DRDO DRDE Paid Internship 2026: Applications Open for 6-Month Internship With ₹5,000 Monthly Stipend

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has officially announced the DRDO Paid Internship Scheme 2026 through its premier laboratory, the Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior.

This opportunity is open to Indian students pursuing B.Tech, B.E., M.Sc., or equivalent degrees, offering hands-on exposure to real-world defence research and development projects.

Selected interns will receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 and a completion certificate after six months, making it one of the most sought-after government internships for science and engineering students in 2026.

About DRDO DRDE Internship Scheme

DRDE Gwalior is a key laboratory under DRDO, working in advanced areas of biological sciences, chemical sciences, and engineering technologies related to national defence.

The Paid Internship Scheme is designed to:

• Expose students to defence R&D ecosystems

• Bridge academic learning with applied research

• Train young researchers under strict professional and security standards

DRDO Paid Internship 2026: Key Highlights

• Organisation: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

• Laboratory: Defence Research & Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior

• Internship Type: Paid Internship

• Duration: Minimum 6 months

• Stipend: ₹5,000 per month (₹30,000 total)

• Start Date: 02 March 2026

• Application Deadline: 25 January 2026

Available Disciplines & Vacancies

Internships are offered in the following subject areas:

Biological Sciences (03 Vacancies)

Eligible backgrounds include:

• Biotechnology

• Microbiology

• Pharmacology

• Toxicology

• Immunology

Chemical Sciences (03 Vacancies)

Eligible backgrounds include:

• Organic Chemistry

• Inorganic Chemistry

• Analytical Chemistry

Engineering (02 Vacancies)

Eligible branches:

• Electronics Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Information Technology

• Computer Science

Note: Number of vacancies may vary based on organisational requirements.

Eligibility Criteria for DRDO Internship 2026

To apply for the DRDO DRDE Paid Internship, candidates must meet the following conditions:

Educational Qualification

• Pursuing B.Tech/B.E. (7th or 8th Semester)

• OR M.Sc. or equivalent (3rd or 4th Semester)

• Must be enrolled in an AICTE / UGC-approved institution

• Minimum 75% marks or CGPA ≥ 7.5

Age Limit

• Below 28 years as on 25 January 2026

📄 Mandatory Requirement

• A recent referral / sponsorship letter from the candidate’s college or university

Selection Process

• Candidates will be shortlisted based on academic performance and eligibility

• If required, interaction may be conducted telephonically or via video conferencing

• Only shortlisted candidates will receive an internship offer letter

• Mere application does not guarantee selection

Stipend & Payment Structure

• Monthly Stipend: ₹5,000

• Payment Mode: Two equal installments

  • ₹15,000 after completion of 3 months

  • ₹15,000 after completion of 6 months

No additional allowances such as TA/DA, boarding, or lodging are provided.

Important Dates to Remember

• Last Date to Apply: 25 January 2026

• Intimation to Selected Candidates: 16 February 2026

• Internship Start Date: 02 March 2026

How to Apply for DRDO DRDE Paid Internship 2026

Interested candidates must submit their application by speed post or email to DRDE Gwalior.

📬 Submission Address / Email

• Email: [email protected] & [email protected]

• Postal Address:
  Director, DRDE, DRDO
  Ministry of Defence
  Jhansi Road, Gwalior – 474002, Madhya Pradesh

Documents Required

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Duly filled Application Form (Annexure-A)

• Recent passport-size photograph

• Referral/Sponsorship letter from college/university

• Detailed resume

• Self-attested copies of:

  • Academic certificates & mark sheets

  • Aadhaar Card & PAN Card

• Bank account details

Incomplete or late applications will be rejected without notice.

Important Internship Rules

• Interns must adhere to the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923

• Electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, pen drives are strictly prohibited inside the DRDE campus

• No employment or absorption claim in DRDO after internship completion

• Attendance and working hours will follow DRDE laboratory norms

Why This DRDO Internship Matters

Unlike private internships, this programme gives students:

• Exposure to classified defence research environments

• Experience under Government of India R&D protocols

• A strong credential for careers in research, defence, and higher studies

For students aiming at DRDO, ISRO, PSUs, or PhD programmes, this internship carries serious weight.

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