CSIR-NPL is mandated to be India’s national measurement institute and is the custodian of “National Standards” with a responsibility of regulation, establishment, upgradation, maintenance, and dissemination of them at par with international standards. 

CSIR-NPL supports Indian industries and academia to maintain international standards in quality. Apart from this, CSIR-NPL has a strong research program on materials science and its applications in the fields of healthcare, energy, solar cells, bio-medical devices, and quantum information processing. CSIR-NPL is involved in the development of reference standard materials, under the trade name of Bhartiya Nirdeshak Dravya (BND) useful in calibrating equipment and validation of physical/chemical parameters. 

The institute aims to develop sophisticated analytical equipment as part of the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, reducing import dependence. Institutes participate in the Skill India initiatives by training a large number of young scientists and industry personnel in precision measurement. Also, establish a research outreach program offering state-of-the-art facilities for industrial and academic research. CSIR-NPL’s objectives are aligned with enhancing India’s scientific capabilities, supporting industry growth, and ensuring compliance with measurement standards both nationally and internationally.