NCPOR Inventory & Stores Assistant 2026 | Antarctica — Job Details

About the Organisation

The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, is India's premier R&D institution responsible for the country's research activities in the Polar and Southern Ocean realms. Established in 1998, NCPOR plays a pivotal role in planning, promoting, coordinating, and executing the entire gamut of polar and oceanographic research activities of the nation. Its mandate includes maintaining India's permanent research bases in Antarctica (Maitri and Bharati) and the Arctic (Himadri), conducting scientific expeditions, and managing the logistical support required for these challenging environments. Joining NCPOR means contributing to cutting-edge scientific exploration and national strategic interests in some of the world's most extreme and pristine regions.

Role & Responsibilities

The Inventory & Stores Assistant will be a crucial part of the support team for India's Antarctic expeditions. This contract-based role, typically for 6 to 18 months, involves working at Indian Research Bases in Antarctica. Key responsibilities include:

• Managing the inventory of various supplies, equipment, and consumables essential for the smooth functioning of the research base.
• Receiving, storing, issuing, and dispatching materials, ensuring accurate record-keeping and stock rotation.
• Assisting in the operation and maintenance of vehicles, including snowmobiles, PistenBullys, and other specialized Antarctic transport, under the guidance of senior personnel.
• Supporting the maintenance of life support systems, including power generation, water purification, and waste management systems, to ensure the safety and well-being of expedition members.
• Conducting regular stock audits and preparing inventory reports.
• Ensuring compliance with safety protocols and environmental regulations specific to the Antarctic Treaty System.
• Assisting with general logistics and operational tasks as required by the expedition leader.
• Maintaining a clean and organized store environment.

This role demands a high degree of responsibility, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in a remote and challenging environment.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates aspiring for the Inventory & Stores Assistant position at NCPOR for the Antarctic expeditions must meet specific eligibility requirements. While the detailed qualifications, age limit, and experience criteria are not explicitly provided in this preliminary notification, applicants are strongly advised to refer to the official advertisement released by NCPOR for precise details. Generally, such roles require:

• Educational Qualification: A minimum educational qualification, often a 10th pass, 12th pass, or a diploma in a relevant field (e.g., logistics, mechanical, electrical), may be preferred.
• Age Limit: Specific age limits will be mentioned in the official notification.
• Experience: Prior experience in inventory management, storekeeping, logistics, or vehicle maintenance, especially in challenging environments, would be highly advantageous.
• Physical & Medical Fitness: Given the extreme conditions in Antarctica, candidates must possess excellent physical and mental fitness, as certified by a comprehensive medical examination conducted by NCPOR-approved medical professionals. This is a mandatory requirement for all Antarctic expedition members.
• Nationality: Applicants must be Indian citizens.

Selection Process

The selection process for the Inventory & Stores Assistant position at NCPOR is rigorous, designed to identify individuals capable of performing effectively in the demanding Antarctic environment. The process typically involves:

• Application Scrutiny: Initial screening of applications based on submitted documents to ensure candidates meet basic eligibility criteria.
• Document Verification: Verification of original educational certificates, experience letters, and other relevant documents.
• Interview: Shortlisted candidates will undergo an interview to assess their technical knowledge, experience, problem-solving skills, and suitability for working in a remote, isolated environment.
• Medical Examination: A comprehensive medical and psychological examination is mandatory for all prospective Antarctic expedition members to ensure they are fit for the extreme polar conditions. This includes various tests and assessments.
• Training: Selected candidates may undergo specialized training related to Antarctic operations, safety protocols, and specific equipment handling before deployment.

Candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly for each stage of the selection process.

Salary & Benefits

The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research offers an attractive remuneration package for the Inventory & Stores Assistant position, commensurate with the responsibilities and the challenging nature of the Antarctic expedition. While specific salary figures are not detailed in this initial notification, the compensation will be as per NCPOR's established norms for contract-based manpower deployed for polar expeditions. In addition to the monthly emoluments, selected candidates will receive:

• Comprehensive medical coverage during the expedition.
• Accommodation and food at the research base in Antarctica.
• Special allowances for working in extreme conditions.
• Travel expenses to and from the deployment point.
• The invaluable experience of working in a unique scientific environment and contributing to national research efforts.

Details regarding the exact salary structure and benefits will be provided in the official recruitment notification.

Application process reference

Interested and eligible candidates for the Inventory & Stores Assistant position at NCPOR are required to apply through the offline mode. The application process typically involves:

• Obtaining Application Form: Candidates should download the prescribed application form from the official NCPOR website (once available) or obtain it as specified in the detailed advertisement.
• Filling the Form: Carefully fill out the application form with all required personal, educational, and experience details.
• Attaching Documents: Attach self-attested copies of all necessary documents, including educational certificates, experience certificates, age proof, caste certificate (if applicable), and any other relevant testimonials.
• Original Documents for Verification: As mentioned in the input, applicants are required to bring original documents for verification during the selection process. Ensure all originals are ready.
• Submission: The completed application form along with the required documents must be submitted as per the instructions in the official notification, which may involve sending it via post to a specific address or submitting it in person on a designated date.
• Stay Updated: Candidates are advised to regularly check the official NCPOR website and TrueJobs.in for updates regarding the application process, deadlines, and interview schedules.

Important Dates

The specific dates for the application submission, interview, and other stages of the recruitment process for the Inventory & Stores Assistant position at NCPOR are currently "To Be Announced" (TBA). Candidates are strongly encouraged to:

• Regularly visit the official website of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR).
• Keep an eye on TrueJobs.in for the latest updates and the release of the detailed official notification.
• Ensure they do not miss any deadlines once they are published.
• It is anticipated that the recruitment process will commence well in advance of the 2026 expedition season.