Ministries & Departments
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) was conceptualized in 1943 by the Governing Body of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The premier laboratory is mandated to be India's "National Measurement Institute" (NMI) by act of Parliament and is the custodian of "National Standards" with a responsibility of the dissemination of measurements to the needs of country. CSIR-NPL maintains the Indian Standard Time (IST). Accurate and precise measurements are essential to drive the growth engines of Indian Science & Industry as it removes chaos and prompts innovations, which in turn, would save precious lives, resources and time. Over the years, the Laboratory has more than realized its primary mandate as the keeper of measurement standards for the nation while also substantially expanding its research activities to emerge as a leading national institution for research in a whole gamut of areas in the physical sciences. The mission of the CSIR-NPL are: (i) Developing India's measurement standards that are internationally accepted and disseminating the measurement capabilities to industry, government, strategic and academia that underpin the India's prosperity and quality of life; (ii) Conducting multidisciplinary R&D with a mission to establish the futuristic quantum standards and upcoming technologies so that India remains on par with international measurement laboratories (iii) Developing sophisticated analytical equipments (i.e. import substitutes) under "Make in India" programme to cater the ever increasing demands of emerging India; and (iv) Training of young scientists and industry personnel in the areas of measurements under "Skill India" programme.