NCPOR Antarctica Expedition Recruitment 2026 — 35 Posts

About This Job

NCPOR has released a notification for 35 contract positions for the 46th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (46 ISEA) covering the season 2026-2028. Candidates with ITI certification or Diploma in Engineering across various trades can attend the walk-in interview. The interviews will be held from 28 April to 01 May 2026 at the Ministry of Earth Sciences, New Delhi. Monthly salary is Rs. 60,909 for first-timers and Rs. 81,212 for returning members, plus a daily Antarctic allowance.

NCPOR Antarctica Expedition Recruitment 2026 - 35 Posts

National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, coordinates India's annual Antarctic Expeditions. For the 46th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (46 ISEA), NCPOR needs 35 trained personnel on contract basis across 15 different trades including mechanics, electricians, welders, nurses, radio operators, scientific assistants, and cooks. This is a unique opportunity to work at India's research stations in Antarctica — Bharati at Larsemann Hills and Maitri at Schirmacher Oasis. Both ex-servicemen and civilians can apply through walk-in interview.

Vacancy Breakdown by Trade

Here is the trade-wise breakdown of all 35 positions:

• Chef / Cook (CHF): 5 posts
• Vehicle Mechanic (VEM): 4 posts
• Vehicle Electrician (VEE): 3 posts
• Welder (WDR): 3 posts
• Carpenter (CPR): 3 posts
• Male Nurse (MAN): 3 posts
• Radio/Wireless Operator (ROP): 3 posts
• Crane Operator (CRO): 2 posts
• Scientific Assistant (SCA): 2 posts
• Inventory & Stores Assistant (ISA): 2 posts
• Generator Mechanic/Operator (GMO): 1 post
• Station Electrician (STE): 1 post
• Operator Excavating Machine (OEM): 1 post
• Boiler Operator & Mechanic/Plumber/Fitter (BPO): 1 post
• Voyage Support Assistant (VSA): 1 post

Who Can Apply?

For Trades (Vehicle Mechanic, Vehicle Electrician, Excavating Machine Operator, Station Electrician, Generator Mechanic, Welder, Boiler Operator/Plumber, Carpenter):

Ex-Servicemen / Ex-Paramilitary / Ex-Police:

• Trade work as per service records with minimum 4 years of experience in the relevant trade.

Civilians:

• Option A: ITI Certification (minimum one-year course) in the relevant trade with 4 years of relevant experience.
• Option B: Diploma in Engineering in the relevant field with 3 years of working experience.

For Crane Operator (CRO):

Ex-Servicemen: Minimum 5 years of experience in the relevant trade as per service records.

Civilians: Heavy motor vehicle licence with experience operating hydraulic cranes (preferably 20+ metric tons capacity) and minimum 5 years of experience.

For Voyage Support Assistant (VSA):

• Option A: ITI Certification in a relevant trade with 4 years of experience in any of the technical trades.
• Option B: Diploma in Engineering with 3 years of experience in any technical trade.

For Male Nurse (MAN):

• Option A: Diploma in General Nursing with 3 years of experience in the relevant field.
• Option B: B.Sc. Nursing (approved by Indian Nursing Council) with 2 years of experience.
• Preference given to candidates with Operation Theatre / ICU experience.

For Scientific Assistant (SCA):

• Option A: Diploma in Engineering (Instrumentation/Electronics/Electrical/Mechanical) with 3 years of experience handling scientific equipment or labs.
• Option B: Bachelor's degree in Physical Sciences or Instrumentation with 2 years of experience.
• Preference given to candidates with lab attendant or project/technical assistant experience.

For Radio/Wireless Operator (ROP):

Ex-Servicemen: Minimum 4 years of experience in radio communication (HF/VHF) devices.

Civilians:

• Option A: 12th Standard passed with General Operator Certificate (GOC) for GMDSS operation and 4 years of experience in radio communication.
• Option B: Diploma in Engineering (Electronics) with 3 years of experience in radio communication.
• Preference for candidates with Ham Radio License or Marine Radio Operator Permit with working knowledge of English.

For Inventory & Stores Assistant (ISA):

• Option A: 12th Standard passed with ITI in COPA (Computer Operator and Programming Assistant) or equivalent with 4 years of experience in inventory and stores management.
• Option B: Diploma in Computer Application or equivalent with 3 years of experience in inventory and stores.
• Working knowledge of English required. Preference for ERP software experience.

For Chef / Cook (CHF):

• Option A: Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology or Culinary Art with 3 years of experience.
• Option B: Degree in Hotel Management and Catering Technology or Culinary Art with 2 years of experience.
• Preference for candidates who can handle cooking for 80-100 persons daily and have experience in registered firms, airlines, hotels, or food chains.

Salary and Benefits

• First-time Antarctica contract: Rs. 60,909 per month (fixed) for the entire contract duration.
• Returning Antarctica contract: Rs. 81,212 per month (fixed) for those who have been to Antarctica before on NCPOR contract.
• Antarctic Allowance (Summer): Rs. 1,500 per day (1 December to 28/29 February).
• Antarctic Allowance (Winter): Rs. 2,000 per day (1 March to 30 November).
• Free boarding and lodging on board the ship and in Antarctica.
• Special polar clothing provided free of cost.
• Special Antarctic Preparatory Reimbursement: Rs. 40,000 (short term) or Rs. 60,000 (long term) on production of original vouchers.
• Group Personal Accident Insurance: Coverage up to Rs. 25 lakhs for the expedition period.

Selection Process

Selection will be done through Walk-in Interview:

1. Document Verification: Reporting and document verification from 09:00 to 11:00 hrs on the respective interview date.
2. Pre-Interview Written Test: May be conducted depending on the number of candidates. The interview may extend to the next day if needed.
3. Personal Interview: Shortlisting based on performance of screened-in candidates.
4. Medical Examination: At AIIMS New Delhi or Goa Medical College for shortlisted candidates.
5. Pre-Antarctic Snow Ice Acclimatisation Training: About 15 days at ITBP, Auli (near Joshimath, Garhwal, Himalayas).

How to Apply

1. Download the registration form AL-2010 from the NCPOR website at ncpor.res.in.
2. Fill the registration form completely.
3. Collect photocopies of all required documents (age proof, PAN card, Aadhaar card, marriage certificate if applicable, educational qualification certificates, experience certificates).
4. Carry the completed form along with document photocopies and originals to the interview venue.
5. Report at the reception counter, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Prithvi Bhawan, IMD Campus, Opp. India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110 003.
6. Report between 09:00 hrs to 11:00 hrs on your designated interview date.

Note: Candidates reporting after the designated day and time will not be considered. No TA/DA is payable for attending the interview (ex-servicemen get sleeper class return fare reimbursement).

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 20 February 2026
• Interview for Trades (Sr. 1-5): 28 April 2026
• Interview for Trades (Sr. 6-10): 29 April 2026
• Interview for Trades (Sr. 11-13): 30 April 2026
• Interview for Trades (Sr. 14-15): 01 May 2026
• Contract Start: November / December 2026
• Contract Duration: 6 months or 18 months

• Operate, maintain, and repair equipment and machinery assigned to your trade at the Antarctic research station
• Handle emergency repairs and ensure all systems remain operational in extreme polar conditions
• Follow safety protocols and expedition guidelines issued by the Expedition Leader
• Assist other team members with routine station duties and cross-trade tasks when needed
• Keep proper records of maintenance work, spare parts usage, and equipment condition reports
• Participate in pre-Antarctic training at ITBP Auli and medical examination at AIIMS/Goa Medical College
• Support cargo movement, inventory management, and supply chain operations at the station
• Work as a team member of the Indian Antarctic Expedition and carry out all duties assigned by the Expedition Leader