The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, a premier laboratory of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), has announced a Paid Internship Scheme 2026 for eligible Engineering and Physical Science students. The internship provides an opportunity for students to gain practical exposure in defence-related research and development activities.
Under Advertisement No. DRDL/HRD/INTERNSHIP/2026/01, DRDL has announced a total of 165 internship vacancies across Electronics, Mechanical, Physical Science and Computer Science disciplines. The internship duration is six months, and selected students will receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000.
The internship will be conducted at DRDL/ASL/CAS, Hyderabad. Eligible candidates must have a good academic record and meet the prescribed educational, age and other requirements. The selection will be based entirely on merit, including academic performance and interaction/interview where applicable.
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DRDL Hyderabad Paid Internship 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Laboratory |
| Parent Organization | DRDO |
| Advertisement No. | DRDL/HRD/INTERNSHIP/2026/01 |
| Internship | Paid Internship |
| Total Vacancies | 165 |
| Duration | 6 Months |
| Monthly Stipend | ₹5,000 |
| Location | DRDL / ASL / CAS, Hyderabad |
| Application Mode | Walk-in Interview + Scanned Application by Email |
| Minimum Marks | 60% or equivalent CGPA |
| Age Limit | Below 28 Years |
| Application Last Date | 16 August 2026 |
| Interview Information | 23 August 2026 |
| Internship Start Date | 1 September 2026 |
| drdlintern2026@gmail.com |
The vacancy numbers are indicative and may increase or decrease at the discretion of the establishment.
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DRDL Internship Vacancy 2026
A total of 165 internship positions are available under four branch codes.
| Branch Code | Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| EE | Electronics, ECE, Electronics & Instrumentation, Electrical Engineering | 58 |
| ME | Mechanical, Chemical, Aerospace, Production, Material, Safety, Textile Technology | 87 |
| PH | Mathematics and Allied Science | 5 |
| CS | Computer Science & Engineering, CSE, AI, Cyber Security & Allied | 15 |
| Total | — | 165 |
The detailed vacancy table appears on page 1 of the official advertisement.
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Electronics – 58 Vacancies
Under branch code EE, internships are available for students pursuing:
- Electronics Engineering
- Electronics and Communication Engineering
- Electronics & Instrumentation
- Electrical Engineering
There are 58 vacancies under this branch.
Mechanical and Related Engineering – 87 Vacancies
Under branch code ME, internships are available for:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Production Engineering
- Material Engineering
- Safety Technology
- Textile Technology
This category has the highest number of vacancies, with 87 positions.
Mathematics and Allied Science – 5 Vacancies
The PH branch covers Mathematics and allied science, with 5 vacancies.
Computer Science – 15 Vacancies
The CS branch has 15 vacancies for students pursuing:
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cyber Security
- Allied disciplines
Who Can Apply?
The internship is intended for students who are currently pursuing the final year of an eligible Engineering or Physical Science programme.
According to the notification, eligible candidates include:
- Final-year Undergraduate Engineering students
- Final-year Postgraduate Engineering students
- Final-year Postgraduate Physical Science students
The prescribed minimum educational qualification is a full-time Graduate Engineering or Postgraduate Engineering/Physical Science course in the respective discipline from a recognized Indian University/Institute.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must be pursuing a full-time programme in the relevant discipline from a recognized Indian University or Institute.
The notification specifically mentions:
- Graduate Engineering
- Postgraduate Engineering
- Physical Science
The applicable course should be in the respective discipline listed under the branch codes.
Minimum Marks
Academic performance is an important eligibility and selection criterion.
Candidates should have a minimum of:
60% marks or equivalent CGPA
in their pursuing Graduate Engineering or Postgraduate Engineering/Physical Science programme from an AICTE/UGC-approved University.
Candidates with CGPA must have their CGPA converted into percentage as prescribed. The notification states that the percentage is considered based on the average of completed semesters/years.
Age Limit
The maximum age condition is:
Below 28 years
Candidates must satisfy the age requirement specified in the advertisement.
Internship Duration
The internship/project work training will be for:
6 Months
The notification states that a Completion Certificate will be issued after successful completion of six months from the date of joining the internship programme.
The college request letter included in the advertisement specifies the proposed internship period as 1 September 2026 to 28 February 2027.
Monthly Stipend
Selected interns will receive:
₹5,000 per month
The stipend is applicable for the six-month internship, subject to the conditions prescribed by DRDL.
However, the stipend is not simply paid automatically for every month. Students must satisfy the attendance and performance requirements specified in the notification.
Stipend Payment Conditions
To receive the internship stipend, the student must:
- Perform well during the internship.
- Complete at least 15 working days of physical attendance per month at DRDL/ASL/CAS.
- Successfully continue the internship according to the prescribed conditions.
The stipend will be paid in two installments.
The first installment will be paid after completion of three months of training/internship.
The notification also states that the stipend will be transferred directly to the student’s bank account after completion of three months.
Completion Certificate
Students who successfully complete the internship training will receive a Certificate of Completion.
To receive the certificate, students must:
- Complete the internship training.
- Clear the evaluation of project work.
- Submit the project report.
- Complete other prescribed formalities.
Students who leave the internship before completing the required minimum tenure will not receive the Completion Certificate.
No Employment Guarantee
Candidates should understand that this internship does not guarantee a job at DRDL or DRDO.
The notification clearly states that the laboratory has no obligation to offer employment to interns/project students after completion of the internship. Completion of the internship does not create a right to claim employment.
Therefore, students should consider this opportunity primarily as a way to gain practical exposure and research/project experience.
Selection Process
The selection process is based entirely on merit.
The notification states that candidates may be shortlisted based on:
- Academic performance
- Interaction/Interview
- Percentage of marks
The Principal/Director of the institution is expected to recommend highly deserving and meritorious students.
The notification further states that there will be no communication with rejected candidates.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date for Filling Applications | 16 August 2026 |
| Information to Selected Candidates for Interview | 23 August 2026 |
| Internship Start Date | 1 September 2026 |
| Internship Duration | 6 Months |
These dates are identified as tentative in the official notification.
The interview date itself will be communicated after shortlisting through phone and the DRDO website.
How to Apply for DRDL Paid Internship 2026
Candidates should follow the prescribed application procedure carefully.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Confirm that you are:
- Pursuing final-year Engineering at UG level, or
- Pursuing final-year Engineering/Physical Science at PG level.
- From the relevant discipline.
- Securing at least 60% marks or equivalent CGPA.
- Below 28 years of age.
Step 2: Fill the Application Form
The prescribed application form is included in the notification.
Candidates need to provide details such as:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Aadhaar Number
- College name, address and contact number
- Discipline
- Branch Code
- Degree
- UG/PG semester or year
- Percentage/CGPA
- Achievements
- Languages known
- Referral letter from Principal/Director
- Permanent address
- Local address, if applicable
- Contact number
- Email ID
Step 3: Obtain College Referral Letter
A referral letter from the Principal/Director of the College/Institute is mandatory.
The prescribed college letter must be printed on the college letterhead and signed by the Principal/Director.
Step 4: Submit Application at Walk-in Registration
Candidates are instructed to submit their application in an envelope at the registration desk while attending the walk-in process.
The envelope should clearly mention:
“Application for Paid Internship”
and the relevant Branch Code.
Step 5: Send Scanned Application by Email
Candidates are also requested to forward a scanned copy of their application to:
Documents Required at Joining
Shortlisted candidates must submit several documents when joining the internship.
These include:
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the college authorities in original.
- Police verification certificate or acknowledgement from the local police station.
- Undertaking regarding adherence to the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923.
- Undertaking to follow IT rules and regulations applicable to the Ministry of Defence.
- Bank account details for stipend transfer.
- Medical fitness certificate from an authorized medical practitioner holding at least an MBBS degree.
- Original Aadhaar Card for verification.
- College ID card.
- Three passport-size photographs.
- Previous semester marks sheets in original for on-the-spot verification.
The original documents and marks sheets will be returned immediately after verification.
College NOC Requirement
The college must provide an NOC confirming that:
- The student is being relieved for internship training at DRDL/ASL/CAS.
- The student will be physically present for at least 15 working days per month.
- The college has no objection to the student’s internship.
- The student is expected to complete the full tenure of the paid training.
This is an important requirement, so students should obtain the necessary college approval before proceeding.
Boarding and Lodging
DRDL does not provide boarding or lodging expenses for interns.
However, selected candidates can access facilities such as:
- Lunch
- Tea
- Snacks
at subsidized rates through the DRDL/ASL/CAS wet canteen.
Candidates must therefore make their own arrangements for accommodation and transportation in Hyderabad.
Stay and Transportation
Candidates are responsible for arranging their own:
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Other personal expenses in Hyderabad
The notification advises candidates attending the walk-in process to plan for staying in Hyderabad for one or more days if required because of the number of candidates attending the interview.
Important Instructions
Candidates should keep the following points in mind:
- The internship is for six months.
- There are 165 indicative vacancies.
- The monthly stipend is ₹5,000.
- The minimum academic requirement is 60% or equivalent CGPA.
- Candidates must be below 28 years.
- The internship is available to eligible final-year UG Engineering and final-year PG Engineering/Physical Science students.
- A Principal/Director referral letter is mandatory.
- Candidates need to maintain at least 15 working days of physical attendance per month.
- Stipend is paid in two installments.
- The first installment is after three months.
- Students who leave before completing the minimum three-month tenure will not receive payment.
- Completion of the internship does not guarantee employment with DRDO/DRDL.
- Candidates must bring the required original documents for verification.
- Candidates must make their own accommodation and transport arrangements.
- The management can change vacancy positions or selection criteria during the selection process.
Internship Location
The internship will be conducted at:
DRDL / ASL / CAS, Hyderabad
The Defence Research and Development Laboratory is located in Hyderabad – 500058.
Important Links
- Notification PDF : click here
- Apply Online : click here
- Official website : click here
FAQs – DRDL Hyderabad Paid Internship 2026
1. How many internship vacancies are available under DRDL Hyderabad Paid Internship 2026?
A total of 165 indicative internship vacancies are available across Electronics, Mechanical and related Engineering, Physical Science, and Computer Science disciplines.
2. Who is eligible for the DRDL Paid Internship?
Candidates pursuing final-year Undergraduate Engineering or final-year Postgraduate Engineering/Physical Science in the respective discipline from a recognized Indian University/Institute are eligible.
3. What is the minimum percentage required?
Candidates should have a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent CGPA in their pursuing Graduate Engineering or Postgraduate Engineering/Physical Science course from an AICTE/UGC-approved University.
4. What is the age limit for the DRDL internship?
The candidate must be below 28 years of age.
5. What is the stipend offered to selected interns?
Selected candidates will receive a stipend of ₹5,000 per month.
6. What is the duration of the DRDL internship?
The internship/project training will be for 6 months. The proposed internship period mentioned in the college request format is 1 September 2026 to 28 February 2027.
7. What is the last date to apply?
The tentative last date for filling the application is 16 August 2026. Information to selected candidates for the interview is tentatively scheduled for 23 August 2026.
8. Is a college recommendation letter required?
Yes. A referral letter from the Principal/Director of the College or Institute is mandatory.
9. How will candidates be selected?
Selection is based entirely on merit, with shortlisting based on academic marks and interaction/interview. The interview date will be communicated to shortlisted candidates through phone and the DRDO website.
10. Does completing the internship guarantee a job at DRDO?
No. The notification clearly states that DRDL/ASL/CAS has no obligation to offer employment to interns, and completion of the internship does not create a right to claim employment.