DRDO Paid Internship 2026: DRDO Launches Paid Internship Program; Apply by July 15

DRDO Paid Internship 2026: A fantastic opportunity has emerged for engineering and science students who dream of working in the field of defense research. The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL)—a Hyderabad-based facility of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)—has launched a 6-month paid internship program for the year 2026. This internship offers students the chance to work on the nation's advanced defense technologies and research projects; selected students will also receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000.

Candidates can apply online until July 15, 2026. This internship is intended for students currently in the final year of their engineering or science studies. During this period, students will gain experience working on projects related to defense research. Upon completion of the internship, a certificate will be awarded by DRDO.

Who can apply?

Only students studying at institutions recognized by AICTE or UGC are eligible to apply for this internship. Final-year students pursuing BE, BTech, ME, MTech, and MSc degrees are eligible. Engineering students must have a minimum CGPA of 7.0 across all semesters completed so far. Meanwhile, postgraduate engineering and science students must have secured at least 70% marks in their first year. Additionally, candidates must be under 28 years of age as of July 31, 2026.

What is the stipend amount, and when does the internship begin?

The internship will last for six months and is scheduled to commence on August 5, 2026. Selected students will receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000. The stipend will be disbursed in two installments: the first after the completion of three months, and the second upon the completion of the six-month internship and the subsequent project evaluation. If the internship extends beyond six months for any reason, no additional stipend will be provided for the extended period.

How to Apply?

1. Applications for this internship must be submitted entirely online. Candidates should first download the application form from the official DRDO website.

2. After filling out the form, scan the college reference letter and necessary documents, then email them to hrd.dmrl@gov.in.

3. When sending the email, it is mandatory to include "Application for paid internship 2026, DMRL Hyderabad (BRANCH CODE)" in the subject line, ensuring the specific branch code is mentioned. There is no application fee for this recruitment.

Selection Process and Required Documents

Candidates will be selected primarily based on their academic record and merit. DRDO may conduct online or offline interviews if deemed necessary. The application submission must include the filled-out application form, marksheets from the previous semester, a copy of the Aadhaar card or other identity proof, a college reference letter, and a bio-data/resume.