The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has released paid internship notifications for Engineering and Science UG/PG students across three of its premier laboratories — Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi; Scientific Analysis Group (SAG), Delhi; and Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad. A combined total of 235 internship vacancies are available across multiple disciplines.
All three internships are for a duration of 6 months and offer a consolidated stipend to selected students. Indian citizens currently in the final year of their B.E./B.Tech./M.E./M.Tech./M.Sc. programmes from AICTE/UGC recognized institutions are eligible to apply.
DRDO Internship 2026 – Overview at a Glance
| Detail | NPOL, Kochi | SAG, Delhi | RCI, Hyderabad |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertisement No. | NPOL/A/PIS/6/2026 | SAG/HR/4205/Paid_Internship/2026/01 | RCI/HRD/PDINTERN/2026/01 |
| Date | June 2026 | 05 June 2026 | June 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 35 | 40 | 160 |
| Duration | 6 Months | 6 Months | Min. 6 Months |
| Internship Start Date | 01 July 2026 | 01 July 2026 | 03 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 15 June 2026 | 10 days from advertisement | 20 June 2026 |
| Stipend | Rs. 30,000/- total (in 2 installments) | Rs. 30,000/- total (in 2 installments) | Rs. 5,000/- per month |
| Mode of Application | Email + Google Form | Email only | Speed Post/Courier |
| Location | Thrikkakkara, Kochi – 682 021 | Civil Lines, Delhi – 110054 | Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad – 500069 |
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Important Dates
| Event | NPOL | SAG | RCI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply | 15 June 2026 | 10 days from advertisement date | 20 June 2026 |
| Intimation to Selected Students | 4th week of June 2026 | Last week of June 2026 | 2nd week of July 2026 |
| Internship Start Date | 01 July 2026 | 01 July 2026 | 03 August 2026 |
1. NPOL DRDO Paid Internship 2026 – Kochi (35 Vacancies)
Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Thrikkakkara, Kochi is a premier DRDO laboratory committed to designing and developing advanced underwater sensors, surveillance systems, and conducting oceanographic studies for Naval applications.
NPOL Vacancy 2026 – Discipline-wise Distribution
| Sl. No. | Discipline | Tentative Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Computer Science / AI & ML / Data Science | 12 |
| 2 | Electronics & Communication / Electrical & Electronics / Instrumentation Engineering | 10 |
| 3 | Mechanical Engineering | 05 |
| 4 | Chemical Engineering / Polymer Science or Technology | 04 |
| 5 | Physics / Opto Electronics | 02 |
| 6 | Ocean Science / Ocean Technology | 02 |
| Total | 35 |
NPOL Eligibility 2026
Students currently enrolled in full-time UG/PG courses in the relevant discipline from an AICTE/UGC recognized Indian University/Institute and in the final year of their course are eligible. The internship/project work of minimum 6 months must be a part of the curriculum prescribed for the course. The maximum age limit is 28 years as on the closing date. Students must have scored at least 75% marks or ≥ 7.5 CGPA/SGPA until the previous year/semester.
NPOL Stipend 2026
Selected candidates will receive a total stipend of Rs. 30,000/- paid in two equal installments — Rs. 15,000/- after completion of 3 months and Rs. 15,000/- after completion of 6 months. If the intern leaves before completing the full 6-month duration, no stipend or completion certificate will be issued.
How to Apply for NPOL Internship 2026
Interested candidates must email the scanned copy of the duly filled and signed Application Form (Annexure A) along with an endorsement letter from the institute/university (Annexure B) as a single file to hrd.npol@gov.in before 15 June 2026. Candidates must also submit details through the Google Form at https://tinyurl.com/4jp8t4cc. Alternatively, applications can be sent by Speed Post to: The Director, NPOL (DRDO), Thrikkakara PO, Kochi – 682 021. The envelope should be superscribed “Application for Paid Internship Scheme – 2026 in the _____________ discipline.” There is no application fee.
2. SAG DRDO Paid Internship 2026 – Delhi (40 Vacancies)
Scientific Analysis Group (SAG) is a premier Research Laboratory under DRDO, Ministry of Defence, located in Civil Lines, Delhi. SAG invites applications for its 6-month paid internship scheme from final year B.E./B.Tech./M.E./M.Tech./M.Sc. students for the academic year 2026-27.
SAG Vacancy 2026 – Discipline-wise Distribution
| Branch Code | Branch / Discipline | Essential Qualification | Vacancies | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS | CS / AI / IT / ISE / Cyber Security | B.E./B.Tech. or M.E./M.Tech. | Combined 40 | SAG, Delhi – 110054 |
| EC | Electronics / ECE / EIE | B.E./B.Tech. or M.E./M.Tech. | ||
| PH | Physics | M.Sc. | ||
| MA | Mathematics / Statistics | M.Sc. | ||
| Total | 40 |
SAG Eligibility 2026
UG students must be pursuing B.E./B.Tech. (IV Year) full-time in the respective discipline. PG students must be in the 2nd Year of M.E./M.Tech./M.Sc. full-time. Students who have backlogs (failed) in any semester are not eligible. A minimum of 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA from AICTE/UGC approved colleges is required.
SAG Stipend 2026
The total stipend for the 6-month internship is Rs. 30,000/-, paid in two equal installments of Rs. 15,000/- each — the first after 3 months and the second after completion of 6 months. Stipend is applicable only when the student is present at the lab for a minimum of 15 working days per month. No accommodation, lodging, boarding, transport, or medical expenses will be provided.
How to Apply for SAG Internship 2026
Applications must be submitted only via email to saghr.sag@gov.in. The email subject must clearly mention “Application for Paid Internship – July 2026” along with the Branch Code and Branch/Discipline, addressed to the Director, Scientific Analysis Group (SAG). The following scanned documents must be attached: duly filled application form; No Objection Certificate from college (Annexure I); 10th marksheet; 12th/Diploma marksheet; marksheets of all completed semesters; Aadhaar card; and College ID card. The last date for receipt of applications is 10 days from the date of publication of the advertisement on the DRDO website. There is no application fee.
3. RCI DRDO Paid Internship 2026 – Hyderabad (160 Vacancies)
Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad is one of the premier DRDO laboratories serving as the Modern Avionics Hub of DRDO. It delivers state-of-the-art Avionics Systems for all Missile and Defence Programmes of India. RCI invites applications from students with excellent academic records for its paid internship at RCI/DYSL-AT/DSP for a minimum period of 6 months.
RCI Vacancy 2026 – Category-wise Distribution
Category (a): UG Internship – B.Tech. VII & VIII Semester Students
| Branch Code | Branch / Discipline | Monthly Stipend | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS | CSE / AI / ML / Cyber Security | Rs. 5,000/- per month | Min. 6 Months | RCI, Hyderabad – 500069 |
| EC | Electronics / ECE / EIE | |||
| ME | Mechanical Engineering | |||
| EE | Electrical Engineering | |||
| CE | Materials / Chemical Engineering | |||
| AE | Aeronautical Engineering | |||
| SE | Safety Engineering |
Category (b): PG Internship – M.Tech./M.Sc. 2nd Year Students
| Branch Code | Branch / Discipline |
|---|---|
| PG/CS | CSE |
| PG/EC | ECE |
| PG/ME | Mechanical Engineering |
| PG/EE | Electrical Engineering |
| PE | Power Engineering |
| PH | Physics |
| CH | Chemistry |
| VL | VLSI / Embedded |
| RF | RF Engineering / RADAR |
| SA | Structural Analysis |
| IR | IR Seekers |
| LA | LASERS |
| MH | Mechatronics / MEMS |
| RE | Robotics Engineering |
| SE | System Engineering |
| TE | Thermal Engineering |
Total Vacancies (Category a + b): 160
RCI Eligibility 2026
Students pursuing full-time Graduate/Post Graduate in Engineering and Science (Physics/Chemistry only) in the final year from a recognized Indian University/Institute are eligible. Only final year students may apply. The minimum academic requirement is ≥ 75% from AICTE/UGC approved colleges. Maximum age is below 28 years.
RCI Stipend 2026
RCI offers a monthly stipend of Rs. 5,000/- per month, paid in two installments — first after 3 months of internship and second after completion of 6 months. Stipend is applicable only when the student maintains a minimum of 15 working days of attendance per month at the laboratory. No boarding or lodging expenses are admissible. For M.Tech./M.Sc. students, the project internship can be extended by 4–6 months beyond the 6-month period without payment of stipend.
How to Apply for RCI Internship 2026
Candidates must send the duly filled Bio-data form along with the following documents by Speed Post/Courier to: The Director, Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Defence R&D Organisation, Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad – 500069. The envelope must be clearly superscribed with “Application for Paid Internship” and the “Branch Code.” Documents required: copies of marksheets duly attested by HOD/Principal; College ID card copy; latest Aadhaar card copy; and original referral letter issued by Principal/HOD. Last date to apply is 20 June 2026.
DRDO Internship 2026 – Eligibility Summary
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian Citizens only |
| Course | Final year B.E./B.Tech. / M.E./M.Tech. / M.Sc. (full-time) |
| Minimum Marks | 75% or ≥ 7.5 CGPA until previous year/semester |
| Backlogs | Not eligible (SAG specifically; other labs may apply same norm) |
| Age Limit | Up to 28 years (NPOL & RCI); not specified separately for SAG |
| Internship as Curriculum | Required for NPOL; curriculum part of course |
DRDO Internship 2026 – Stipend Comparison
| Laboratory | Stipend Structure | Total Stipend (6 months) |
|---|---|---|
| NPOL, Kochi | Rs. 15,000/- after 3 months + Rs. 15,000/- after 6 months | Rs. 30,000/- |
| SAG, Delhi | Rs. 15,000/- after 3 months + Rs. 15,000/- after 6 months | Rs. 30,000/- |
| RCI, Hyderabad | Rs. 5,000/- per month (paid in 2 installments) | Rs. 30,000/- |
All three laboratories pay stipend only when a minimum attendance of 15 working days per month is maintained. No candidate will receive a completion certificate if they leave the internship before the full 6-month duration. The internship does not confer any right to employment or absorption in DRDO.
How to Apply – Quick Reference
| Lab | Apply Via | Email / Address | Last Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NPOL | Email + Google Form | hrd.npol@gov.in + https://tinyurl.com/4jp8t4cc | 15 June 2026 |
| SAG | Email only | saghr.sag@gov.in | 10 days from advertisement |
| RCI | Speed Post / Courier | Director, RCI, Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad – 500069 | 20 June 2026 |
FAQs
How many total vacancies are available in DRDO Internship 2026 across NPOL, SAG, and RCI?
A combined total of 235 paid internship vacancies are available — 35 at NPOL Kochi, 40 at SAG Delhi, and 160 at RCI Hyderabad.
What is the stipend for DRDO Paid Internship 2026?
All three laboratories offer a total stipend of Rs. 30,000/- for the 6-month internship, paid in two equal installments of Rs. 15,000/- each — after 3 months and after 6 months. RCI pays Rs. 5,000/- per month, reaching the same total.
Who is eligible for DRDO Paid Internship 2026?
Final year students of B.E./B.Tech., M.E./M.Tech., or M.Sc. from AICTE/UGC recognized institutions with a minimum of 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA are eligible. Only Indian citizens can apply.
Does completing a DRDO internship guarantee a job?
No. The offer of internship does not confer any right to employment or absorption in DRDO. Selection to the internship does not imply any future job offer.
