DRDO DRDL Paid Internship Recruitment 2026 – 165 Posts
DRDO DRDL Paid Internship Recruitment 2026 offers 165 indicative internship positions for final-year Engineering and Physical Science students at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad. The programme provides a ₹5,000 monthly stipend for a six-month internship and focuses on defence research, including advanced missile systems technologies.
Eligible Indian citizens pursuing the final year of Undergraduate Engineering or final-year Postgraduate Engineering/Physical Science can apply. DRDL will shortlist candidates on academic merit and conduct an interaction/interview at DRDL/ASL/CAS, Hyderabad.
DRDO DRDL Paid Internship 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad |
| Parent Organisation | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Advertisement No. | DRDL/HRD/INTERNSHIP/2026/01 |
| Programme | Paid Internship Scheme |
| Total Positions | 165 indicative |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Monthly Stipend | ₹5,000 |
| Location | DRDL / ASL / CAS, Hyderabad |
| Selection | Merit-based shortlisting and walk-in interaction/interview |
| Application Mode | Physical application + email |
| Last Date | 16 August 2026, tentative |
| Tentative Internship Start | 1 September 2026 |
The internship specifically targets students who want practical exposure to defence research and missile systems technology. DRDL works on advanced Missile Systems technologies for the Indian Armed Forces, making this programme particularly relevant to students from engineering, computer science, mathematics and allied science backgrounds.
Vacancy Details 2026
DRDL has announced 165 indicative positions across four branch codes. The establishment can increase or decrease the number of positions according to its requirements.
| Branch Code | Discipline | Positions |
|---|---|---|
| EE | Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Electronics & Instrumentation, Electrical Engineering | 58 |
| ME | Mechanical, Chemical, Aerospace, Production, Material, Safety, Textile Technology | 87 |
| PH | Mathematics and Allied Science | 5 |
| CS | Computer Science and Engineering, AI, Cyber Security & Allied | 15 |
| Total | — | 165 |
The ME branch has the highest indicative position count with 87 opportunities, while the EE branch accounts for 58 positions. CS and PH cover 15 and 5 positions respectively.
DRDO DRDL Internship Eligibility 2026
Candidates must pursue the final year of Undergraduate Engineering or the final year of Postgraduate Engineering or Physical Science. The programme requires a full-time course in the relevant discipline from a recognised Indian University or Institute approved by AICTE or UGC.
Applicants also need a good academic record with at least 60% marks or equivalent CGPA. The source specifies that candidates should calculate the CGPA-to-percentage conversion using the average of completed semesters or years.
Other Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must meet these additional conditions:
- The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- The applicant must pursue the final year of the prescribed course.
- The college or institution must hold AICTE or UGC approval for the relevant programme.
- A referral or request letter from the Principal or Director of the college is mandatory.
- The college letter must recommend the candidate as a highly deserving and meritorious student.
The college referral letter is a key requirement for this internship. Students should obtain it on official college letterhead before submitting their application.
DRDO DRDL Paid Internship Age Limit
Candidates must be below 28 years of age to qualify for the internship.
The source does not specify a separate age-relaxation provision.
DRDL Internship Stipend and Duration
DRDL will provide a ₹5,000 monthly stipend during the six-month internship. The programme pays the stipend in two instalments, with the first instalment payable after three months of training.
Students must maintain at least 15 working days of physical attendance per month to remain eligible for the stipend and continue in the programme. DRDL/ASL/CAS does not provide boarding or lodging, although the source mentions subsidised lunch, tea and snacks at the wet-canteen.
| Stipend Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | ₹5,000 |
| Internship Duration | 6 months |
| Payment | Two instalments |
| First Instalment | After 3 months of training |
| Attendance Requirement | Minimum 15 working days per month |
| Boarding/Lodging | Not admissible |
Students who leave before completing a minimum tenure of three months will not receive payment or a Completion Certificate. Candidates who successfully complete the programme, including project evaluation, project-report submission and other formalities, will receive a Completion Certificate.
DRDO DRDL Internship Important Dates 2026
The source marks the following schedule as tentative.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date for Filling Applications | 16 August 2026 |
| Information to Selected Candidates | 23 August 2026 |
| Tentative Internship Start Date | 1 September 2026 |
DRDL will inform shortlisted candidates about the interview through phone and the DRDO website. The source does not provide a fixed interview date in the detailed schedule.
DRDL Paid Internship Selection Process
DRDL follows a merit-based selection process rather than a separate written examination. The process has three main stages:
- Application submission: Candidates submit the physical application and email a scanned copy.
- Shortlisting: DRDL considers academic percentage or CGPA along with the mandatory college referral letter.
- Interaction/Interview: Shortlisted candidates attend an interaction/interview at DRDL/ASL/CAS, Hyderabad.
- Final selection: DRDL makes the final selection entirely on merit.
Candidates should therefore pay close attention to their academic record and referral letter. The source also gives the management authority to change vacancy positions or selection criteria during the process.
DRDO DRDL Internship 2026 Preparation Tips
This internship has a clear defence-research focus, so candidates should prepare differently from students applying for a routine industrial internship. Engineering students should revise the fundamentals connected with their selected branch, particularly areas relevant to electronics, electrical systems, mechanical engineering, aerospace, production, materials, chemical engineering or safety.
Students applying under Computer Science, AI or Cyber Security should be ready to explain their academic projects, programming or technology work in simple technical terms. Mathematics and allied science candidates should understand the core concepts behind their academic projects and explain how their skills can support scientific research.
The walk-in interaction also gives candidates an opportunity to demonstrate genuine interest in defence R&D. Applicants should know their own project work, academic achievements and selected branch code because DRDL specifically uses academic merit and the college recommendation during shortlisting.
Documents Required for DRDL Internship 2026
The source separates the application requirement from the documents shortlisted or selected students must produce during the joining or walk-in process. Candidates should prepare the following documents as applicable:
- College Principal/Director referral or request letter on college letterhead
- Original college NOC confirming relief for the internship
- Police verification acknowledgement
- Undertaking related to the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923
- Undertaking to follow applicable Ministry of Defence IT rules
- Bank account details
- Medical fitness certificate from an authorised medical practitioner holding at least an MBBS degree
- Original Aadhaar Card and college ID
- Three passport-size photographs
- Previous semester mark sheets in original
- Indemnity form when required
- College character certificate
- Police verification certificate
Shortlisted candidates should pay particular attention to the character certificate and police verification certificate, because the source specifically asks them to bring these documents to the walk-in.
How to Apply for DRDO DRDL Paid Internship 2026
DRDL does not provide an online application portal for this internship. Candidates must use the prescribed physical application process and email a scanned copy.
Follow these steps:
- Obtain a referral or request letter from your college Principal or Director.
- Make sure the letter uses official college letterhead and recommends you as a meritorious student.
- Complete the prescribed application form with your personal, academic and branch details.
- Enter the correct branch code: EE, ME, PH or CS.
- Mention your degree, semester/year, marks or CGPA and academic achievements.
- Place the completed application in an envelope marked “Application for Paid Internship”.
- Mention the relevant branch code on the envelope.
- Submit the physical application at the walk-in registration desk.
- Email a scanned copy of the completed application to drdlintern2026@gmail.com.
- Ensure the application reaches DRDL by 16 August 2026, the tentative last date listed in the source.
- Wait for shortlisting information through phone and the DRDO website.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in DRDL Internship Application
- Applying without the college referral letter: DRDL requires a Principal/Director recommendation on college letterhead.
- Choosing the wrong branch code: Candidates should select the branch that matches their qualifying discipline.
- Looking for an online application portal: DRDL requires a physical application plus an emailed scanned copy.
- Ignoring the academic threshold: Candidates need at least 60% marks or equivalent CGPA.
- Arriving at the walk-in without supporting certificates: Shortlisted candidates need the required character and police verification certificates.
- Assuming the internship guarantees a job: DRDL does not create an employment obligation through this internship.
Important Instructions for DRDO DRDL Internship
Candidates must arrange their own stay and transportation in Hyderabad. Depending on the number of candidates attending the walk-in, applicants should be prepared to stay for one or more days.
DRDL does not provide boarding or lodging expenses. Students can use the subsidised canteen facilities mentioned in the notification.
The internship also does not guarantee future employment with DRDL, ASL or CAS. Completing the internship does not create an employment right or obligation for the laboratory.
Rejected candidates will not receive individual communication. Candidates should therefore rely on the phone communication and DRDO website updates for interview and selection information.
DRDO DRDL Paid Internship 2026 Important Links
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | DRDO DRDL Paid Internship 2026 Notification |
| Official Website | DRDO |
| Application Email | drdlintern2026@gmail.com |
The source identifies the DRDO website and the official notification PDF as the primary recruitment resources.
DRDO DRDL Paid Internship 2026 FAQs
What is DRDO DRDL Paid Internship Recruitment 2026?
It is a six-month paid internship programme conducted by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad, for eligible final-year Engineering and Physical Science UG/PG students.
How many positions are available in DRDL Internship 2026?
DRDL has announced 165 indicative internship positions across EE, ME, PH and CS branch codes. The establishment can increase or decrease the number of positions.
What is the stipend for DRDO DRDL Internship 2026?
The internship provides a ₹5,000 monthly stipend for a six-month duration. DRDL pays the stipend in two instalments, with the first instalment after three months of training.
Who can apply for DRDL Paid Internship?
Final-year Undergraduate Engineering students and final-year Postgraduate Engineering or Physical Science students can apply if they meet the prescribed course, institution, citizenship and academic requirements. Candidates need at least 60% marks or equivalent CGPA.
What is the age limit for DRDL Internship 2026?
Candidates must be below 28 years of age.
Is there an online application for DRDL Internship 2026?
No. DRDL requires candidates to submit a physical application at the walk-in registration desk and email a scanned copy to drdlintern2026@gmail.com.
Is the college referral letter mandatory?
Yes. A referral or request letter from the Principal or Director of the candidate’s college or institution, prepared on college letterhead, is mandatory for consideration.
Does the DRDL internship guarantee a government job?
No. Completing the internship does not create any obligation for DRDL/ASL/CAS to offer employment, and interns cannot claim an employment right based on the internship.
Conclusion
DRDO DRDL Paid Internship Recruitment 2026 provides 165 indicative positions for final-year Engineering and Physical Science students who want hands-on exposure to defence research. The six-month programme offers a ₹5,000 monthly stipend and covers branches ranging from electronics and mechanical engineering to mathematics, computer science, AI and cyber security.
Students who meet the eligibility requirements should arrange the mandatory college referral letter and complete the physical application process before the 16 August 2026 tentative deadline. Candidates should also prepare for the merit-based interaction by understanding their academic projects and selected technical discipline.
