DRDO Internships 2026
Recent DRDO Internships
Scroll Down for Internship Application Links
| DRDO Lab | Degree | Branch | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| INMAS Delhi |
BE B.Tech MSc. M.Tech. |
ECE CSE Chemical Biomedical Biotechnology Material Science |
30/04/26 |
| NSTL Visakhapatnam |
BE B.Tech |
ECE CSE IT |
23/03/26 |
| CAIR Hyderabad |
BE B.Tech |
ECE CSE IT |
28/02/26 |
| ISSA Delhi |
BE B.Tech |
ECE | 27/02/26 |
| DIPR Delhi |
MSc. | Psychology Mathematics |
16/02/26 |
🔎 Check DRDO Internship Eligibility
Latest DRDO Internships (2026)
- Organisation: DRDO - INMAS
- Location: Delhi
- Domain: All Domains
- Who can Apply: B.Tech / MSc / M.Tech
- Eligibility: Final Year Students
- Branch: All Branches
- Duration: 6 Months
- Stipend: ₹5,000 p.m.
- Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
- Apply Now: Click here
- Organisation: DRDO - NSTL
- Location: Visakhapatnam
- Domain: Engineering & Science
- Who can Apply: B.Tech / MSc / M.Tech
- Eligibility: Final Year Students
- Branch: Physics & Chemistry
- Duration: 6 Months
- Stipend: ₹5,000 p.m.
- Deadline: 23-Mar-2026
- Apply Now: Click here
- Organisation: DRDO - CAIR
- Location: Bengaluru
- Domain: AI & Robotics
- Who can Apply: B.Tech
- Eligibility: Final Year Students
- Branch: ECE, CSE & IT
- Duration: 6 Months
- Stipend: ₹5,000 p.m.
- Deadline: 28-Feb-2026
- Apply Now: Click here
- Organisation: DRDO - ISSA
- Location: Delhi
- Domain: CSE & Mathematics
- Who can Apply: B.Tech Students
- Eligibility: Final Year Students
- Branch: CSE
- Duration: One Year
- Stipend: ₹12,300 p.m.
- Deadline: 27-Feb-2026
- Apply Now: Click here
Other DRDO Internships
| DRDO Internships | Eligible Branches | More Details |
|---|---|---|
| DRDO - NSTL Internships (Vizag) - 2026 | Engineering Sciences | NSTL Visakhapatnam Internships Details |
| DRDO - ISSA Internships (Delhi) - 2026 | IT CSE Mathematics | ISSA Bangalore Internship Details |
| DRDO CAIR Internships (Bengaluru) - 2026 | IT CSE AI & ML Electrical Engineering Electronics Engineering | CAIR Bangalore Internship Details |
| DRDO - DIPR Internships (Delhi) - 2026 | Psychology Computer Science | DIPR Delhi Internship Details |
| DRDO - HEMRL Internships (Pune) - 2026 | Aerospace Engineering Chemical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Electronics Engineering Computer Engineering Physics Chemistry | HEMRL Pune Internship Details |
| DRDO - DRDE Internships (Gwalior) - 2026 | Biological Sciences Chemical Sciences Engineering | DRDE Gwalior Internship Details |
| DRDO - SSPL Internships (Delhi) - 2026 | IT CSE Electrical Engineering Electronics Engineering Physics Chemistry Material Science | SSPL Delhi Internship Details |
| DRDO - DYSL AI Internships - 2025 | CSE Data Science AI & ML | DYSL AI Bangalore Internship Details |
DRDO Internships 2026: The DRDO Internship Program is one of the most prestigious opportunities available to Indian students aspiring to build careers in defence technology, advanced engineering, and strategic research. Offered by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, the DRDO Internship 2026 and DRDO Student Training Program aim to provide students with real-world exposure to cutting-edge defence systems, aerospace technologies, missile development, electronics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and combat vehicle research.
Through this program, eligible students can undertake internships and academic project work at premier DRDO laboratories and establishments across India, including Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru; Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad; Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad; Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), Chennai; and Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL), Hyderabad. These laboratories play a critical role in strengthening India’s defence capabilities, offering students hands-on experience in research, design, simulation, testing, and systems engineering within a high-security, innovation-driven environment.
Who Can Apply for DRDO Internship 2026?
The DRDO internship eligibility criteria are clearly defined to give ambitious Indian students a chance to gain practical exposure in defence research and cutting-edge technology. The DRDO Internship 2026 is open to undergraduate, postgraduate, and research students who are currently enrolled in full-time degree programs at recognized Indian universities or institutes. Applicants must have a strong academic record, typically with minimum qualifying marks/CGPA requirements and institutional endorsement, depending on the laboratory offering the internship General Eligibility for DRDO Internships Includes:
Education Level
- UG students (B.E./B.Tech) — usually final-year (3rd/4th year) or equivalent semesters
- PG students (M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc) — final year or equivalent
- Ph.D. research scholars in relevant science/technology fields may also be eligible for certain research internships
Academic Performance
Most DRDO internships expect a minimum of 60% marks or above, with many laboratories requiring -75% (CGPA ≥ 7.5/10) or higher depending on the project and lab criteria
Fields of Study
- Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics/ECE, Computer Science/IT, Aerospace, Chemical, Instrumentation, etc.)
- Science disciplines (Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Biotechnology, Mathematics, etc.)
- Emerging tech areas (AI, cybersecurity, robotics, aerospace, defence systems research) depending on the lab’s focus
College/Institution Requirements
Must be enrolled in a recognised Indian university/institute (AICTE/UGC approved) at the time of application. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) or recommendation letter from the college/department is often required for submission to the DRDO lab
Nationality & Age
Applicants must be Indian citizens. Some internships specify an age limit (often below ~28 years) for applicants, depending on the laboratory and internship category
Specific Student Situations:
Students in the later semesters of the UG degree (7th/8th semester) and final year PG students are generally eligible to apply for project-focused internships. Eligibility and selection norms (such as marks required, prerequisites, and interview rounds) can vary across different DRDO laboratories — students should always check the official lab notification for precise requirements.
| Degree | Criteria | Min. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering (BE) | Apply in 3rd Year | 45 days |
| Science (BSc) | Final Year | 45 days |
| ME/MTech. | Apply in 1st Year | 120 days |
| MSc | Apply in 1st Year | 120 days |
| PhD | Apply in 2nd Year | 30 months |
Government Internships
Other Categories
DRDO Internship Duration, Stipend, and Benefits
DRDO Internship Duration, Stipend, and Benefits:The duration of the DRDO Internship 2026 typically ranges from 4 weeks to 6 months, depending on the academic requirement, project scope, and the specific DRDO laboratory. The internship period is generally aligned with the student’s university guidelines for industrial training or final-year project work.As per official DRDO norms, most DRDO internships are unpaid and do not provide a stipend. However, selected students gain valuable exposure to defence research and advanced technology development, hands-on experience in laboratory-specific projects (subject to security clearance), mentorship from DRDO scientists and researchers, and an official internship or project completion certificate issued by the respective DRDO laboratory.The experience significantly enhances technical credibility, research exposure, and career prospects in defence, core engineering, and government R&D sectors.
How to Apply for DRDO Internship 2026
Students searching for how to apply for DRDO Internship 2026 should note that applications are processed laboratory-wise, not through a single centralized application portal. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) consists of multiple laboratories and establishments across India, and each laboratory independently publishes its own internship notifications, eligibility criteria, application format, and timelines.
Unlike some national programs, DRDO internships are generally offered based on direct applications to individual labs, often requiring students to submit their resume, academic transcripts, area of interest, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or recommendation letter from their institution. Some laboratories may conduct screening or interviews before final selection.
The DRDO summer internship 2026 last date will vary depending on the specific laboratory and project requirements. Therefore, students are advised to regularly monitor the official DRDO website as well as the websites of individual DRDO laboratories for the latest internship notifications and application updates.
Latest Internships
- Loading internships...
DRDO Centers Offering Student Internships:
The DRDO Internship Program is conducted through various laboratories and research establishments across the country, each specializing in a distinct domain of defence technology, applied engineering, and advanced scientific research. These DRDO laboratories are strategically located across India and function as the backbone of the nation’s defence innovation ecosystem, handling everything from missile systems and aeronautics to combat vehicles, naval technologies, electronics, artificial intelligence, materials science, and cybersecurity.
Through the DRDO Internship Program, students are placed in laboratories that best align with their academic background, technical expertise, and area of specialization. Each laboratory offers internships and student project opportunities in its core research domains, enabling interns to gain focused, hands-on exposure rather than a generalized training experience. This lab-specific approach ensures that students pursuing disciplines such as Mechanical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, and Artificial Intelligence work on projects directly relevant to their field of study.
Internship opportunities are available at major DRDO establishments such as missile development laboratories, aeronautical research centres, defence electronics facilities, combat vehicle research units, naval systems laboratories, and advanced materials research institutes. Since internship intake capacity, eligibility criteria, security clearance requirements, and application procedures vary from one laboratory to another, students are typically required to apply directly to the respective DRDO laboratory where they seek internship opportunities.
Listed below are the DRDO laboratories (with links) that offer internship and student project trainee opportunities, along with their areas of specialization and official application procedures, to help students identify the laboratory that best aligns with their academic interests and long-term career aspirations in defence research and technology.
List of DRDO Labs, Clusters & Centers
Aeronautical Cluster
Missiles and Strategic Systems Cluster
- Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), Hyderabad
- Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad
- Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad
- Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur
- Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur
- Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh
- Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad
Electronics and Communication Systems Cluster
- Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), Bengaluru
- Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL), Hyderabad
- Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL), Dehradun
- Instruments Research and Development Establishment (IRDE), Dehradun
- Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), Delhi
- Microwave Tube Research and Development Centre (MTRDC), Bengaluru
- Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), Bengaluru
- Institute for Systems Studies and Analyses (ISSA), Delhi
- Scientific Analysis Group (SAG), Delhi
Armaments & Combat Engineering Systems Cluster
- Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune
- High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune
- Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), Ahmednagar
- Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), Chennai
- Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad
- Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE), Kanpur
- Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment / Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE),
Microelectronics, Computing and Cyber Systems
Life Sciences Cluster
- Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Delhi
- Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), Mysuru
- Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research (DIBER), Haldwani
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), Delhi
- Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), Tezpur
- Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh
Materials, Structures & Special Technologies
Why Choose DRDO Internship Program?
The DRDO Internship Program offers students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in India’s defence research and advanced technology development. For students aiming to pursue careers in defence engineering, aerospace, materials science, electronics, AI, or government R&D, DRDO Internships 2026 provide practical exposure, mentorship from leading scientists, and an official DRDO certificate that strengthens both academic and professional credentials
Information compiled from official DRDO centre notifications and Department of Defence Research and Development Organisation
🚀 DRDO Internships 2026 – FAQs
DRDO Internships 2026 are official student internship and project training programs offered by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Ministry of Defence, providing hands-on exposure to defence research, advanced engineering, aerospace systems, electronics, AI, cybersecurity, and missile technologies.
Undergraduate (B.E./B.Tech), postgraduate (M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc), and PhD students enrolled in recognised Indian institutions can apply, subject to laboratory-specific eligibility criteria and academic requirements.
Most DRDO labs require a minimum of 60% marks (some require 70–75% or CGPA ≥ 7.5/10), full-time enrollment in a recognised institution, Indian citizenship, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the college.
Yes. DRDO internships are available across engineering disciplines such as Mechanical, Electronics & Communication, Computer Science, Aerospace, Electrical, Chemical, and related core branches.
DRDO internships are offered at various laboratories including ADE Bengaluru, DRDL Hyderabad, RCI Hyderabad, CVRDE Chennai, DLRL Hyderabad, ARDE Pune, LRDE Bengaluru, GTRE Bengaluru and other DRDO research establishments across India.
The duration typically ranges from 4 weeks to 6 months depending on academic requirements, project scope, and laboratory guidelines. Many UG internships require a minimum of 45 days.
Most DRDO internships are non-stipendiary. However, selected interns receive hands-on defence research exposure, mentorship from DRDO scientists, and an official internship completion certificate.
Students must apply directly to individual DRDO laboratories. Applications typically require a resume, academic transcripts, area of interest, and a college NOC or recommendation letter. There is no centralized DRDO internship portal.
The last date varies by laboratory. Students should regularly check the official DRDO website and respective lab websites for updated internship notifications and deadlines.
Yes. Since DRDO is a defence organisation, selected interns may be subject to security clearance procedures depending on the laboratory and project assigned.
Other Categories