DRDL Offers 165 Paid Internship Positions for 2026
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has unveiled the recruitment notification for a Paid Internship Scheme at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, for the year 2026. This initiative opens up 165 internship positions aimed at final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students in engineering and physical sciences, inviting applications from 16 August 2026 until 01 September 2026. Interested candidates can find the application form and comprehensive details on the official DRDO website at drdo.gov.in.
Under Advertisement No. DRDL/HRD/INTERNSHIP/2026/01, this internship program offers a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 over a duration of six months. Candidates selected for this internship will gain valuable hands-on experience in missile systems technology and defense research at the DRDL facilities in Hyderabad.
Overview of the DRDL Internship 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad - DRDO |
| Advertisement Number | DRDL/HRD/INTERNSHIP/2026/01 |
| Programme Name | Paid Internship Scheme for Engineering/Science UG/PG Students |
| Total Positions | 165 (indicative; may increase or decrease at the establishment's discretion) |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Monthly Stipend | ₹5,000 per month |
| Location | DRDL / ASL / CAS, Hyderabad |
| Selection Mode | Walk-in interview/interaction, based on merit |
| Application Last Date | 16th August 2026 (Tentative) |
| Internship Start Date | 1st September 2026 (Tentative) |
| Application Mode | Walk-in with physical application, plus scanned copy via email |
Internship Vacancy Details
The DRDL is offering 165 internship positions spread across various disciplines. Note that the total number of vacancies may be adjusted based on organizational needs.
| Branch Code | Branch/Discipline | Number of Positions |
|---|---|---|
| EE | Engineering – Electronics; Communications Engineering / Electronics & Instrumentation / Electrical Engineering | 58 |
| ME | Engineering – Mechanical / Chemical / Aerospace / Production / Material / Safety / Textile Technology | 87 |
| PH | Mathematics and Allied Science | 05 |
| CS | Computer Science and Engineering (CSE, AI, Cyber Security & Allied) | 15 |
| Total | 165 |
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the DRDL Paid Internship, candidates must:
- Be in the concluding year of Undergraduate Engineering or in their final year of Postgraduate Engineering/Physical Science.
- Have attended a full-time program from a recognized Indian University/Institute, approved by AICTE/UGC.
- Hold a strong academic record with at least 60% marks or equivalent CGPA.
Additionally, candidates must be Indian citizens, and a referral letter from their college’s Principal or Director is necessary to endorse their application.
Age Limit
Eligible candidates should be under 28 years of age as of the date of application.
Stipend and Payment Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | ₹5,000 per month |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Payment Schedule | Paid in two installments; the first installment is after 3 months of training |
| Payment Mode | Transferred directly to the student’s bank account after completion of 3 months |
| Attendance Condition | A minimum of 15 days of physical presence is necessary each month to be eligible for the stipend |
| Boarding/Lodging | Not provided; subsidized meals are available |
If an intern leaves before completing three months, they will not receive a Completion Certificate or any payments. Conversely, a Completion Certificate will be granted upon successful internship conclusion, provided all project work and formalities are completed.
Important Dates
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Last Date for Filling Applications | 16th August 2026 |
| Information to Selected Candidates for Interview | 23rd August 2026 |
| Date of Start of Internship | 1st September 2026 |
Selection Process
1. Application Submission: Candidates are required to submit a physical application at the walk-in desk along with a scanned version via email.
2. Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted based on academic performance and the required college referral letter.
3. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will attend a walk-in interview at DRDL, Hyderabad.
Final selections will be made on a merit basis, and candidates not selected will not receive individual notifications.
Required Documents
Appointed candidates must present several documents upon joining, including:
- No Objection Certificate from the college.
- Police verification acknowledgment.
- Medical fitness certificate.
- Original Aadhaar card and college ID.
- Referral letter from college, character certificate, and previous semester mark sheets for verification.
How to Apply
- Obtain a referral letter from the Principal or Director recommending you for the internship.
- Complete the official application form with required details.
- Submit the application physically at the walk-in registration desk and send a scanned copy via email to the provided address.
- Ensure all applications are submitted by the deadline of 16th August 2026.
- Wait for communication regarding shortlist notifications.
Important Instructions
- Prospective interns must arrange their own accommodation and transport in Hyderabad.
- A college referral letter is mandatory for application consideration.
- Documents should be brought along on the interview day for verification.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is DRDL Paid Internship 2026?
This is a 6-month paid internship program by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad, targeting final-year UG/PG Engineering and Physical Science students, providing them with practical exposure in missile systems and defense R&D.
How many vacancies are there in DRDL Internship 2026?
There are currently 165 positions available across four disciplines: EE (58), ME (87), PH (05), and CS (15). This number may vary based on the organization's needs.
What is the deadline to apply for DRDL Paid Internship 2026?
The tentative deadline for submitting applications is 16th August 2026.
What is the eligibility for DRDL Paid Internship?
Applicants must be in their final year of Undergraduate Engineering or pursuing their final year in Postgraduate Engineering/Physical Science from a recognized institution, with at least 60% marks or equivalent CGPA.
What is the age limit for DRDL Paid Internship 2026?
Candidates must be under 28 years of age to be eligible for the internship.
What is the stipend for DRDL Paid Internship 2026?
The stipend is set at ₹5,000 per month, disbursed in two installments after meeting attendance conditions.
What is the selection process for DRDL Paid Internship 2026?
The selection involves shortlisting based on academic achievements and a college referral letter is essential, followed by a walk-in interview. Final candidates will be chosen solely based on merit.
Is there an online application for DRDL Internship 2026?
No, applications must be submitted physically during walk-in sessions, along with an emailed scanned copy.
Will DRDL offer a job after the internship?
No, there is no guaranteed employment after the internship, nor can interns claim any rights to a job based on this experience.
Is a college referral letter mandatory for DRDL Internship 2026?
Indeed, a referral/request letter from the college's Principal or Director on official college letterhead is an essential part of the application.
Conclusion
This DRDL Paid Internship Scheme presents an exciting opportunity for students pursuing their final year in relevant fields, providing them with valuable experience in defense research. With a blend of academic excellence and practical exposure, this initiative aims to fortify the students' future careers in defense technology and related sectors.