The DRDO Internship 2026 is one of the most prestigious paid government internships in India for engineering and science students. Offered by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Ministry of Defence, this internship allows students to work on real‑world defence research projects alongside top scientists of the country.
If you are a BTech, MTech, MSc, BE, or ME student looking for a high‑value internship with a monthly stipend of ₹5,000, a government certificate, and strong career impact, then DRDO Internship 2026 is an opportunity you should not miss.
In this detailed guide, you will learn everything about DRDO Internship 2026, including eligibility, stipend, duration, application process, selection criteria, important dates, benefits, and tips to get selected.
What is DRDO Internship 2026?
The DRDO Internship Programme 2026 is a six‑month paid internship designed to provide hands‑on research exposure to final‑year undergraduate and postgraduate students. Selected candidates are placed in various DRDO laboratories across India, where they work on cutting‑edge defence technologies such as missiles, electronics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, materials science, aerospace systems, and more.
Unlike private internships, DRDO internships focus on research, innovation, and national defence development, making them extremely valuable for students planning careers in core engineering, R&D, government jobs, or higher studies.
DRDO Internship 2026 – Key Highlights
- Organisation: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- Internship Type: Paid Government Internship
- Duration: 6 Months
- Stipend: ₹5,000 per month (₹30,000 total)
- Mode of Application: Online / Email / Offline (Lab‑specific)
- Internship Location: DRDO Labs across India
- Certificate: Yes (Government Certificate)
- Application Fee: No fee
DRDO Internship 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the official eligibility conditions.
Educational Qualification
Students pursuing the following courses can apply:
- BE / BTech (Final Year)
- ME / MTech (Final or Pre‑Final Year)
- MSc / MS (Final Year)
The degree must be from a recognised Indian university or institute.
Academic Requirement
- Minimum 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA overall
- No active backlogs at the time of application
Age Limit
- Generally below 28 years (varies slightly by DRDO lab)
College Permission
- A No Objection Certificate (NOC) or bonafide letter from the college is mandatory
DRDO Internship 2026 Stipend Details
One of the biggest advantages of this internship is that it is paid.
- Monthly Stipend: ₹5,000
- Total Stipend: ₹30,000 for 6 months
The stipend is usually released in two phases:
- After completion of 3 months
- After successful completion of 6 months and submission of project report
Note: Stipend amount and payment schedule may vary slightly depending on the DRDO laboratory.
DRDO Internship 2026 Duration & Work Structure
The internship typically runs for six months, starting from January or February 2026 and ending around June or July 2026.
Interns are expected to:
- Work under assigned DRDO scientists
- Follow lab rules and confidentiality guidelines
- Maintain minimum attendance
- Submit progress reports and final project report
This structured approach ensures real research exposure instead of basic training work.
DRDO Internship 2026 Selection Process
The selection process is mostly merit‑based and transparent.
Selection Criteria Includes:
- Academic performance (CGPA / percentage)
- Relevance of branch or specialization
- Availability of seats in the selected DRDO lab
- Interview or interaction (if required)
- Document verification
Students with strong academic records and relevant technical skills usually have a higher chance of selection.
How to Apply for DRDO Internship 2026 (Step‑by‑Step)
The application process may differ slightly from lab to lab, but the general steps remain the same.
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
- Updated Resume / CV
- College Bonafide Certificate
- No Objection Certificate (NOC)
- Academic Mark Sheets
- Aadhaar Card or valid ID proof
- Passport‑size photographs
Step 2: Check DRDO Lab Notifications
Visit the official DRDO website and check internship notifications released by individual laboratories.
Step 3: Submit Application
Depending on the lab, applications may be submitted via:
- Online application form
- Email submission with attachments
- Speed Post / Registered Post
Always follow the exact instructions mentioned in the notification.
Step 4: Wait for Selection Email
Shortlisted candidates are informed through email or phone with joining instructions.
Important Dates for DRDO Internship 2026 (Expected)
- Notification Release: November – December 2025
- Last Date to Apply: December 2025 – January 2026
- Selection Notification: January 2026
- Internship Start Date: January / February 2026
Dates may vary depending on the DRDO lab.
Benefits of DRDO Internship 2026
Doing an internship at DRDO offers multiple long‑term benefits:
- Real‑world defence research experience
- Government internship certificate
- Monthly stipend
- Strong resume value
- Exposure to advanced technologies
- Networking with top scientists
- Helpful for PSU jobs, higher studies, and research careers
This internship is especially valuable for students aiming for ISRO, DRDO, BARC, PSUs, or MTech/PhD admissions.
Tips to Increase Selection Chances
- Maintain a high CGPA
- Apply early before deadlines
- Choose labs relevant to your branch
- Keep documents ready in advance
- Write a clear and professional resume
- Apply to multiple DRDO labs if allowed
Who Should Apply for DRDO Internship 2026?
This internship is ideal for:
- Engineering students interested in core R&D
- Science students planning higher studies
- Students preparing for government technical jobs
- Candidates looking for prestigious internships
Conclusion
The DRDO Internship 2026 is a rare opportunity to gain paid government research experience while working with one of India’s most respected defence organisations. With a stipend of ₹5,000 per month, hands‑on project exposure, and a government certificate, this internship can significantly boost your academic and professional career.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, start preparing early and apply as soon as the notification is released. Opportunities like DRDO do not come often — make the most of it. For the latest updates, official notifications, and step-by-step guides on government internships, keep visiting aicteinternshipupdates.com.
FAQs – DRDO Internship 2026
Is DRDO Internship 2026 paid?
Yes, selected interns receive ₹5,000 per month.
Can freshers apply for DRDO Internship?
Final‑year students are eligible. Passed‑out candidates are usually not eligible.
Is the DRDO Internship certificate valuable?
Yes, it is a highly respected government certificate.
Is there any application fee?
No, applying for DRDO Internship is completely free.
