The DRDO has announced its paid internship scheme offered by the Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior, a laboratory functioning under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The DRDO DRDE internship is open to eligible Indian students pursuing specified undergraduate and postgraduate program who wish to gain hands-on exposure to research and development work carried out at a DRDO laboratory.
The DRDO internship by DRDE, Gwalior, is for a fixed period of six months and includes a monthly stipend, as notified in the official internship advertisement.
This article focuses on the DRDO DRDE Gwalior Internship mentioned in the official notification and explains the eligibility criteria, stipend structure, application process, and important dates exactly as released by DRDE.
DRDO DRDE Internship Overview
The DRDO DRDE Internship is conducted by the Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior. DRDE is one of the laboratories under DRDO and is involved in defence-related research activities.
As per the DRDO DRDE official notification, selected students will be engaged for a minimum duration of six months. On successful completion of the internship and submission of the required reports, interns will be issued a completion certificate by the laboratory.
| Internship name | DRDO DRDE Internship 2026 |
| DRDO laboratory | Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior |
| Location | Jhansi Road, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh – 474002 |
| Duration | 06 months (minimum) |
| Monthly stipend | ₹5,000 (fixed) |
| Total stipend | ₹30,000 for six months |
| Stipend payment | Two installments of ₹15,000 after 3 months and 6 months |
| Total vacancies | 08 (subject to change as per organisational requirements) |
| Application mode | Speed Post or Email |
| Last date to apply | 25 January 2026 |
| Internship start date | 02 March 2026 |
Related: DRDO Internship 2026
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility conditions for the DRDO Internship 2026 meet the following eligibility criteria as outlined in the official DRDE, Gwalior notification. Applicants must meet all the criteria listed below to be considered.
| Nationality | Indian citizens only |
| Age limit | Below 28 years |
| Academic performance | Minimum 75% marks or CGPA ≥ 7.5 |
| Institution type | AICTE / UGC approved college or university |
| Referral requirement | Mandatory referral / sponsorship letter from the current college or university |
| Internship duration | Availability for a minimum period of 06 months |
Eligible Courses and Semesters
Applicants must be currently enrolled in the below-mentioned semesters at the time of application.
Only students pursuing the following courses and semesters are eligible to apply for the DRDO DRDE Internship:
- Biological Sciences: Pursuing M.Sc. or equivalent (3rd / 4th semester) or B.Tech (7th / 8th semester) in disciplines such as Biotechnology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Toxicology, or Immunology
- Chemical Sciences: Pursuing M.Sc. or equivalent (3rd / 4th semester) in Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, or Analytical Chemistry
- Engineering: Pursuing B.E. / B.Tech (7th / 8th semester) in Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Information Technology, or Computer Sciences
Applications from students outside these courses or semesters are not considered.
Meeting the eligibility criteria and submitting all required documents does not automatically guarantee selection. Shortlisting is carried out by DRDE based on academic qualifications and compliance with the notified requirements.
Related: DRDO Internship Selection Tips
Internship Domains and Vacancies
The DRDO DRDE Internship 2026 offers a limited number of subject areas. The domains and vacancies are explicitly mentioned in the official notification and may change based on organisational requirements.
| Subject Code | Internship Domain | Number of Vacancies | Eligible Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Biological Sciences | 03 | M.Sc. (3rd/4th semester) or B.Tech (7th/8th semester) in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Toxicology, or Immunology |
| 02 | Chemical Sciences | 03 | M.Sc. (3rd/4th semester) in Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, or Analytical Chemistry |
| 03 | Engineering | 02 | B.E./B.Tech (7th/8th semester) in Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Information Technology, or Computer Sciences |
The total number of vacancies for the DRDO DRDE Internship is eight. As stated in the official notice, the number of vacancies may be revised by DRDE depending on internal requirements.
Candidates must apply against the relevant subject code while submitting the application form. Applications submitted for domains not listed above are not considered.
Stipend and Duration
DRDO Internship is a paid internship with a fixed monthly stipend. The DRDO official notification also specifies as to how the stipend is released during the internship period and what interns should expect regarding accommodation and joining support.
Internship Duration
DRDO internship at DRDE is for a minimum period of 06 months. A completion certificate is issued after completion of 06 months from the date of joining the internship program, subject to the intern meeting the lab’s reporting and project submission requirements.
| Events | Details |
| Minimum duration | 06 months |
| Certificate condition | Issued after completion of 06 months from the date of joining |
| Reporting requirement | Progress report after 03 months and project report after 06 months / completion |
Monthly Stipend and Payment Schedule
The stipend is fixed at ₹5,000 per month. The official notice clearly mentions that the stipend for the full duration.
How to Apply for DRDO DRDE Internship
Follow these steps to apply for the DRDO Internship at DRDE, Gwalior as per the official notification:
- Choose the correct subject code (01 Biological Sciences, 02 Chemical Sciences, or 03 Engineering) before filling the form.
- Fill the application form (Annexure ‘A’) and paste a recent passport-size photograph on it.
- Get a referral/sponsorship letter from your current college or university (mandatory).
- Prepare your detailed resume.
- Attach self-attested copies of all academic certificates/mark sheets (and experience certificates, if any).
- Add identity and account documents: self-attested copy of Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, and your bank details.
- Submit the complete set either by Speed Post to the Director, DRDE address or by email to the official DRDE email IDs.
- Ensure it reaches on or before 25 January 2026. Late or incomplete applications are rejected.
Where to Send the Application:
| Postal Address: Director, DRDE, DRDO Ministry of Defence Jhansi Road, Gwalior Madhya Pradesh – 474002 | Email IDs: director.drde@gov.in hrd.drde@gov.in |
Documents Required
The following documents must be submitted along with the application. Missing documents lead to rejection.
- Duly Filled Application Form (Annexure – ‘A’) with recent passport size photograph affixed
- Recent referral/ sponsorship letter from their respective colleges/ universities
- Detailed resume
- Self-attested copies of all degrees/ academic qualification certificates/ mark sheets/ experience
certificates - Copy of Aadhar Card & PAN Card
- Bank Details.
Applications received after the due date or with incomplete information are rejected.
Important Application Notes
- The referral/sponsorship letter must be issued by the college or university on official letterhead.
- Candidates must apply for the correct subject code mentioned in the notification.
- Submission of the application does not guarantee selection.
- No further communication is entertained regarding incomplete or rejected applications.
Important Dates
The key dates for the DRDO Internship 2026 are officially notified by the laboratory. Applicants are advised to follow these dates strictly, as late submissions are not accepted.
| Event | Official Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply | 25 January 2026 |
| Intimation to Selected Students | 16 February 2026 (tentative) |
| Internship Start Date | 02 March 2026 |
The dates listed above are as mentioned in the official DRDE notification. Any change or update, if issued by DRDE, will be communicated directly to shortlisted candidates.
Selection Process
The DRDO Internship selection process is based on academic records and compliance with the stated eligibility conditions.
- Candidates are shortlisted based on educational qualifications and fulfilment of the eligibility criteria.
- Submission of the application or meeting the eligibility conditions does not guarantee selection.
- If required, shortlisted candidates may be called for an interaction conducted telephonically or through video conferencing.
- Only shortlisted candidates are informed about the interaction or offer of internship.
- Selected candidates must report to DRDE, Gwalior as per the terms and conditions mentioned in the internship offer letter.
The decision of Director, DRDE Gwalior is final in case of any discrepancy related to selection.
Frequently Asked Questions on DRDO Internship
🔽 Is this a general DRDO Internship or specific to a lab?
This internship is offered specifically by the Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior, which is a laboratory under DRDO. It is not a general or pan-DRDO internship.
🔽 Who can apply for the DRDO DRDE Internship?
Indian citizens pursuing eligible undergraduate or postgraduate courses from AICTE or UGC approved colleges or universities, who meet the age and academic requirements mentioned in the official notification, can apply.
🔽 What is the duration of the DRDO DRDE Internship?
The internship is conducted for a minimum period of six months. A completion certificate is issued after successful completion of the full duration.
🔽 What stipend is offered under the DRDO DRDE Paid Internship Scheme?
Selected interns receive a fixed stipend of ₹5,000 per month. The total stipend of ₹30,000 is paid in two instalments: ₹15,000 after three months and ₹15,000 after six months.
🔽 How can I apply for the DRDO DRDE Internship?
Applications must be submitted either by Speed Post or by email, along with all required documents, to the addresses and email IDs specified in the official notification.
🔽 Is a referral or sponsorship letter mandatory?
Yes. A referral or sponsorship letter issued by the applicant’s current college or university is mandatory for applying to this internship.
🔽 Does applying guarantee selection?
No. Submitting an application or meeting the eligibility criteria alone does not guarantee selection. Candidates are shortlisted based on academic qualifications and other requirements specified by DRDE.
