DRDO CHESS Paid Internship 2026 has been announced for pursuing Engineering and Science UG/PG students. The Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad, a premier centre of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), has invited applications for 20 paid internship positions. The internship is open to final year meritorious Indian students.
Applications must be submitted in the prescribed format by speed post and received latest by 11th May 2026. DRDO CHESS Paid Internship 2026 offers a great opportunity for those candidates who seek hands-on practical exposure in defence-related applications in the fields of Laser, Optics, Opto-Electronics, and Opto-Mechanics along with a monthly stipend.
DRDO CHESS Paid Internship 2026 Overview
DRDO CHESS Paid Internship 2026 is conducted by the Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad, under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. The internship is designed for meritorious final year students pursuing Under-Graduate (UG) or Post-Graduate (PG) degrees in Engineering and Science disciplines. The main objective of the DRDO CHESS Paid Internship 2026 is to provide practical exposure to bright students in defence-related research and development. Internship at DRDO CHESS provides a prestigious learning environment along with a stipend and hands-on training in cutting-edge technologies.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Internship Name | DRDO CHESS Paid Internship 2026 |
| Organizing Body | Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), DRDO, Hyderabad |
| Total Vacancies | 20 |
| Duration | 06 Months |
| Monthly Stipend | ₹5,000/- per month |
| Total Stipend | ₹30,000/- (in two installments) |
| Application Mode | Offline (Speed Post) |
| Official Website | www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/careers |
DRDO CHESS Paid Internship Notification 2026 PDF
The DRDO CHESS Paid Internship Notification 2026 has been released on the official DRDO website under the careers section. It provides complete information about branch-wise vacancies, eligibility, age limit, academic criteria, application process, selection method, and important dates. Candidates should read the notification carefully before applying. The DRDO CHESS Paid Internship Notification 2026 PDF also explains the stipend structure, attendance requirements, and documents to be submitted at the time of joining. Downloading the DRDO CHESS Paid Internship Notification 2026 PDF helps candidates understand the internship process clearly and avoid errors.
Download DRDO CHESS Paid Internship Notification 2026 PDF
DRDO CHESS Paid Internship 2026: Important Dates
Candidates applying for DRDO CHESS Paid Internship 2026 must follow the official schedule. Applications received after the due date will be rejected. No further communication in this regard will be entertained.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | April/May 2026 |
| Last Date for Receipt of Application | 11 May 2026 |
| Intimation to Selected Students | 20 May 2026 |
| Date of Start for Internship Training | 03 June 2026 |
DRDO CHESS Paid Internship Vacancy 2026
The DRDO CHESS Paid Internship vacancy 2026 includes positions for final year Engineering and Science students across different disciplines. Number of positions mentioned are indicative and may increase or decrease at the absolute discretion of the establishment.
| Branch Code | Branch/Discipline | Number of Vacancies | Monthly Stipend | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PH | Physics / Applied Optics | 5 | ₹5,000/- | 06 Months | CHESS, Hyderabad |
| ME | Mechanical Engineering | 5 | ₹5,000/- | 06 Months | CHESS, Hyderabad |
| EE | Electronics / Instrumentation / Electrical / ECE | 5 | ₹5,000/- | 06 Months | CHESS, Hyderabad |
| CS | Computer Science | 3 | ₹5,000/- | 06 Months | CHESS, Hyderabad |
| CE | Chemical Engineering | 2 | ₹5,000/- | 06 Months | CHESS, Hyderabad |
| Total | 20 |
DRDO CHESS Paid Internship Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must meet educational qualification, academic performance, and age conditions to apply for DRDO CHESS Paid Internship 2026.
Educational Qualification
- Pursuing Graduate (UG) / Post Graduate (PG) in Engineering / Science (full-time course)
- Must be in the final year of the respective discipline
- From a recognized Indian University / Institute
Academic Performance
- 75% & above marks OR ≥ 7.5 CGPA on a scale of 10 (copy to be enclosed)
- Good academic track record throughout
- From AICTE / UGC approved College / Universities
Age Limit
- Below 28 Years
Referral Requirement
- Principal / Director of the institution must provide a request / referral letter for highly deserving meritorious students
Citizenship
- Indian Citizens only
DRDO CHESS Paid Internship Stipend 2026
Selected candidates will receive a stipend as per the following structure:
| Installment | Amount | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Installment | ₹15,000/- | After completion of 3 months |
| 2nd Installment | ₹15,000/- | After completion of 6 months |
| Total Stipend | ₹30,000/- | Subject to minimum 15 days attendance per month |
Important Conditions:
- Paid internship is applicable only for the full 06 months duration
- Students who do not complete the 6 months internship are not eligible for the stipend
- Other expenditure such as lodging, boarding, transport & medical etc., if any, will be borne by the individual student
DRDO CHESS Paid Internship Selection Process 2026
The selection process for DRDO CHESS Paid Internship 2026 is based entirely on merit.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Screening | Based on marks/CGPA (75% or 7.5 CGPA minimum) |
| Referral Letter Evaluation | Request/referral letter from Principal/Director |
| Merit List Preparation | Based on academic track record |
| Shortlisting | Shortlisted students will be notified about joining procedures and indemnity bond |
| Final Selection | Based entirely on merit. No communication for rejected candidates |
Note: The management reserves the right to change vacancy positions or selection criteria at any point without assigning any reason whatsoever.
How to Apply for DRDO CHESS Paid Internship 2026
Candidates must submit the application in the prescribed format only through Speed Post. No other mode of application will be accepted.
Step 1: Visit the official DRDO website at www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/careers
Step 2: Download the prescribed application format for DRDO CHESS Paid Internship
Step 3: Fill in all required details in the application form — Advertisement Number, Name, Date of Birth, Aadhar Number, Address, Discipline and Branch Code, Degree and Semester/Year, CGPA/Marks Percentage, Contact Numbers and Email ID
Step 4: Affix a latest passport size photograph on the application form
Step 5: Attach the following mandatory enclosures:
- Referral letter issued by Principal/HOD (UG/PG) — mandatory
- UG/PG Marksheet reflecting CGPA/Percentage
- Copy of latest Aadhar Card
- Copy of College Identity Card
Step 6: Sign the application form and the two undertakings — one for adherence to Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923, and one for IT Rules and Regulations applicable for Ministry of Defence
Step 7: Fill the referral letter on college letterhead signed by Principal/HOD of College/Institution
Step 8: Ensure all documents are attached as per the checklist
Step 9: Send the duly filled application by Speed Post only to:
DIRECTOR, CENTRE FOR HIGH ENERGY SYSTEMS & SCIENCES (CHESS) DRDO, RCI CAMPUS, PO: VIGNYANA KANCHA, HYDERABAD – 500069
Step 10: On top of the envelope, clearly mention "Application for Paid Internship" along with the "Branch Code" (PH/ME/EE/CS/CE)
Documents to be Submitted at the Time of Joining
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from college authorities on college letterhead
- Police Verification from local police station (acknowledgement to be submitted at joining)
- Undertaking for adherence to Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923
- Undertaking that interns will follow IT rules and regulations for Ministry of Defence
- Bank details for transfer of internship amount
- Aadhar Card and College ID Card for verification
- 03 passport size photographs
- All previous semesters marks sheets in original for verification
- Indemnity form (provided by college as and when required by CHESS)
- Any other documents if required will be communicated at the time of selection/joining
DRDO CHESS Paid Internship Completion Certificate
A Completion Certificate will be issued to students after completion of 06 months internship from the date of joining. The certification from DRDO CHESS adds significant value to the candidate's resume for future career opportunities in defence, research, and engineering sectors.
Important Points to Note
- Incomplete/erroneous applications or applications received after the due date will be rejected
- No further communication in this regard will be entertained
- Shortlisted students will only be notified about the joining procedures
- No communication will be undertaken for rejected candidates
- The management reserves the right to change vacancy positions or selection criteria without assigning any reason
- The paid internship is applicable in case of 6-months duration only
FAQs
Q1. What is DRDO CHESS Paid Internship 2026?
DRDO CHESS Paid Internship 2026 is a 6-month paid internship program for final year UG/PG Engineering and Science students at the Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad, a premier centre of DRDO working in Laser, Optics, Opto-Electronics, and Opto-Mechanics.
Q2. How many vacancies are announced under DRDO CHESS Paid Internship 2026?
A total of 20 vacancies have been announced across Physics/Applied Optics, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics/Instrumentation/ECE, Computer Science, and Chemical Engineering disciplines.
Q3. What is the last date to apply for DRDO CHESS Paid Internship 2026?
The last date for receipt of applications by Speed Post is 11th May 2026.
Q4. What is the monthly stipend for DRDO CHESS interns?
Selected interns will receive ₹5,000 per month (total ₹30,000 in two installments of ₹15,000 each after 3 months and 6 months, subject to minimum 15 days attendance per month).
Q5. What is the eligibility criteria for DRDO CHESS Paid Internship 2026?
Candidates must be final year UG/PG Engineering or Science students with 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA and must be below 28 years of age. A referral letter from the Principal/Director is mandatory.
Q6. Where to download the application form for DRDO CHESS Paid Internship 2026?
The application form can be downloaded from the official DRDO website at www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/careers.
Q7. Is there any application fee for DRDO CHESS Paid Internship 2026?
No application fee has been mentioned. Candidates need to send the application by Speed Post only.
Q8. When does the internship training start at DRDO CHESS?
The date of start for internship training is 3rd June 2026.
Q9. Will accommodation be provided to interns?
No. Other expenditure such as lodging, boarding, transport & medical etc., if any, will be borne by the individual student during the course of internship.
Q10. Will a completion certificate be issued?
Yes, a Completion Certificate will be issued to students after completion of the full 06 months internship from the date of joining.
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