Last Updated: May 2026
India’s higher education and skill development sector is continuing to evolve through internship expansion, international university partnerships, and policy reviews linked to research and employability. Recent updates from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs reflect broader efforts to strengthen technical training and improve access to global academic opportunities within India.
The changes are unfolding alongside recommendations made in the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education’s 363rd and 364th reports for 2026-27, which reviewed education spending, institutional performance, and research capacity across the country.
DRDO Internship and Apprenticeship Opportunities
DRDO has announced six-month internship opportunities across laboratories including CAIR Bengaluru, DLRL Hyderabad, DEBEL Bengaluru, CFEES Delhi, and TBRL Chandigarh. As per the 2026 internship guidelines, applications are open to final-year B.E./B.Tech students and postgraduate candidates pursuing M.E., M.Tech, or M.Sc programs.
DRDO Internship Eligibility
|
Criteria |
Requirement |
|
Qualification |
B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech, M.Sc |
|
Academic Requirement |
Minimum 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA |
|
Backlogs |
Not permitted |
|
Age Limit |
Below 28 years |
|
Nationality |
Indian citizens only |
Selected candidates are expected to receive a stipend of ₹5,000 per month, released in phases during the internship period. DRDO guidelines also state that interns will work only in non-classified areas and must comply with departmental cybersecurity and confidentiality regulations.
Separately, the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a DRDO laboratory in Bengaluru, has announced 150 apprentice trainee positions for the 2026-27 cycle.
GTRE Apprentice Stipend Structure
|
Apprentice Category |
Monthly Stipend |
|
Graduate Apprentice |
₹9,000 – ₹12,300 |
|
Diploma Apprentice |
₹8,000 – ₹10,900 |
|
ITI Apprentice |
₹7,000 – ₹9,600 |
Candidates are required to register through the NATS or NAPS portals before participating in the recruitment process. The June 6, 2026, walk-in interview date should be verified through the latest GTRE notification before attendance.
Foreign Universities Expand Indian Campuses
The expansion of foreign universities into India continues under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and UGC Regulations, 2023. Several institutions from the UK, Australia, and the US have either received approval or announced plans to establish campuses in India.
Foreign Universities and Timeline Status
|
University |
Location |
Status |
|
University of Southampton |
Gurugram |
Confirmed for August 2025 |
|
Illinois Institute of Technology |
Mumbai |
Expected in Fall 2026 |
|
University of Liverpool |
Bengaluru |
Expected in August 2026 |
|
Western Sydney University |
Greater Noida |
Tentative for 2026 |
|
University of York |
Mumbai |
Tentative for 2026-27 |
|
UNSW Bengaluru |
Bengaluru |
Expected in August 2026 |
In Gujarat’s GIFT City, Deakin University and the University of Wollongong have already started operations under International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) regulations. Additional campuses, including Queen’s University Belfast, are expected to begin operations in phases during 2026.
The expansion of international campuses is part of India’s attempt to improve access to foreign education while reducing the financial costs associated with studying abroad.
Parliamentary Committee Reviews Education Spending
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, chaired by Digvijaya Singh, noted in its 2026-27 reports that public expenditure on education remains around 4.12% of GDP, based on government expenditure data discussed during parliamentary reviews.
The committee also highlighted concerns regarding under-utilization of education funds, limited research capacity in state universities, and faculty vacancies in institutions such as UGC and AICTE. Recommendations included stronger oversight of foreign universities and additional support for research infrastructure.
PM Internship Scheme Continues
The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS), administered by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, aims to provide internship opportunities across major Indian companies over five years.
PMIS Financial Support
|
Benefit |
Amount |
|
Monthly Stipend |
₹5,000 |
|
Government Contribution |
₹4,500 |
|
Company Contribution |
₹500 |
|
Joining Grant |
₹6,000 |
Parliamentary discussions and ministry reviews during 2026 also pointed to low utilization levels and limited acceptance rates under the scheme.
Fraud and Safety Advisory
Applicants should use only official DRDO, UGC, PMIS, NATS, NAPS, or ministry portals for applications and updates. Candidates should avoid sharing OTPs, passwords, banking details, or personal documents with unofficial agents or unknown websites.
Government departments do not request unofficial payments for recruitment, internship approval, or admissions. Suspicious messages, calls, or payment links should be verified through official authorities before proceeding.
Editorial Disclaimer
Internship rules, eligibility conditions, stipend structures, and admission timelines may change through revised government notifications or institutional circulars. Readers should verify all details through official DRDO, UGC, PMIS, NATS, NAPS, and ministry portals before making application or admission decisions. Official notifications and updated portal announcements will take precedence over previously published information.