NPOL DRDO Research Associate Recruitment 2025: Apply Offline for 01 RA Post by 19-12-2025 – ₹54,000 + HRA Kochi
Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi – one of India’s premier DRDO laboratories – has released NPOL DRDO Research Associate Recruitment 2025 notification for 01 Research Associate (RA) fellowship in Ocean Sciences / Ocean Technology. This prestigious central government recruitment 2025 offers ₹54,000 per month + HRA and is located at Thrikkakara, Kochi (Ernakulam district). Offline applications must reach by 19-12-2025 (within 30 days from 20-Nov-2025 Employment News advertisement).
A golden opportunity for PhD / M.Tech holders to work on cutting-edge naval projects under DRDO!
NPOL DRDO Research Associate Recruitment 2025 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), DRDO, Kochi |
| Post Name | Research Associate (RA) – Ocean Sciences / Ocean Technology |
| Total Posts | 01 |
| Fellowship/Stipend | ₹54,000 per month + HRA as per rules |
| Qualification | PhD in Ocean Science/allied OR M.Tech Ocean Tech + 3 yrs exp + 1 SCI paper |
| Age Limit | Maximum 35 years (relaxable SC/ST/OBC/PwD as per GoI rules) |
| Tenure | Maximum 2 years |
| Application Mode | Offline (by post/speed post only) |
| Last Date | 19-12-2025 (30 days from advt in Employment News) |
| Interview Location | NPOL Kochi |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria in Detail
Candidates must fulfill one of the following:
- PhD in Ocean Sciences / Oceanography / Marine Geology / Meteorology / Atmospheric Sciences or allied subjects OR
- M.Tech / ME in Ocean Technology / Ocean Engineering with
- Minimum 3 years post-M.Tech research/teaching/design experience
- At least one research paper in Science Citation Index (SCI) journal
Desirable: Experience in underwater acoustics, sonar systems, ocean data analysis, MATLAB/Python, field experiments.
Age Limit
- Upper age: 35 years (as on closing date)
- Relaxation:
- SC/ST: +5 years
- OBC (NCL): +3 years
- PwD: +10 years
Salary & Benefits
- Monthly Fellowship: ₹54,000
- HRA: As admissible (24% in Kochi = ~₹12,960)
- Gross Emoluments: ~₹67,000+ per month
- Contingency Grant: ₹20,000 per year
- Medical facilities through DRDO contributory scheme
- Canteen, Library, Guest House access
One of the highest paying fellowships in Kerala for researchers.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement in Employment News | 20-11-2025 |
| Last Date for Receipt of Application | 19-12-2025 |
| Interview (Tentative) | January 2026 |
Selection Process
- Screening by NPOL Committee
- Personal Interview at NPOL Kochi
- Document Verification
- Final Merit based on qualification, experience & interview performance
No written test – direct interview for shortlisted candidates.
How to Apply Offline – Step by Step
- Visit drdo.gov.in → Careers → RAC → Application Form
- Download RA Application Form (PDF)
- Fill neatly in own handwriting or type
- Attach self-attested copies of:
- PhD/M.Tech degree & marksheets
- SCI journal paper (first page + acceptance)
- Experience certificates
- Date of birth proof
- Caste/PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Superscribe envelope: “Application for Research Associate (RA) – Ocean Sciences”
- Send by Speed Post / Registered Post only to: The Director Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) Thrikkakara P.O., Kochi – 682021, Kerala
Why Join NPOL DRDO as Research Associate?
- Work on classified naval projects (Sonar, Underwater Weapons)
- State-of-the-art facilities: Anechoic Chamber, Acoustic Test Facility
- Collaboration with IITs, IISc, NIOT
- Publication in reputed journals
- Chance for JRF → SRF → RA → Scientist absorption
- Beautiful Kochi campus with sea view
Best post-PhD job in Kerala for ocean researchers.
Comparison with Other DRDO/Research Fellowships
| Feature | NPOL RA | JRF (DRDO) | GATE-qualified RA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stipend | ₹54,000 + HRA | ₹37,000 + HRA | ₹54,000 + HRA |
| Qualification | PhD or M.Tech+3yrs | M.Tech/PhD pursuing | M.Tech + GATE |
| Age Limit | 35 yrs | 28 yrs | 35 yrs |
| Tenure | 2 years | 2+1 years | 2 years |
| Location | Kochi | Anywhere | Lab-specific |
| Prestige | Very High | High | High |
Preparation Tips for Interview
- Thoroughly read your PhD/M.Tech thesis
- Be ready to explain SCI paper contribution
- Brush up:
- Underwater acoustics
- Ocean circulation models
- Signal processing
- MATLAB/Simulink
- Prepare 10-min presentation on past work
- Know NPOL projects: Varunastra, TAL, SMART torpedo
Upcoming DRDO/NPOL Jobs in Kerala 2025–26
- NPOL JRF (Physics/Electronics) – Jan 2026
- DRDO Scientist B (RAC) – Feb 2026
- NPOL Project Assistant – Dec 2025
Official Notification: Click Here
Interview Preparation:
Defence Research & Development Organization interview questions
Top DRDO Interview Tips & Common Technical Questions to Ace Your Interview
Research Associate Interview Questions and Answers
FAQs
Q1: Is PhD mandatory? A: No – M.Tech with 3 yrs exp + SCI paper also eligible.
Q2: Can final year PhD students apply? A: Yes – if thesis submitted & viva awaited.
Q3: TA/DA for interview? A: No TA/DA paid.
Q4: Contract or permanent? A: Fellowship (2 years), absorption possible later.
Q5: Women candidates encouraged? A: Yes – special relaxation.
