National Physical Laboratory India

India's Premier Measurement Science Laboratory. Established in 1947, we provide the nation's primary measurement standards, ensuring accuracy, traceability, and reliability across scientific and industrial domains.

Our Services Calibration

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75+

Years of Excellence

500+

Scientists & Engineers

1200+

Active Standards

15K+

Annual Calibrations

About NPL India

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the national measurement standards laboratory of India. It is one of the oldest and largest laboratories under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).

Established in 1947, NPL maintains standards of measurement, provides calibration services, and conducts research in measurement science. Our work ensures uniformity and accuracy of measurements across the country, which is fundamental for trade, industry, science, and technology.

NPL's primary objectives include realizing, establishing, maintaining, and upgrading national standards of measurement; providing calibration and testing facilities; and research and development in frontier areas of measurement science.

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NPL Laboratory Interior with Scientific Equipment

Our Divisions

Dimensional Metrology
Thermal Metrology
Electrical Metrology
Pressure & Vacuum

Our Services

NPL provides comprehensive measurement solutions and calibration services traceable to International System of Units (SI).

Mass & Force Calibration

Calibration of weights, balances, force gauges, and testing machines with traceability to national standards. Uncertainty as low as 0.001 mg for precision masses.

  • Dead weight testers
  • Torque wrenches
  • Universal testing machines

Temperature & Humidity

Calibration of thermometers, RTDs, thermocouples, humidity sensors, and environmental chambers from cryogenic to high temperatures up to 3000°C.

  • Blackbody sources
  • Thermal imaging cameras
  • Climate chambers

Pressure & Vacuum

Calibration of pressure gauges, transmitters, vacuum gauges, and barometers across range from ultra-high vacuum to 1000 MPa hydraulic pressure.

  • Dead weight pressure testers
  • Digital manometers
  • Leak detectors

Research & Development

NPL conducts pioneering research in measurement science, developing new measurement techniques and standards for emerging technologies.

Quantum Metrology

Developing quantum standards for electrical units based on Josephson and quantum Hall effects. This research aims to redefine the kilogram, ampere, kelvin, and mole in terms of fundamental constants.

CSIR Excellence Award 2023

Nanometrology

Developing measurement techniques for nanomaterials and nanostructures. This includes atomic force microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, and development of nanoscale standards for industry.

Patent Granted

Advanced Materials Characterization

Comprehensive characterization of advanced materials including composites, ceramics, and smart materials using state-of-the-art techniques like XRD, SEM, TEM, and thermal analysis.

Research Facilities

  • Clean Room (Class 100)
  • Low Vibration Laboratory
  • EMI Shielded Room
  • Constant Temperature Hall
  • High Voltage Laboratory
  • Optical Metrology Lab
View All Facilities

Calibration Services

NPL provides accredited calibration services with ISO/IEC 17025 compliance. Our calibration certificates are internationally recognized.

Dimensional Metrology Calibration

Calibration of length and dimensional measuring instruments with traceability to the international definition of the meter through iodine-stabilized helium-neon laser.

Instruments Calibrated:
  • Gauge blocks (Grade 0, 1, 2)
  • Vernier calipers and micrometers
  • Height gauges and depth micrometers
  • Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM)
  • Surface plates and straight edges
Capabilities:
  • Measurement up to 3 meters with laser interferometer
  • Uncertainty: 0.1 µm + 0.1 L (for gauge blocks)
  • Roundness measurement with Talyrond
  • Surface roughness calibration

Thermal Metrology Calibration

Calibration of temperature measuring devices from cryogenic to high temperature ranges with traceability to International Temperature Scale (ITS-90).

Instruments Calibrated:
  • Platinum resistance thermometers (SPRT, PRT)
  • Thermocouples (Types K, J, T, E, R, S, B)
  • Liquid-in-glass thermometers
  • Infrared thermometers and thermal imagers
  • Temperature controllers and indicators
Capabilities:
  • Range: -196°C to 3000°C
  • Uncertainty: 0.001°C at triple point of water
  • Fixed points: Gallium, Indium, Tin, Zinc, Aluminum
  • Blackbody sources up to 3000°C

Electrical Metrology Calibration

Calibration of electrical instruments with traceability to quantum Hall effect and Josephson effect standards.

Instruments Calibrated:
  • Multimeters (DCV, ACV, DCI, ACI, Resistance)
  • Clamp meters and current shunts
  • Power meters and energy meters
  • Oscilloscopes and function generators
  • Insulation testers and megohmmeters
Capabilities:
  • DC Voltage: 1 nV to 1000 V
  • AC Voltage: 10 µV to 1000 V (10 Hz to 1 MHz)
  • Resistance: 1 µΩ to 10 TΩ
  • Capacitance: 1 pF to 100 mF

Optical Metrology Calibration

Calibration of optical and photometric instruments with traceability to national standards.

Instruments Calibrated:
  • Spectrophotometers and colorimeters
  • Luminance and illuminance meters
  • Optical power meters and laser power meters
  • Fiber optic test equipment
  • Laser wavelength meters
Capabilities:
  • Wavelength: 200 nm to 20 µm
  • Optical power: 1 nW to 10 W
  • Luminous intensity: 1 cd to 10,000 cd
  • Color temperature: 2000 K to 10000 K
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Latest News & Events

NPL scientists working in laboratory
Research
NPL Develops Quantum Standard for Electrical Units

March 15, 2024

NPL India has successfully developed a quantum standard for electrical units based on the Josephson effect, achieving uncertainty levels comparable to international standards.

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Industry meeting at NPL
Collaboration
NPL Partners with Automotive Industry for EV Standards

February 28, 2024

National Physical Laboratory has signed an MoU with leading automotive manufacturers to develop measurement standards for electric vehicle components and charging infrastructure.

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Training workshop at NPL
Training
Advanced Metrology Training Program Announced

February 10, 2024

NPL announces a comprehensive training program on advanced metrology techniques for industry professionals. Registration opens March 1, 2024 for the June session.

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Contact Us

Get in Touch

  • Address:
    National Physical Laboratory
    Dr. K.S. Krishnan Road
    New Delhi 110012, India
  • Phone:
    +91-11-25742000
    +91-11-25742500 (Calibration)
  • Email:
    [email protected]
    [email protected]
  • Working Hours:
    Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
    Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Partner Organizations & Useful Links

Google
Baidu
BIPM
ISO
NIST USA
PTB Germany
NPL UK
World Metrology