DRDO DRDL Internship 2026: Paid Internship for Engineering & Science Students, Apply Online

DRDO DRDL Internship 2026 is a valuable opportunity for engineering and science students who want to gain practical exposure in defence research and development. The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, a premier laboratory of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), has invited applications from eligible Indian citizens for a six-month paid internship.

According to the official advertisement, the internship is open to pursuing final-year undergraduate engineering students and final-year postgraduate students in Engineering or Physical Science. Selected interns will receive a ₹5,000 monthly stipend and work at DRDL/ASL/CAS, Hyderabad. The total number of indicative vacancies is 165 across Electronics, Mechanical, Physical Science and Computer Science disciplines.

DRDO DRDL Internship 2026 – Overview

The vacancy numbers are indicative and may be increased or decreased at the discretion of the establishment.

About DRDL Hyderabad

The Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) is a DRDO laboratory located in Hyderabad and is engaged in research and development of advanced technologies in the area of missile systems for the Indian Armed Forces. The laboratory provides students with an opportunity to gain exposure to defence-related research and technical applications.

DRDO DRDL Internship 2026 Eligibility

Candidates must meet the educational and academic requirements mentioned in the official advertisement.

Educational Qualification

The internship is available for:

• Final-year undergraduate students pursuing Engineering
• Final-year postgraduate students pursuing Engineering
• Final-year postgraduate students pursuing Physical Science
• The course must be full-time.
• The degree should be from a recognised Indian university/institute.
• The university/institute should be AICTE/UGC approved, as applicable.

Branches and Vacancies

The official advertisement lists the following disciplines:

The vacancy numbers are indicative and the laboratory reserves the right to change them.

DRDO DRDL Internship Stipend

Selected candidates will receive a ₹5,000 per month stipend.

However, the official advertisement states that stipend payment and continuation of the internship are subject to satisfactory performance and completion of at least 15 working days of physical attendance per month at DRDL/ASL/CAS. The stipend is paid in two instalments, with the first instalment after three months of training.

Candidates who leave before completing the minimum three-month tenure will not receive payment or a completion certificate.

DRDO Internship Duration

The internship duration is six months.

The proposed internship period is:

1 September 2026 to 28 February 2027

A completion certificate will be issued after successful completion of the six-month internship/project work and fulfilment of the required formalities.

DRDO DRDL Internship Selection Process

Selection will be conducted on a merit basis.

The official advertisement specifies that:

1. Candidates should have a good academic record.
2. Minimum 60% marks or equivalent CGPA is required.
3. Candidates may be shortlisted based on marks and interaction/interview.
4. Only shortlisted candidates will receive information regarding joining procedures.
5. Selected candidates will need to complete the required undertaking and indemnity formalities.

The interview date will be communicated to shortlisted candidates through phone and the DRDO website.

Age Limit

The maximum age requirement is:

Below 28 years

Candidates should ensure that they satisfy the age requirement mentioned in the official advertisement.

Documents Required

Selected candidates are required to provide various documents at the time of joining.

Important documents include:

• College NOC in original
• Police verification certificate/acknowledgement
• Undertaking regarding the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923
• Undertaking regarding applicable Ministry of Defence IT rules
• Bank account details
• Medical fitness certificate from an authorised medical practitioner holding at least an MBBS degree
• Original Aadhaar Card for verification
• College ID card
• Three passport-size photographs
• Previous semester marksheets in original for verification
• Indemnity form, wherever required

The original documents/marksheets are to be returned after verification.

College Referral Letter Is Mandatory

One important requirement is the referral/request letter from the Principal or Director of the college/institute.

The official application format states that the Principal/Director should recommend deserving and meritorious students. The college letterhead should also confirm that the student will be relieved for the internship and will maintain the required physical attendance.

Therefore, students should contact their college administration or Principal well before the application process.

DRDO DRDL Internship Application Process

Interested students should carefully follow the official application procedure.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm that you are pursuing the required final-year Engineering UG or Engineering/Physical Science PG programme.

Step 2: Check Academic Marks

Ensure that you have at least 60% marks or equivalent CGPA.

Step 3: Obtain College Referral Letter

Get the mandatory recommendation/request letter from your Principal/Director on the prescribed college letterhead.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

Fill in the DRDL Paid Internship application form with your personal, academic and college details.

Step 5: Mention Branch Code

Clearly mention the appropriate branch code:

EE / ME / PH / CS

Step 6: Prepare Supporting Documents

Attach the required academic marksheets and other documents mentioned in the advertisement.

Step 7: Submit the Application

Candidates are required to submit the application in an envelope at the registration desk during the walk-in process, clearly mentioning “Application for Paid Internship” and the relevant branch code.

Step 8: Send Scanned Application

The advertisement also instructs candidates to forward a scanned copy of the application to the email address mentioned in the official notification.

Important Dates

The dates are described as tentative in the official advertisement and candidates should check the DRDO website for any updates.

Internship Location

The internship/project work will be conducted at:

DRDL / ASL / CAS, Hyderabad, Telangana

Candidates are responsible for making their own arrangements for accommodation and transportation in Hyderabad.

Boarding and Lodging

No boarding or lodging expenses will be provided by DRDL.

However, selected candidates may access facilities such as lunch, tea and snacks at subsidised rates through the wet canteen facilities at DRDL/ASL/CAS.

DRDO DRDL Internship Benefits

This internship can provide valuable practical exposure for students interested in defence technology and engineering.

Key benefits include:

• ₹5,000 monthly stipend
• Six months of practical experience
• Exposure to defence-related research
• Project-based learning
• Technical skill development
• Opportunity to work in a DRDO laboratory environment
• Completion certificate after successful completion
• Exposure to professional research and development activities

Students should note that completion of the internship does not guarantee employment with DRDL, DRDO or its laboratories.

Important Instructions

Candidates should keep the following points in mind:

• The internship is for eligible pursuing students.
• Minimum 60% marks or equivalent CGPA is required.
• Candidates must be below 28 years of age.
• The internship duration is six months.
• Physical attendance of at least 15 working days per month is required.
• Accommodation and transportation must be arranged by the candidate.
• A college NOC is required at joining.
• Police verification is required.
• Medical fitness documentation is required.
• The college Principal/Director referral letter is mandatory.
• Candidates should carry original documents for verification.
• Stipend is subject to satisfactory performance and applicable conditions.
• Leaving before the minimum three-month tenure means no stipend/payment and no completion certificate.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity may be particularly useful for students pursuing:

• Electronics & Communication Engineering
• Electronics Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronics & Instrumentation
• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Production Engineering
• Materials Engineering
• Safety Technology
• Textile Technology
• Mathematics
• Physical Science
• Computer Science & Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cyber Security
• Allied Computer Science disciplines

Students should apply only if their academic discipline matches the eligibility requirements in the official advertisement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DRDO DRDL Internship 2026?

It is a six-month paid internship programme offered by DRDL Hyderabad for eligible pursuing Engineering and Physical Science students.

What is the stipend?

The stipend is ₹5,000 per month, subject to the conditions mentioned in the official notification.

How long is the internship?

The internship is for six months, proposed from 1 September 2026 to 28 February 2027.

How many vacancies are available?

There are 165 indicative vacancies across EE, ME, PH and CS disciplines.

What is the minimum percentage required?

Candidates need a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent CGPA in the relevant pursuing programme.

What is the age limit?

The candidate must be below 28 years.

Is this internship paid?

Yes. Selected interns are eligible for a stipend of ₹5,000 per month, subject to satisfactory performance and attendance requirements.

Is accommodation provided?

No. Candidates have to make their own arrangements for accommodation and transportation in Hyderabad.

Is a college recommendation required?

Yes. The official advertisement requires a referral/request letter from the Principal/Director of the college or institution.

What is the last date to apply?

The tentative last date for filling the application is 16 August 2026.

Final Thoughts

The DRDO DRDL Internship 2026 is a strong opportunity for eligible Engineering and Physical Science students who want practical exposure to India’s defence research and development ecosystem. The programme offers a six-month internship with a ₹5,000 monthly stipend, along with the opportunity to work at DRDL/ASL/CAS in Hyderabad.

With 165 indicative positions across Electronics, Mechanical, Physical Science and Computer Science disciplines, eligible students should prepare their academic documents, obtain the mandatory college referral letter and complete the application process before the 16 August 2026 tentative deadline.