NIIST Staff Recreation Club (Formerly RRL Staff Recreation Club) is one among the many staff clubs constituted under the auspices of CSIR Sports Promotion Board. CSIR Sports Promotion Board registered as a Society in 1980 is meant to foster a sports culture among the CSIR employees. CSIR Sports Promotion Board further encouraged setting up of recreation clubs in the constituent laboratories of CSIR so that it can encompass cultural activities in the laboratories also. CSIR provides financial assistance to the recreation clubs functioning under Sports Promotion Board. The Sports Promotion Board also provides incentives in the form of stipend to the wards of CSIR Employees as recognition of their excellence in sports, wherein such excellence is shown in winning awards/positions in International/National/State/District level games.

NIIST Staff Recreation Club co-ordinates various programmes year-round. It includes Farewell functions to retiring staff members, Independence and Republic day celebrations, cultural events in connection with CSIR foundation day and NIIST foundation day, Club day celebrations, Onam celebrations, Yoga Training programmes, lectures on various topics such as Life insurance, Health etc., Medical camps, Life insurance policy service camps, Predictions contests, Participation in Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Memorial Tournament (inter-laboratory sports competitions) conducted by Sports Promotion Board, various intra-laboratory sports competitions and other recreational and welfare activities. NIIST Staff Recreation club also gives Academic Excellence Awards every year to the wards of staff, who secure highest marks in Standard X Examinations and Std XII Examinations.