AI SummaryScheme of Internship of Students to DRDO Labs/Estts for Project Training gives undergraduate and postgraduate students in Engineering and General Sciences a chance to work inside DRDO laboratories and take part in live defence research projects. The scheme is a continuing offering of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under Ministry of Defence, and in 2026-27 many DRDO labs have released fresh paid internship notifications under this framework.
Students who join the scheme spend their training period in areas such as missile technology, electronics, camouflage systems, aeronautics, radar and communication, and get to learn from senior DRDO scientists. The main aim is to reduce the gap between classroom learning and real research work in the defence sector.
Scheme of Internship of Students to DRDO Labs/Estts for Project Training - Introduction
The scheme continues in the current academic year 2026-27. Every year, DRDO labs such as DRDL Hyderabad, R&DE (E) Pune, DLJ Jodhpur, DEAL Dehradun, SSPL Delhi and many others release internship notifications for engineering and science students. As of August 2026, the official DRDO vacancies page lists current paid internship openings. For example, DRDL Hyderabad has invited applications for paid internships with the last date of 16 August 2026.
DRDO started this scheme to give future engineers and scientists early exposure to the research and development work of the organisation. Students work on ongoing projects, learn project-based research methods, and can earn an Internship Completion Certificate after submitting their project report and clearing the evaluation.
Unlike regular job openings, this scheme is managed directly by individual DRDO laboratories. Each lab decides the number of seats, the course streams, the training duration and the stipend. Some 2026 paid internship notifications offer a monthly stipend that ranges from about ₹5,000 to ₹30,000 depending on the lab and the project. A few labs also allow extension of the project work beyond the initial period, though the extended period may not carry a stipend.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Scheme of Internship of Students to DRDO Labs/Estts for Project Training |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Education and Learning |
| Sub Category | Internship |
| Benefit Type | In Kind with lab specific stipend |
| Training Duration | 4 weeks to 6 months |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Defence |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
Benefits
Students selected under this scheme gain practical training in defence related research sectors. They work alongside DRDO scientists on live projects, which builds technical skills and research discipline that is useful for higher studies and future jobs.
- Hands-on experience of working on live defence projects in modern research areas such as radar, electronics, aeronautics, camouflage and communication systems.
- Internship Completion Certificate is awarded after successful completion, submission of the project report and clearing the evaluation.
- Paid internship notifications for 2026-27 come with a monthly stipend that varies from lab to lab, from about ₹5,000 to ₹30,000 per month as per the notification.
Please note: DRDO does not accept liability for compensation regarding personal injury or accidents that may occur during attachment to any Lab or Establishment.
Training Duration Table:
| Duration | Condition |
|---|---|
| 4 Weeks to 6 Months | Depends on course type and Lab Director discretion |
Eligibility
To be eligible for this scheme, a student should be currently pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Engineering or General Sciences. The 2026 paid internship notifications mostly ask for final-year students with a good academic record, usually 75% or above marks or CGPA 7.5 and above on a 10-point scale, from an AICTE or UGC approved college or university. Some labs also put an age limit below 28 years. Access is limited strictly to UNCLASSIFIED areas of DRDO laboratories.
Important Reminders:
- Provisions of Apprentices Act, 1961 do not apply to this internship.
- Participation in this scheme does not create any obligation for DRDO to offer future employment.
- Interns have to follow lab rules, the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923 and the IT rules of Ministry of Defence.
Application Process
This is mostly an offline placement process. Students have to coordinate directly with the laboratory that matches their field of study. For example, if a student is interested in laser technology, they should reach out to the specific DRDO lab specialising in that area.
STEP 1 - Check the official DRDO vacancies page at drdo.gov.in to see which labs have open internship notifications for 2026-27. Read the notification carefully and note the branch codes, last date and address of the lab.
STEP 2 - Consult your college or institute authorities. Principal or Head of Department has to send a referral or request letter in the prescribed format, which is a required part of almost every 2026 paid internship application.
STEP 3 - Fill the application form in the prescribed format with personal details, academic record and branch code. Attach the required documents such as mark sheets, Aadhaar card copy and passport size photograph.
STEP 4 - Send the completed application by Speed Post or email to the address given in the notification. Mention "Application for Paid Internship" and the branch code on the envelope. Selected students are intimated through the email ID given in the form and may be called for document verification or online interview.
Note: Avoid sending internship inquiries to DRDO HQ. Applications sent to DRDO HQ are not processed, so students should communicate directly with the concerned laboratory.
Documents
When preparing the application, keep these documents ready to verify eligibility:
- Identity Proof: Valid Aadhaar Card or official College ID.
- Photograph: Recent passport size photo, usually 4.5 x 3.5 cm.
- Academic Records: Copies of mark sheets or transcripts from recent semesters.
- Referral Letter: Request letter from Principal or HOD on college letterhead in the prescribed format.
- Statement of Purpose: A brief write-up stating areas of interest and academic goals, if asked by the lab.
- Declaration: Signed forms agreeing to follow DRDO facility rules, Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923 and safety disclaimers.
References
DRDO Vacancies and Internship Notifications 2026
Official Instructions for Summer Training
DLJ Jodhpur Paid Internship Advertisement PDF
Hindustan Times Report on DRDO Internship 2026
Career India Report on DRDO Paid Internship 2026
FAQ's
What is the primary goal of this internship program?
The scheme gives students exposure to the research and development activities carried out by DRDO in fields that are very important for the defence sector. It helps students connect academic learning with real project work.
Who is eligible to participate?
Students currently enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate courses in Engineering or General Sciences are eligible. Most 2026 paid internship notifications ask for final-year students with 75% or above marks, or CGPA 7.5 and above, from AICTE or UGC approved colleges.
Are all areas of DRDO labs accessible?
No. Interns are allowed access only to UNCLASSIFIED areas of the laboratories, and they have to follow the rules of the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923.
How long does the training last?
Training duration is usually between 4 weeks and 6 months for project training. Paid internship programmes under the 2026 notifications generally run for a minimum of 6 months.
Is it possible to extend my training period?
Extensions depend on the discretion of the Lab Director and the needs of the project. In some paid internships, M.Tech or M.Sc project work can be extended by 8 to 10 months, often without stipend for the extended period.
What is the correct procedure to apply?
Students should apply through their educational institution by corresponding directly with the DRDO lab that matches their field of study. The referral letter from the college is a required part of the application.
Should I send my application to DRDO HQ?
No. Applications sent to DRDO HQ are not processed. Students should correspond only with the individual laboratory that has released the notification.
Do I receive any stipend or financial aid?
The general project training scheme may not carry a stipend. However, many paid internship notifications released by DRDO labs for 2026-27 offer a monthly stipend, which varies from about ₹5,000 to ₹30,000 per month as per the lab and notification.
Does the Apprentices Act, 1961 apply to me?
No. This internship operates independently and is not covered by the Apprentices Act, 1961.
Will I be guaranteed a job after the internship?
No. Completing this internship does not entitle a student to, or guarantee, a job offer at DRDO.
Which academic fields are considered?
The scheme accepts applications from students in Engineering and General Science disciplines such as Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Science, Chemical, Physics and Chemistry.
Is the scheme still open in 2026?
Yes. DRDO labs keep releasing paid internship notifications through 2026-27. As of August 2026, current openings are listed on the official DRDO vacancies page at drdo.gov.in.