DRDL DRDO Paid Internship 2026 (165 Vacancies)
Job highlights
| Organisation | Defence Research Development Laboratory (DRDL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
|---|---|
| Location | Hyderabad |
| State | 🕌 Telangana |
| Employment type | Contractor |
| Vacancies | 165 |
| Salary | INR 5,000 – 5,000 / month |
| Apply by | Aug 16, 2026 |
| Education | Final-year students in full-time Engineering/Physical Science from a recognized Indian University/Institute; minimum 60% marks or equivalent CGPA (average of completed semesters/years). |
| Age limit | Below 28 years as on the date of application; no age relaxation mentioned. |
| Application fee | No application fee is mentioned in the notification. |
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has released the DRDL Paid Internship Notification 2026 under Advertisement No. DRDL/HRD/INTERNSHIP/2026/01. The Defence Research Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, is offering a 6-month paid internship program and invites eligible engineering and physical science students to apply. Candidates will apply online by email (scanned documents) and must also attend a walk-in interview.
DRDL is inviting applications for a total of 165 internship vacancies (indicative) across engineering and science disciplines. The application window closes on 2026-08-16. The selection is merit-based (on academic performance) and will be followed by a walk-in interview. Shortlisted candidates will be informed about the interview date through phone and the DRDO website.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date for Filling Applications | 2026-08-16 |
| Information to Selected Candidates for Interview | 2026-08-23 |
| Date of Start of Internship | 2026-09-01 |
Vacancy Details
DRDL has announced 165 paid internship vacancies for 2026, distributed as per branch codes and the laboratory’s requirement. The number of vacancies is stated as indicative and may increase or decrease at the discretion of the establishment.
| Branch Code | Branch / Discipline | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| EE | Electronics and Communication Engineering / Electronics & Instrumentation / Electrical Engineering | 58 |
| ME | Mechanical / Chemical / Aerospace / Production / Material / Safety / Textile Technology | 87 |
| PH | Mathematics and Allied Science | 5 |
| CS | Computer Science and Engineering (CSE, AI, Cyber Security & Allied) | 15 |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must be pursuing a full-time course from a recognized Indian University/Institute. The internship is open to final-year students in the relevant streams, with a minimum academic requirement of 60% marks or equivalent CGPA (based on the average of completed semesters/years).
| Course Type | Eligibility Details |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Engineering) | Final Year students (VII/VIII Semester) |
| Postgraduate (Engineering) | Final Year students (I/II Year) |
| Postgraduate (Physical Science) | Final Year students (I/II Year) |
| Minimum Marks | 60% or equivalent CGPA (average of completed semesters/years) |
Age Limit
Candidates must be below 28 years of age as on the date of application. The notification does not mention any specific age relaxation for any category.
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| All Categories | Below 28 Years |
Application Fee
The notification states that there is no application fee for the DRDL Paid Internship 2026.
How to Apply
- Download the application format from the DRDO website or from the notification PDF.
- Fill in all personal, educational, and contact details correctly and affix a passport-size photograph.
- Obtain a mandatory referral/recommendation letter from your Principal/Director on college letterhead.
- Scan the filled application form along with the referral letter and all mark sheets.
- Send the scanned copy to the official email ID: drdlintern2026@gmail.com before the deadline.
- If submitting physically at the walk-in, ensure the envelope clearly mentions “Application for Paid Internship” and your “Branch Code”.
- Wait for communication: shortlisted candidates will be informed about the interview date via phone and the DRDO website.
- Attend the walk-in interview at DRDL, Hyderabad with all original documents for verification.
Salary & Pay Scale
| Stipend Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | 5000 | per month |
Selection Process
Selection for the DRDL Paid Internship 2026 is based on academic merit followed by a walk-in interview. First, candidates are shortlisted based on their percentage of marks (CGPA converted to percentage) and academic track record. Shortlisted candidates are then called for a walk-in interview at DRDL/ASL/CAS, Hyderabad. The final merit is determined based on performance in the interview and the marks obtained. Selected candidates will be informed via phone and the DRDO website, and original documents (including mark sheets, Aadhaar card, and college ID) will be verified at the time of joining.
Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements should submit their scanned application to the official email before 2026-08-16 and be ready to attend the walk-in interview as communicated by DRDL.
Important links
- Notification PDF: https://drdo.gov.in/drdo/sites/default/files/vacancy/advtDRDL0708026.pdf
- DRDO Website: https://www.drdo.gov.in
Frequently asked questions
How many vacancies are available for the DRDL Paid Internship 2026? +
The notification states 165 internship vacancies (indicative) across different branch codes.
What is the last date to apply for DRDL Paid Internship 2026? +
The last date to send the scanned application is 2026-08-16.
What is the monthly stipend for the internship? +
Selected interns will receive a monthly stipend of 5000 INR.
What is the internship duration and the dates? +
The internship is for 6 months, from 2026-09-01 to 2027-02-28.
What are the educational eligibility requirements? +
Candidates must be pursuing a full-time course from a recognized Indian University/Institute and be in the final year (UG Engineering: VII/VIII semester; PG Engineering/Physical Science: I/II year). They must have at least 60% marks or equivalent CGPA (average of completed semesters/years).
Is there an application fee for this internship? +
No, the notification does not mention any application fee.