AI SummarySummer Internship Programme (PRL) is a scheme by the Department of Space, Government of India, that lets motivated Indian students and teachers take part in real research work at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL). Selected interns work with expert scientists across many scientific fields and get hands-on exposure that links classroom learning with professional research. The internship for 2026 ran from 11 May to 10 July 2026 in hybrid mode, and the application window for this year has now closed.
The programme is held every year, and the details below are based on the latest 2026 edition. Anyone planning for the next round can use this page to understand the eligibility, benefits, documents and the application process.
Summer Internship Programme (PRL) - Introduction
Summer Internship Programme (PRL) gives students and teachers a chance to connect with leading scientists at the Physical Research Laboratory. Through this scheme, participants get to use advanced research facilities and work on projects that cover everything from basic science to modern technology and real-world applications.
PRL is an autonomous unit of the Department of Space and carries out research in areas such as Astronomy and Astrophysics, Space and Atmospheric Sciences, Geosciences, Planetary Sciences, Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, and Theoretical Physics. The laboratory runs its work across campuses in Ahmedabad, Mt. Abu and Udaipur. For the 2026 edition, the internship was held in hybrid mode, meaning both offline and online options were available depending on the project.
Duration of Internship: 11 May to 10 July 2026 (45 days).
Training Mode: Offline or online, based on the project.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Summer Internship Programme (PRL) |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Scheme for | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Education & Learning |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Science And Technology |
| Nodal Department | Department of Space |
| Internship Duration | 11 May to 10 July 2026 |
Benefits
On completing the internship, participants receive a formal certificate endorsed by the Physical Research Laboratory, which adds real value to an academic profile. Interns also get direct mentorship from experienced PRL faculty members throughout the project.
This is a non-stipendiary programme, so there is no payment or financial help. For those attending in person, very limited paid accommodation is available on a first-come, first-served basis at ₹120 per day. Interns need to manage their own medical and travel expenses, and the training does not cover these costs.
Key Highlights:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Certification | Endorsed by PRL on successful completion |
| Mentorship | Direct guidance from PRL faculty |
| Accommodation | Limited paid options at ₹120 per day |
| Stipend | Not provided, non-stipendiary scheme |
Eligibility
Eligibility Criteria for Students:
To apply as a student, the candidate must be an Indian citizen and should be pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at a recognised Indian university or institution. A consistent academic record with a minimum aggregate of 60% or a CGPA of 6.32 on a 10-point scale is required at all levels. Applications are encouraged from fields such as Optics, Laser Physics, Space Physics, Geology, Geophysics, Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Meteorology, Chemistry, Ocean Sciences and related subjects. Good knowledge of basic physics and mathematics is expected, and preference is given to KVPY or DST INSPIRE fellows and Summer Research Fellows selected by the three National Science Academies.
Eligibility Criteria for Teachers:
Teachers should have a PhD and at least five years of teaching experience at the graduate or postgraduate level in the relevant scientific fields. They must also show an active interest in research through their publications or current projects. The application from a teacher must be forwarded through the head or principal of the institution, and any application without this recommendation is not considered.
Application Process
The application for the 2026 round is now closed. The steps below explain how the process worked, and the same pattern is likely to be followed for the next edition. First, browse the List of Projects for PRL Summer Internship Programme on the official PRL website. Identify a project that matches your interest and contact the project supervisor for their consent.
STEP 1 - Go to the official PRL website and open the Summer Internship Programme page. Check the list of projects and note down the project and supervisor you want to work with.
STEP 2 - Contact the project supervisor directly and ask for their consent. Only a limited number of projects are available, and a maximum of two students can work with one supervisor.
STEP 3 - Once the supervisor agrees, complete the online application form using the official link provided on the PRL website. After submission, the proposed supervisor receives a mail from the Dean's office and must confirm their approval before the last date.
STEP 4 - Attach all required documents, including the bonafide certificate and the prescribed annexure forms, while filling the online application. There is no separate deadline for documents, and they must be submitted with the application itself.
Selected candidates are informed through e-mail, and the final decision is usually conveyed by the end of April. No interim queries are entertained during the process.
Documents
To complete the application, the following documents are required:
- Bonafide Certificate issued by the Head of Department, Principal or Director of the institution.
- Recommendation Letter from the Dean or Principal in the prescribed format.
- Undertaking Form signed by the student, the internal supervisor and the head of the institution.
- Consent Form from the targeted PRL project supervisor.
- Valid proof of nationality such as an Aadhaar Card or Passport.
- Copies of academic certificates and research publications, if applicable.
References
For full guidelines and the latest updates, visit the official PRL Summer Internship Programme page.
FAQ's
Who is eligible to apply for this internship?
Indian students who are pursuing or have recently completed UG or PG programmes at a recognised Indian institution, and teachers with at least five years of experience, can apply.
Which academic disciplines are covered?
Fields such as Optics, Laser Physics, Space Physics, Geology, Geophysics, Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Meteorology, Chemistry, Ocean Sciences and related scientific streams are covered.
How long does the programme last?
The internship for 2026 ran for 45 days from 11 May to 10 July 2026.
Are interns provided with a stipend?
No, this is a non-stipendiary scheme. Limited paid accommodation is available for offline participants at ₹120 per day on a first-come, first-served basis.
Is the application open to non-Indian nationals?
No, this programme is only for Indian citizens.
How does the selection process work?
The applicant first contacts a project supervisor. If the supervisor agrees, the applicant fills the online application form, and the supervisor confirms the approval before the last date.
Are online internships available?
Yes, the 2026 edition was held in hybrid mode, and the nature of the project decides whether it is offline or online.
What are the requirements upon finishing the internship?
Interns must give a final seminar and submit a project report certified by the project supervisor to receive the completion certificate.
When does the application open for the next round?
The dates for the next edition are not confirmed yet. Interested candidates should keep checking the official PRL website for the latest announcement.