The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced its Paid Internship Programme 2026, offering engineering students a chance to gain hands-on experience in advanced defence research. The internship combines real-world project exposure with financial support, making it a highly competitive opportunity for technical students in India.
The programme offers a stipend of up to ₹30,000 for the full duration. In some DRDO labs, the amount is paid in two installments of ₹15,000 each. The internship lasts 4 to 6 months and is expected to begin between May and July 2026, depending on the lab and project requirements.
Students pursuing or completing B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech can apply. The programme mainly targets final-year students from streams such as Computer Science, Electronics, Electrical, and Biotechnology. Applicants must have a strong academic record and no active backlogs.
Candidates can apply through the official website: drdo.gov.in. Some centres may also require offline applications, where students need to download the form, attach a sponsorship letter, and send it to the respective lab. The application window opened on April 1, 2026, and will close on May 15, 2026.
DRDO offers internships across multiple labs, including the Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS) and the Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research (DIBER). Selection is merit-based, focusing on academic performance, with some candidates shortlisted for interviews.
This internship allows students to work on real defence projects, learn from experienced scientists, and earn a recognized certificate. It also improves career prospects in engineering, research, and government sectors.
Although the internship does not guarantee a job at DRDO, it adds strong value to a candidate’s profile. Students can also track updates on VITEEE 2026 Result Date, AP POLYCET Results 2026, for broader academic updates.
