DRDO Paid Internship 2026: Apply for 8 Vacancies, Eligibility, Stipend
DRDO Paid Internship 2026: The Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior, under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has announced a six-month paid internship scheme for eligible students pursuing specified undergraduate and postgraduate courses. According to Advertisement No. DRDE/HRD/Paid Intern/2026/03, dated 15 October 2026, applications are invited from Indian citizens interested in gaining practical exposure to defence research and development activities.
The notification lists 8 internship positions across Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences and Engineering. Selected interns will receive a fixed stipend of ₹5,000 per month. The internship is scheduled to begin on 1 January 2027.
Eligible students must submit their applications by speed post or email on or before 14 November 2026. Candidates should review the subject-wise qualifications, academic requirements and application instructions before sending their documents.
DRDO Paid Internship 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Internship institute | Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior |
| Advertisement Number | DRDE/HRD/Paid Intern/2026/03 |
| Notification Date | 15 October 2026 |
| Scheme Name | DRDO Paid Internship Scheme |
| Total Vacancies | 8 |
| Internship Duration | 6 months |
| Monthly Stipend | ₹5,000 |
| Starting Date | 1 January 2027 |
| Application Mode | Email or Speed Post |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 November 2026 |
| Selection Process | Shortlisting based on eligibility and academic record; interaction if required |
| Official Website | https://www.drdo.gov.in |
DRDO Internship Vacancy Details 2026
The official notification lists vacancies in three subject categories. Candidates should select the subject that matches their current course and semester.
| Subject | Vacancies | Required Course |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Sciences | 3 | M.Sc. or equivalent in specified biological disciplines, or B.Tech in Biological Sciences |
| Chemical Sciences | 3 | M.Sc. or equivalent in Chemistry |
| Engineering | 2 | B.E./B.Tech in specified engineering disciplines |
| Total | 8 | — |
The number of vacancies may change according to organisational requirements. The notification also states that unfilled vacancies may be merged with other subject categories.
DRDO Paid Internship Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must meet the academic, age and documentation requirements mentioned in the official advertisement.
1. Educational Qualification
Biological Sciences
Candidates must be pursuing one of the following:
- M.Sc. or equivalent in the 3rd or 4th semester in a relevant discipline.
- B.Tech in the 7th or 8th semester in Biological Sciences.
The listed disciplines include Biotechnology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Immunology.
Chemical Sciences
Applicants must be pursuing an M.Sc. or equivalent course in the 3rd or 4th semester in Chemistry. The specified specialisations include:
- Organic Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Engineering
Candidates must be pursuing B.E. or B.Tech in the 7th or 8th semester in one of the following disciplines:
- Electronics Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
Applicants should ensure that their course and semester match the requirements specified for the relevant subject code.
2. Minimum Academic Marks
Candidates should have a good academic record with at least 75% marks or a CGPA of 7.5 or above from an AICTE- or UGC-approved college or university.
3. Age Limit
The candidate must be below 28 years of age as of 14 November 2026.
4. College Referral or Sponsorship Letter
A recent referral or sponsorship letter from the candidate’s college, institute or university is required. The notification includes a prescribed format intended to be printed on the institution’s letterhead and signed by the Principal or Head of Department.
Meeting the eligibility conditions does not guarantee selection. DRDE will shortlist candidates based on the prescribed criteria and may conduct an interaction by telephone or video conference if required.
DRDO Internship Stipend 2026
Selected candidates will receive a fixed stipend of ₹5,000 per month during the six-month internship.
The notification specifies that the stipend for the entire internship period will be paid in two equal instalments:
| Payment Stage | Stipend Amount |
|---|---|
| After completion of 3 months | ₹15,000 |
| After completion of 6 months | ₹15,000 |
| Total for 6 months | ₹30,000 |
Candidates should note that boarding and lodging expenses are not admissible. DRDO will not provide accommodation during the internship, and no travel or daily allowance will be paid for joining.
DRDO Paid Internship 2026: Important Dates
Candidates should keep the following dates in mind while preparing their applications.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Date | 15 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Application Receipt | 14 November 2026 |
| Intimation to Selected Students | 1 December 2026 |
| Internship Commencement | 1 January 2027 |
The dates above are based on the official notification. Applicants should submit their documents sufficiently early to ensure that the application reaches the designated office or email address before the deadline.
Documents Required for DRDO Internship Application
Candidates must prepare the following documents before applying:
- Duly completed application form (Annexure A) with a recent passport-size photograph.
- Recent college or university referral/sponsorship letter.
- Detailed resume.
- Self-attested copies of degree or academic qualification certificates and mark sheets.
- Experience certificates, if applicable.
- Copy of Aadhaar Card and PAN Card.
- Bank details.
The application form asks for personal information, educational qualifications, marks, details of previous internships, if any, and other relevant information.
Candidates should also be prepared to produce original documents relating to qualifications, age, identity and address verification when reporting to the institute.
How to Apply for DRDO Paid Internship 2026
The application process is based on the prescribed form and submission of supporting documents. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Read the official DRDO paid internship notification carefully and check your eligibility for the relevant subject code.
Step 2: Download or obtain the prescribed application form, Annexure A, from the official advertisement.
Step 3: Fill in the application form with accurate personal, educational and contact details. Affix a recent passport-size photograph.
Step 4: Obtain the required referral or sponsorship letter from your college, institute or university.
Step 5: Prepare your detailed resume and attach the required self-attested educational certificates, mark sheets, identity documents and bank details.
Step 6: Send the completed application and supporting documents to DRDE, Gwalior, by speed post or email before the deadline.
Application Submission Details
Postal Address:
The Director
Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE)
DRDO, Ministry of Defence
Jhansi Road, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh – 474002
Email Addresses:
Last Date: 14 November 2026
Official Website: https://www.drdo.gov.in
Applicants should follow the instructions in the official advertisement regarding submission and ensure that the application is complete. Incomplete, incorrect or late applications will be rejected, according to the notification.
DRDO Internship Selection Process 2026
The selection process will involve shortlisting candidates based on their educational qualifications, academic record and fulfilment of the eligibility criteria.
The main stages are:
- Verification of eligibility and submitted documents.
- Shortlisting based on academic qualifications and the prescribed requirements.
- Telephone or video conference interaction, if required.
- Communication of the internship offer to shortlisted candidates.
Only shortlisted candidates will be informed about further interaction or the internship offer. Submitting an application does not guarantee selection.
Important Terms and Conditions
Before applying, candidates should understand the following conditions mentioned in the notification:
- The internship will last for a minimum of six months.
- Interns must follow the working hours and attendance procedures applicable at the laboratory or establishment.
- Leave is restricted, except for sick leave supported by a valid prescription.
- Interns must submit a progress report after three months and a project report after six months or on completion of the course, as applicable.
- A completion certificate will be issued after successful completion of the internship and submission of the required project report.
- Candidates must comply with the applicable Official Secrets Act, 1923, undertaking and Ministry of Defence IT rules and regulations.
- Mobile phones, laptops, pen drives, CD-ROMs and other electronic gadgets are not permitted inside the DRDE Gwalior campus, as specified in the advertisement.
- Selection for the internship does not provide any right to permanent employment or absorption into DRDO.
- No TA/DA will be paid for joining.
DRDO Paid Internship 2026: Important Links
| Description | Link or Details |
|---|---|
| Official DRDO Website | https://www.drdo.gov.in |
| Official Notification | Check the DRDO website for Advertisement No. DRDE/HRD/Paid Intern/2026/03 |
| Application Form | Annexure A in the official notification |
| Application Email | director.drde@gov.in |
| Alternative Email | hrd.drde@gov.in |
| Application Deadline | 14 November 2026 |
Note: The advertisement and application form are part of the six-page notification. Candidates should refer to the original document for the prescribed forms and complete terms before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the last date to apply for DRDO Paid Internship 2026?
The last date for receipt of applications is 14 November 2026.
2. How many vacancies are available under the DRDO internship scheme?
The notification lists 8 positions: 3 in Biological Sciences, 3 in Chemical Sciences and 2 in Engineering.
3. How much stipend will selected candidates receive?
Selected interns will receive ₹5,000 per month, totalling ₹30,000 for six months, paid in two instalments of ₹15,000 each.
4. What is the age limit for DRDO Paid Internship 2026?
Candidates must be below 28 years of age as of 14 November 2026.
5. What is the minimum percentage required?
Candidates should have at least 75% marks or a CGPA of 7.5 or above from an AICTE- or UGC-approved institution.
6. Can candidates apply online?
The notification specifies submission by email or speed post. It does not describe a separate online application portal.
7. When will the internship begin?
The internship is scheduled to start on 1 January 2027.
8. Does the internship guarantee a job in DRDO?
No. The notification clearly states that the internship offer does not confer any right to absorption into DRDO.
Conclusion
The DRDO Paid Internship Scheme 2026 offers eligible students an opportunity to gain research-related exposure at the Defence Research and Development Establishment in Gwalior. With eight listed positions, a six-month duration and a fixed stipend of ₹5,000 per month, the scheme may be worth considering for students pursuing the specified courses.
Interested candidates should check their subject eligibility, arrange the required college sponsorship letter and submit the complete application before 14 November 2026. For the latest official instructions, always refer to the DRDO website and the original advertisement.
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