Job Description
Overview
The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, a key establishment under the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), has announced a Paid Internship Scheme for the year 2026. This initiative aims to provide final-year students pursuing Undergraduate or Postgraduate degrees in Engineering and Physical Science with hands-on exposure to advanced missile systems and defence research technologies. The program is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application in a high-tech defence environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Engage in research and development activities related to missile systems and associated technologies.
- Assist senior scientists and technical staff in ongoing laboratory projects and experiments.
- Document research findings and contribute to technical reports under the guidance of mentors.
- Participate in technical discussions and laboratory meetings to understand project workflows.
- Adhere to strict security protocols and IT regulations mandated by the Ministry of Defence.
- Maintain regular attendance and contribute effectively to the assigned project tasks for the duration of the internship.
Why Apply
Interns gain invaluable experience working within a premier defence laboratory, enhancing their technical skills and professional profile. The program offers a monthly stipend and a certificate upon successful completion, providing a significant advantage for students aspiring to build a career in the defence and research sectors.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 16 August 2026
- Internship Commencement: 01 September 2026
Quick Facts
- Total Vacancies: 165
- Stipend: ₹5,000 per month
- Location: Hyderabad
- Category: Defence Research Internship
DRDO DRDL Paid Internship Recruitment 2026 Overview
End Date
16 Aug 2026
Salary
₹5,000
Vacancies
165
Eligibility
Final year UG/PG Engineering or Physical Science
Vacancy Details
- Electronics (EE): 58
- Mechanical/Chemical/Aerospace/Production/Material/Safety/Textile (ME): 87
- Mathematics and Allied Science (PH): 05
- Computer Science/AI/Cyber Security (CS): 15
How to Apply
- Obtain a formal referral letter from your college Principal or Director on the institution's letterhead.
- Prepare your application form according to the official format provided in the notification.
- Submit the physical application in a sealed envelope at the registration desk during the walk-in process.
- Ensure the envelope is clearly marked 'Application for Paid Internship' with the relevant Branch Code.
- Send a scanned copy of the completed application via email to the official address provided by DRDL.
- Keep a copy of the submitted application and all supporting documents for your personal records.
Cutoff Marks
Not specified; selection is based on merit and academic performance.
Application Fee
Nil for all categories.
Age Limit
Candidates must be below 28 years of age.
Selection Process
The selection process is merit-based, focusing on the candidate's academic performance, including percentage or CGPA. Applicants are required to submit a physical application along with a mandatory college referral letter. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a walk-in interaction or interview at the DRDL, ASL, or CAS facilities in Hyderabad. No separate written examination is conducted for this internship selection.
Exam Pattern
Not applicable as selection is based on academic merit and walk-in interview.
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Organization
The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), located in Hyderabad, is a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Established to spearhead research in missile systems, DRDL is responsible for the design, development, and testing of advanced missile technologies for the Indian Armed Forces. The laboratory plays a critical role in enhancing national defence capabilities through innovation in aerospace, electronics, and materials science.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a 6-month paid internship scheme (Advt. No. DRDL/HRD/INTERNSHIP/2026/01) by Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad, for final-year Engineering and Physical Science UG/PG students, offering practical exposure to missile systems and defence R&D work.
There are 165 indicative positions across four branches: EE (58), ME (87), PH (05), and CS (15). The number may increase or decrease at the establishment's discretion.
The tentative last date for filling applications is 16th August 2026.
Candidates must be pursuing their final year of Undergraduate Engineering, or final year Postgraduate in Engineering/Physical Science, full-time, from an AICTE/UGC-approved institute, with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent CGPA.
Candidates must be below 28 years of age.
The stipend is ₹5,000 per month, paid in two installments, with the first installment released after 3 months of training, subject to a minimum of 15 working days' attendance per month.
Selection is through shortlisting based on academic percentage/CGPA and a mandatory college referral letter, followed by a walk-in interaction/interview. Final selection is entirely merit-based.
No. Candidates must submit a physical application at the walk-in registration desk along with a scanned copy emailed to the official address. There is no online application portal.
No. The laboratory has no obligation to offer employment to interns, and interns cannot claim any right to employment on the basis of completing the internship.
Yes. A referral/request letter from the Principal/Director of the candidate's college or institution, on college letterhead, is mandatory for the application to be considered.
