The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has officially released the DRDL Paid Internship Notification 2026 through Advertisement No. DRDL/HRD/INTERNSHIP/2026/01. The Defence Research Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, a premier laboratory of DRDO engaged in the Research and Development of advanced missile systems for the Indian Armed Forces, has announced 165 vacancies for a 6-month Paid Internship program.
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DRDO DRDL Paid Internship 2026: Overview
The DRDO DRDL Paid Internship 2026 provides an excellent opportunity for engineering and science students to gain practical exposure in defence research and missile technology. Below is a detailed overview with all key information for aspirants.
| Organization | Defence Research Development Laboratory (DRDL), DRDO |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Paid Intern (Engineering / Physical Science) |
| Vacancies | 165 (Indicative) |
| Advertisement No. | DRDL/HRD/INTERNSHIP/2026/01 |
| Application Mode | Online (Scanned application via email) + Walk-in-Interview |
| Selection Process | Shortlisting based on merit + Walk-in-Interview |
| Monthly Stipend | ₹5,000/- per month |
| Duration | 06 Months (1st September 2026 to 28th February 2027) |
| Official Website | www.drdo.gov.in |
| Application Email | drdlintern2026@gmail.com |
| Eligibility | Final Year UG/PG (Engineering/Physical Science) with ≥60% marks |
| Last Date to Apply | 16th August 2026 |
DRDO DRDL Paid Internship Vacancy 2026
The DRDO DRDL Paid Internship 2026 includes a total of 165 vacancies across various engineering and science disciplines. The distribution is based on branch codes as per the laboratory’s requirements. The number of vacancies is indicative and may increase or decrease at the discretion of the establishment.
| Branch Code | Branch / Discipline | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| EE | Electronics and 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 (CSE, AI, Cyber Security & Allied) | 15 |
How to Apply for DRDO DRDL Paid Internship 2026?
Candidates applying for the DRDO DRDL Paid Internship 2026 must follow the steps below. The application process involves sending a scanned copy of the duly filled application form along with a mandatory referral letter from the Principal/Director of the college.
| Step | Procedure |
|---|---|
| 1 | Download the application format from the DRDO website or the notification PDF. |
| 2 | Fill in all personal, educational, and contact details correctly. Affix a passport-size photograph. |
| 3 | Obtain a mandatory referral/recommendation letter from your Principal/Director on college letterhead. |
| 4 | Scan the filled application form along with the referral letter and all mark sheets. |
| 5 | Send the scanned copy to the official email ID: drdlintern2026@gmail.com before the deadline. |
| 6 | Mention “Application for Paid Internship” and the “Branch Code” clearly on the envelope if submitting physically at the walk-in. |
| 7 | Shortlisted candidates will be informed via phone and the DRDO website about the interview date. |
| 8 | Attend the walk-in-interview at DRDL, Hyderabad with all original documents for verification. |
DRDO DRDL Paid Internship 2026 Notification
The DRDO DRDL Paid Internship 2026 Notification PDF is provided below for candidates’ reference. This PDF contains complete details about vacancies, eligibility criteria, application process, important dates, and selection procedure. Aspirants can refer to it to ensure they meet all requirements before applying. The notification also includes the application format, mandatory documents, and instructions for the walk-in-interview.
[Link to Download DRDO DRDL Paid Internship 2026 Notification PDF]
DRDO DRDL Paid Internship Eligibility 2026
The DRDO DRDL Paid Internship 2026 has defined clear eligibility criteria for all candidates. Applicants must meet requirements related to education, age, and academic performance. Only candidates fulfilling these conditions can successfully apply.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must be pursuing a full-time course from a recognized Indian University/Institute.
| Course Type | Eligibility Details |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Engineering) | Final Year students (VII/VIII Semester) |
| Postgraduate (Engineering) | Final Year students (I/II Year) |
| Postgraduate (Physical Science) | Final Year students (I/II Year) |
| Minimum Marks | 60% or equivalent CGPA (average of completed semesters/years) |
Age Limit
Candidates must be below 28 years of age as on the date of application. No specific age relaxation has been mentioned in the notification.
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| All Categories | Below 28 Years |
DRDO DRDL Paid Internship Selection Procedure 2026
The selection for the DRDO DRDL Paid Internship 2026 is based on academic merit and a walk-in-interview. There is no written test.
- Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted based on their percentage of marks (CGPA converted to percentage) and academic track record.
- Walk-in-Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview at DRDL/ASL/CAS, Hyderabad.
- Merit List: The final selection will be based on the performance in the interview and marks obtained.
- Notification: Selected candidates will be notified via phone and the DRDO website.
- Document Verification: Original documents, including mark sheets, Aadhar card, and college ID, will be verified at the time of joining.
DRDO DRDL Paid Internship Stipend & Benefits 2026
The DRDO DRDL Paid Internship 2026 offers a 6-month training program with a monthly stipend of ₹5,000/-. Candidates are advised to note the payment terms and conditions.
- Monthly Stipend: ₹5,000/- per month.
- Payment Installments: The stipend will be paid in two installments. The first installment will be paid after completion of 3 months.
- Attendance Requirement: A minimum of 15 working days of physical attendance per month is mandatory to retain the stipend.
- Completion Certificate: A completion certificate will be issued only after successful completion of the full 6-month tenure and submission of the project report.
- No Stipend for Early Exit: If a student leaves before completing 3 months, no payment will be made. If they leave between 3-6 months, no completion certificate will be issued.
- No Boarding/Lodging: No boarding or lodging expenses are admissible. However, selected candidates can avail of lunch, tea, and snacks at subsidized rates at the DRDL/ASL/CAS canteen.
- No Employment Guarantee: The laboratory has no obligation to offer employment after the internship.
DRDO DRDL Paid Internship Important Dates 2026
Candidates must keep track of the following important dates to ensure timely submission and participation.
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date for Filling Applications | 16th August 2026 |
| Information to Selected Candidates for Interview | 23rd August 2026 |
| Date of Start of Internship | 1st September 2026 |
FAQs
Q1. How many vacancies are there in DRDO DRDL Paid Internship 2026?
Ans: A total of 165 internship vacancies are available across various engineering and science disciplines.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for DRDO DRDL Paid Internship 2026?
Ans: The last date to send the scanned application is 16th August 2026.
Q3. What is the monthly stipend for DRDO DRDL Paid Internship 2026?
Ans: Selected interns will receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000/-.
Q4. What is the duration of the internship?
Ans: The internship duration is 06 months, starting from 1st September 2026 to 28th February 2027.
Q5. What is the eligibility criteria for DRDO DRDL Paid Internship 2026?
Ans: Candidates must be in their final year of Undergraduate Engineering or Postgraduate Engineering/Physical Science with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent CGPA. The age limit is below 28 years.
Q6. Is there an application fee for DRDO DRDL Paid Internship 2026?
Ans: No, there is no application fee for this internship.
Q7. How will I be selected for the DRDO DRDL Paid Internship?
Ans: Selection will be based on academic merit (percentage of marks) followed by a walk-in-interview at DRDL, Hyderabad.
Q8. Will I get a job at DRDO after completing the internship?
Ans: No. The laboratory has no obligation to offer employment to interns, and interns cannot claim a right to employment upon completion of the internship.
