DRDO Internship 2026 offers exciting opportunities for undergraduate, postgraduate and research students to gain practical experience at India’s premier defence research organisation. Depending on the laboratory and programme, students can explore paid internships, academic training, dissertation projects and Junior Research Fellowships in areas such as Computer Science, Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering and other advanced technologies. 

The last date to submit applications for the DRDO Paid Student Internship Program 2026 (specifically under labs like CASDIC) is October 11, 2026. 

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) regularly offers internship and fellowship opportunities through its specialised laboratories across India. These programmes provide students with exposure to professional research environments and an opportunity to work on real-world scientific and technological projects.

Are you a B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech, M.Sc. or MCA student looking for research experience? A DRDO internship can help you develop technical skills, strengthen your academic profile and gain valuable exposure to India's defence technology ecosystem.

🔬 DRDO Internship 2026 – Highlights

Overview Parameter

Opportunity Details

Host Organisation

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

Ministry

Ministry of Defence, Government of India

Target Candidates

UG, PG & Research Students

Paid Internship

Up to 6 Months in applicable programmes

Stipend

₹5,000/month in applicable paid internships

JRF Fellowship

₹37,000/month + HRA

Academic Internship

Generally Unpaid

Major Disciplines

CSE/IT, ECE, Electrical, Mechanical & Related Fields

Duration

Varies by Programme/Laboratory

Location

Various DRDO Laboratories across India

Application Mode

Laboratory-specific

Active & Upcoming DRDO Opportunities (2026)

1. 6-Month Paid Student Internships (e.g., CASDIC, CVRDE)

  • Target Audience: Final-year B.E. / B.Tech engineering students and 2nd-year M.Sc. students.

  • Stipend: ₹5,000 per month.

  • Key Disciplines: Computer Science/IT, Electronics & Communication (ECE), Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering.

  • Duration: 6 months (requires at least 15 working days/month attendance).

  • Selection: CGPA/Merit-based shortlisting (minimum CGPA around 7.5 to 8.5 depending on the laboratory) followed by an online interview/interaction.

2. General Unpaid Academic Internships / Dissertation Projects

  • Target Audience: Pre-final and final-year B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech, and M.Sc./MCA students.

  • Duration: 2 to 6 months (Summer/Winter training or final-year dissertation projects).

  • Stipend: Unpaid.

  • Selection: Based on academic merit, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your college, and project seat availability in the respective laboratory.

3. Junior Research Fellowships (JRF)

  • Target Audience: Postgraduate degree holders (M.E./M.Tech, M.Sc.) or B.E./B.Tech graduates with valid GATE/NET scores.

  • Stipend: ₹37,000 per month + HRA.

  • Duration: Initially 2 years (extendable based on performance and project duration).

  • Selection: Walk-in interviews or application-based shortlisting followed by a technical interview.

Documents Required

  • Duly filled application form (prescribed format from the respective lab notice).

  • Official No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your college/university.

  • Updated Resume / CV.

  • Class 10th, 12th, and semester-wise mark sheets/transcripts.

  • Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar / Passport / College ID).

📝 How to Apply for DRDO Internship 2026?

  1. Visit the official DRDO website and check current internship/fellowship notifications.

  2. Select a laboratory and programme matching your qualification.

  3. Check the eligibility criteria carefully.

  4. Obtain the required NOC from your college/university.

  5. Prepare your CV and academic documents.

  6. Submit the application through the procedure specified by the concerned laboratory.

  7. Attend the interview or screening process, if required.

⚠️ Important Note

DRDO internships are laboratory-specific, so the eligibility, stipend, duration, vacancies, deadlines and application procedure may differ. Candidates should always check the latest official notification of the concerned DRDO laboratory before applying.

The last date to submit applications for the DRDO Paid Student Internship Program 2026 (specifically under labs like CASDIC) is October 11, 2026. 

📢 Final Words

The DRDO Internship 2026 is a valuable opportunity for students interested in research, engineering and advanced defence technologies. From paid student internships to academic projects and JRF opportunities, students can explore programmes suited to their academic background.

Candidates should keep their CV, academic documents and NOC ready and regularly check official DRDO laboratory notifications for the latest opportunities and deadlines.