Last Updated: 10 July 2026
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, offers paid internship opportunities for eligible undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) engineering and science students. Conducted through various DRDO establishments across India, the programme provides practical exposure to research, technology development and laboratory-based projects under the guidance of scientists and technical experts.
The internship supports experiential learning by connecting academic study with research in defence technology. Since individual DRDO establishments publish separate advertisements, eligibility requirements, vacancies, application schedules and disciplines may differ. Applicants should therefore consult the latest official notification issued by the concerned DRDO establishment before submitting an application.
DRDO Paid Internship 2026: Highlights
|
Particular |
Details |
|
Conducting Authority |
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
|
Ministry |
Ministry of Defence, Government of India |
|
Internship Duration |
Six Months (as per current official advertisements) |
|
Total Stipend |
₹30,000 |
|
Monthly Stipend |
₹5,000 |
|
Eligible Courses |
Final-Year B.E./B.Tech and Second-Year M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc |
|
Application Fee |
Generally Not Applicable |
|
Selection Process |
Academic Merit and Interaction, where applicable |
|
Application Mode |
Offline, Email or Online (Varies by DRDO establishment) |
Eligibility Criteria
While individual advertisements may vary, the following conditions are commonly prescribed.
|
Criteria |
Requirement |
|
Nationality |
Indian Citizen |
|
Course |
Final-Year B.E./B.Tech (7th/8th Semester) or Second-Year M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc (3rd/4th Semester) |
|
Institution |
AICTE or UGC-approved Institution |
|
Study Mode |
Regular Full-Time |
|
Academic Record |
No Active Backlogs |
|
Minimum Academic Performance |
Generally 6.5 to 7.5 CGPA or equivalent, depending on the establishment |
|
Age Limit |
Generally below 28 years, where specified |
Applicants should verify discipline-wise eligibility, minimum CGPA, age criteria and other conditions in the latest advertisement issued by the establishment where they intend to apply.
Duration and Stipend
The internship is generally conducted for six months. Selected candidates receive a total stipend of ₹30,000, usually paid in two instalments.
|
Payment Stage |
Amount |
|
After Successful Completion of First Three Months |
₹15,000 |
|
After Completion of Six Months |
₹15,000 |
|
Total |
₹30,000 |
Several DRDO establishments also require biometric or Aadhaar-based attendance, with minimum attendance conditions specified in the relevant guidelines. Some postgraduate projects may continue beyond six months, although the stipend is generally limited to the approved internship period.
Participating DRDO Establishments
The internship is offered through multiple DRDO establishments across India, subject to operational requirements.
|
Establishment |
Major Disciplines |
|
RCI, Hyderabad |
Computer Science, Electronics, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Aeronautical |
|
LRDE, Bengaluru |
Electronics, Computer Science, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical |
|
ADE, Bengaluru |
Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electronics |
|
GTRE, Bengaluru |
Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical |
|
R&DE(E), Pune |
Mechanical, Civil, Electronics, Computer Science, AI |
|
CAIR, Bengaluru |
Computer Science, AI, IT, Electronics |
|
SAG, Delhi |
Computer Science, Cyber Security, Mathematics, Physics |
|
TBRL, Chandigarh |
Mechanical, Civil, Electronics, Aeronautical |
|
DMRL, Hyderabad |
Metallurgy, Mechanical, Physics, Chemistry |
|
DEBEL, DRDE, DGRE and DYSL-QT |
Engineering and Science Disciplines |
The number of available positions and participating disciplines is announced separately in each recruitment cycle.
Selection Process
Selection is primarily based on academic performance in previous semesters. Depending on the establishment, shortlisted applicants may also be invited for a telephonic, online or in-person interaction to assess subject knowledge and technical understanding. Any tie-breaking procedure is followed in accordance with the applicable recruitment advertisement.
Application Process
The application process varies by establishment. Applications may be accepted through Speed Post, official email or online forms, depending on the instructions provided in the advertisement.
Commonly Required Documents
|
During Application |
At Joining (if selected) |
|
Prescribed Application Form |
Police Verification Certificate |
|
No Objection Certificate (NOC) |
Medical Fitness Certificate (where applicable) |
|
Previous Semester Mark Sheets |
Bank Account Details or Cancelled Cheque |
|
Aadhaar Card |
Confidentiality and Security Undertakings |
|
College Identity Card |
Additional Documents, if prescribed |
Important Points
DRDO generally does not provide accommodation, transport or daily allowances. Secure establishments may restrict personal electronic devices and prohibit the unauthorised sharing of project-related information. Completing the internship does not create any entitlement to future employment with DRDO.
Timeline and Verification
|
Information |
Status |
|
Internship Duration |
Confirmed through current DRDO advertisements |
|
Stipend |
Confirmed through current DRDO advertisements |
|
Eligibility |
Verify through the latest establishment-specific advertisement |
|
Application Dates |
Vary by establishment |
|
Vacancies |
Announced separately for each recruitment cycle |
Fraud & Safety Advisory
Applicants should rely only on the official DRDO website and notifications issued by the concerned establishment. Be cautious of fake recruitment portals, phishing emails, unofficial social media posts and individuals claiming guaranteed selection. DRDO does not authorise third parties to collect money for internship approval. Never share OTPs, passwords, banking details or original documents with unknown persons. Verify that recruitment emails originate from official drdo.gov.in domains and check for corrigenda or updates before completing the application process.
Official Sources
This article is based on publicly available DRDO internship advertisements released by participating establishments for the current recruitment cycle, along with information published on the official DRDO website. Readers should refer to the latest advertisement issued by the concerned establishment for applicable eligibility conditions, vacancies, timelines and procedural updates.
Editorial Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is based on official DRDO material available as of 10 July 2026. Eligibility criteria, vacancies, application procedures, stipend provisions and schedules may be revised through subsequent notifications or corrigenda. Applicants should verify the latest information on the official DRDO website and the concerned establishment’s advertisement before applying. In the event of any discrepancy, the official notification and related government instructions shall prevail.