical positions distributed across six specialized trades, all falling under Pay Level 02 (Rs.19,900-63,200) with basic pay of Rs.19,900/- and approximate total emoluments of Rs.44,428/- per month including HRA for Class X cities.

Post CodeTechnical TradeUREWSOBC (NCL)STTotalPwBD Reservation
T2-01Electronics Mechanic/Electronics Trade020205011001 (Category b)
T2-02Electrician Trade010103-0501 (Category b)
T2-03Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA)01-01-02-
T2-04Multimedia, Animation & Special Effects01---01-
T2-05Digital Photographer/Photographer01---01-
T2-06Mechanic Motor Vehicle01---01-
GRAND TOTAL-070309012002

Job Responsibilities: Selected candidates will provide technical assistance to Scientific & Technical Staff across CSIR-NPL's six scientific divisions: Physico-Mechanical Metrology, Electrical & Electronics Metrology, Environment Sciences & Biomedical Metrology, Advanced Materials & Devices and Metrology, Bhartiya Nirdeshak Dravya (BND), and Indian Standard Time Division. The work involves supporting precision measurement activities, calibration protocols, equipment maintenance, research instrumentation, and technical documentation in advanced scientific laboratories.


Eligibility Criteria & Essential Experience Requirements

Trade-Specific Qualification Pathways

Candidates must satisfy any ONE of the following three alternative routes for their chosen trade:

Route A: ITI Certificate Route

ITI certificate or national/state trade certificate in the specific trade (Electronics Mechanic, Electrician, COPA, Multimedia Animation, Digital Photography, or Motor Vehicle Mechanic as applicable)

Route B: Apprenticeship Route

2 years full-time experience as an apprentice trainee from a recognized institution in the relevant trade

Route C: Government Work Experience Route

3 years of work experience in the relevant trade in a Ministry/Department/Organisation/Public Sector Undertaking/Autonomous Body under Government of India/State/UT

Post-Wise Detailed Eligibility

T2-01: Electronics Mechanic/Electronics Trade (10 Posts)

  • Essential: SSC with 55% marks + Science subjects
  • Plus ONE of: ITI in Electronics Mechanic/Electronics Trade OR 2-year apprenticeship in Electronics trade OR 3-year government work experience in Electronics trade

T2-02: Electrician Trade (05 Posts)

  • Essential: SSC with 55% marks + Science subjects
  • Plus ONE of: ITI in Electrician Trade OR 2-year apprenticeship in Electrician trade OR 3-year government work experience in Electrician trade

T2-03: Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (02 Posts)

  • Essential: SSC with 55% marks + Science subjects
  • Plus ONE of: ITI in COPA Trade OR 2-year apprenticeship in COPA trade OR 3-year government work experience in COPA trade

T2-04: Multimedia, Animation and Special Effects (01 Post)

  • Essential: SSC with 55% marks + Science subjects
  • Plus ONE of: ITI in Multimedia, Animation and Special Effects Trade OR 2-year apprenticeship in this trade OR 3-year government work experience in this trade

T2-05: Digital Photographer/Photographer (01 Post)

  • Essential: SSC with 55% marks + Science subjects
  • Plus ONE of: ITI in Digital Photographer/Photographer Trade OR 2-year apprenticeship in Photography trade OR 3-year government work experience in Photography trade

T2-06: Mechanic Motor Vehicle (01 Post)

  • Essential: SSC with 55% marks + Science subjects
  • Plus ONE of: ITI in Mechanic Motor Vehicle Trade OR 2-year apprenticeship in Motor Vehicle trade OR 3-year government work experience in Motor Vehicle trade

Important Experience Validation Rules

What Experience DOES NOT Count: The notification explicitly excludes the following from valid experience calculation:

  • Part-time basis work
  • Daily wage employment
  • Visiting or guest faculty positions
  • Contractual/project-based appointments
  • Temporary assignments without regular status

When Experience Starts Counting: Experience period shall be counted only after the date of acquiring the minimum essential educational qualification (i.e., after completing SSC with 55% marks). Any experience before completing your SSC will not be considered.


Training Period & Bond Agreements

Probation Period: 02 (Two) years from the date of taking over charge

Service Restrictions During Probation:

  • Selected candidates will NOT be permitted to apply for appointment elsewhere during the probationary period

Age Criteria & Upper Age Relaxations

Age Limits is calculated as on 30.06.2026

Minimum Age: Not less than 18 years Maximum Age: Not exceeding 28 years


Age Relaxation Matrix

CategoryRelaxationMaximum Age After RelaxationApplicability Conditions
General/EWS/URNone28 yearsStandard upper limit
SC/ST+05 years33 yearsOnly for posts reserved for SC/ST
OBC (NCL)+03 years31 yearsOnly for posts reserved for OBC
PwBD (Unreserved)+10 years38 yearsIrrespective of post reservation
PwBD (SC/ST)+15 years43 yearsCumulative (10+5) for reserved posts
PwBD (OBC-NCL)+13 years41 yearsCumulative (10+3) for reserved posts
Ex-Servicemen+03 years31 yearsAfter deducting military service from actual age
Central Govt/CSIR Employees+05 years33 yearsWith 3 years continuous regular service
Govt Employees (SC/ST)+10 years38 yearsCumulative (5+5) for reserved posts
Govt Employees (OBC-NCL)+08 years36 yearsCumulative (5+3) for reserved posts

Category-Wise Application Fees & Payment Info

CategoryApplication Fee
General (UR)/EWS/OBC (NCL)Rs. 500/-
SC/ST/PwBD (All Categories)/Female Candidates (All Categories)/CSIR Employees/Transgender CandidatesNIL

Payment Mode & Specifications

Accepted Payment Mode: Crossed Demand Draft (DD) or Pay Order ONLY

DD/Pay Order Specifications:

  • In favour of: "Director, National Physical Laboratory"
  • Payable at: New Delhi
  • Validity: Must be valid for at least 3 months from date of issue
  • Mandatory Endorsement: Write your full name and post code applied for on the back side of the DD/Pay Order

Important Financial Terms:

  • Application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances

Recruitment Scheme & Comprehensive Test Syllabus

Selection Process Architecture

The selection follows a multi-stage screening and assessment framework:

Stage 1: Application Screening

Stage 2: Trade Test (Qualifying Nature) 

Stage 3: Competitive Written Examination (Decisive) 

Stage 4: Document Verification & Medical Examination 

Comprehensive Written Examination Pattern

Examination Mode: OMR-Based or Computer-Based Objective Type Multiple Choice Questions  

Language Medium: Questions will be set in both English and Hindi (except English Language section)

Examination Standard: SSC + ITI / XII Standard

Total Questions: 150

Total Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Paper-I: Mental Ability Test (Qualifying Paper)

Duration: 1 hour

SubjectQuestionsMarks per QuestionTotal MarksNegative Marking
Mental Ability Test502100No Negative Marking

Coverage: General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, Problem Solving, Situational Judgement, Logical Deduction Critical Note: Paper-I is qualifying in nature. Only candidates securing minimum threshold marks (to be determined by Selection Committee and notified before the exam) will have their Paper-II and Paper-III evaluated. Marks obtained in Paper-I will NOT be counted for final merit preparation.

Paper-II: General Awareness & English Language

Duration: 30 minutes

SubjectQuestionsMarks per QuestionTotal MarksNegative Marking
General Awareness25375-1 mark per wrong answer
English Language25375-1 mark per wrong answer
Total50-150-

Paper-III: Concerned Subject/Trade (Technical Paper)

Duration: 1 hour

SubjectQuestionsMarks per QuestionTotal MarksNegative Marking
Concerned Subject/Trade503150-1 mark per wrong answer

Concerned Subject/Trade refers to the specific technical domain for which you have applied:

  • Electronics Mechanic/Electronics Trade (for T2-01)
  • Electrician Trade (for T2-02)
  • Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (for T2-03)
  • Multimedia, Animation and Special Effects (for T2-04)
  • Digital Photographer/Photographer (for T2-05)
  • Mechanic Motor Vehicle (for T2-06)

Final Merit Ranking: Based on combined marks obtained in Paper-II + Paper-III only Maximum Possible Score for Merit: 300 marks (150 from Paper-II + 150 from Paper-III)


How to Apply

Unlike most modern recruitments, CSIR-NPL Technician (1) recruitment uses traditional postal application submission. There is NO online portal, NO online registration, NO online form filling.

Step-by-Step Application Procedure

Step 1: Download Application Form

  • Visit official website: www.nplindia.in
  • Navigate to Recruitment section
  • Download the prescribed application form for Advertisement No. Rectt./02/2026
  • Download all certificate formats (Proformas I to VIII) from the website

Step 2: Fill Application Form Manually

  • Print the downloaded application form
  • Fill all sections neatly in BLOCK LETTERS using black/blue pen
  • Part I of Application: Paste recent passport-size color photograph and sign across it
  • Part II of Application: Paste another recent passport-size color photograph but do NOT sign across this one
  • Ensure your name, date of birth, and father's/mother's name exactly match your SSC/10th certificate

Step 3: Arrange Application Fee (if applicable)

  • Visit any nationalized bank
  • Obtain a Crossed Demand Draft of Rs.500/- (if you are not in exempted category)

Step 4: Assemble Application Packet Arrange documents in this order:

  1. Completed application form (Parts I and II)
  2. Demand Draft (if applicable)
  3. Self-attested photocopy of SSC certificate
  4. Self-attested photocopy of SSC mark sheet
  5. Self-attested photocopy of ITI certificate or experience certificates
  6. Self-attested photocopy of caste certificate (if applicable)
  7. Self-attested photocopy of PwBD certificate (if applicable)
  8. Self-attested photocopy of NOC from employer (if applicable)
  9. Any other relevant certificates

Step 5: Prepare Mailing Envelope

  • Use a sturdy A4-size envelope
  • Superscribe clearly on the envelope: "APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF TECHNICIAN(1) - (Post Code No._____)"
  • Write the post code number clearly (T2-01 or T2-02 or T2-03, etc.)

Step 6: Dispatch by Post

Send by ordinary post or speed post to: Senior Controller of Administration CSIR - National Physical Laboratory Dr. K.S. Krishnan Marg New Delhi - 110012

Deadline: Application must reach on or before 30.06.2026

Special Instructions for Government/CSIR/PSU Employees

If you are a regular permanent employee of CSIR/Government Department/Autonomous Body/PSU:

  • You MUST apply through proper channel
  • First send an advance copy of your application before the deadline
  • Your employer must forward your application with:

No Objection Certificate (NOC) in Proforma VII format

Vigilance clearance certificate

Certificate that you will be relieved within one month if selected

  • The application must reach CSIR-NPL on or before 30.06.2026
  • If the forwarded application does not reach by deadline, your candidature will NOT be considered
  • Note: Temporary/contractual/project staff of CSIR/Government organizations should indicate "NO" in Government Employee Status and need not apply through proper channel.


    Candidate Decision Corner: Career Analysis

    Work Culture, Salary Structure, and Career Path

    Institutional Prestige & Work Environment: CSIR-NPL is India's statutory National Metrology Institute created by an act of Parliament. Working here places you at the apex of India's scientific calibration and measurement standards ecosystem. The laboratory maintains India's primary standards for physical quantities and provides traceability to international SI units. The work environment is research-intensive, academically rigorous, and exposes technical staff to state-of-the-art instrumentation across quantum metrology, cryogenics, nanotechnology, biomedical metrology, and precision engineering domains.

    Salary Structure Breakdown:

    ComponentAmount/Details
    Basic PayRs. 19,900/- (Pay Level 02)
    HRAAs per Class X/Y/Z city classification (approx. 24%/16%/8% of Basic)
    Transport AllowanceAs per 7th CPC rates for Central Govt employees
    Dearness Allowance (DA)Revised twice yearly as per GoI orders (currently ~50% approx)
    Approximate Total EmolumentsRs. 44,428/- per month in Class X cities

    Career Progression Path: One of the aspects of CSIR technical staff positions is the Assessment Promotion Scheme. This allows technical staff to advance to higher pay levels and designations based on:

    • Performance assessment by superiors
    • Completion of minimum service period in current grade
    • Fulfillment of eligibility criteria

    Promotions under this scheme do NOT require appearing for competitive examinations, making career growth smoother and more predictable compared to many other technical roles. Typical career progression for Technician (1): Technician (1) [Level 02] → Technician (2) [Level 03] → Technician (3) [Level 04] → Senior Technician (1) [Level 05] → Senior Technician (2) [Level 06] → Senior Technician (3) [Level 07]

    Location Considerations: All posts are based at CSIR-NPL, Dr. K.S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi. While New Delhi offers excellent connectivity, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and cultural exposure, the cost of living is significantly higher than tier-2/3 cities. Accommodation in Delhi NCR can consume a substantial portion of salary, especially for those not allotted government accommodation.

    Transfer Liability: Selected candidates can be transferred to any of the 37 CSIR laboratories/institutes spread across India. While this offers exposure to different scientific domains and locations, it may be challenging for candidates with family roots or property in specific regions.


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    Real Candidate FAQs

    Q1. What is the minimum educational qualification required?

    Answer: Candidates must have passed 10th/SSC with Science subjects securing minimum 55% marks. Additionally, ITI certificate in relevant trade OR 2 years apprenticeship OR 3 years government work experience is required.


    Q2. What is the age limit for this recruitment?

    Answer: Minimum age is 18 years and maximum is 28 years as on 30.06.2026. Age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC candidates is available for reserved category posts only.


    Q3. How many vacancies are available?

    Answer: Total 20 posts are available across 6 different trades including Electronics (10), Electrical (5), COPA (2), Multimedia (1), Photographer (1), and Mechanic Motor Vehicle (1). Out of 20 posts, 2 are reserved for PwBD candidates.


    Q4. What is the application fee?

    Answer: General, OBC, and EWS candidates must pay Rs. 500/- through Demand Draft. SC, ST, PwBD, and Women candidates are completely exempted from paying any application fee.


    Q5. What is the selection process?

    Answer: Selection involves three stages: Trade Test (qualifying nature), followed by Written Examination with 3 papers. Final merit will be based on performance in Paper-II (General Awareness + English) and Paper-III (Concerned Subject).


    Q6. What is the last date to apply?

    Answer: The last date for receipt of application form at CSIR-NPL is 30.06.2026. Applications must be sent by post to Senior Controller of Administration, CSIR-NPL, New Delhi-110012.



    This article has been prepared by analyzing the official recruitment notification (Advertisement No. Rectt./02/2026) issued by CSIR - National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi. While comprehensive effort has been invested to decode, explain, and present the information accurately in candidate-friendly language, this article is intended for informational and guidance purposes only.
    Candidates are mandatorily required to:
    • Download and read the complete official notification PDF from www.nplindia.in
    • Verify all details including eligibility criteria, educational qualifications, experience requirements, age limits, application fees, important dates, and application procedure from the official notification
    • Download all prescribed certificate formats (Proformas I to VIII) from the official website
    • Cross-check all information before filling and submitting the application form
    • Rely on the official notification as the final and binding document for all purposes

    Last Updated Based On: Advertisement No. Rectt./02/2026 with last date of receipt of applications as 30.06.2026.