This is our master guide to DRDO internship, covering every DRDO laboratory, general eligibility rules, and the full application process. We update the “Currently Open Internships” section below whenever a lab releases a new notification — bookmark this page and check back, or use the lab-wise links to jump straight to the latest opportunity.
What is DRDO?
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is India’s premier agency for military research and development, working under the Ministry of Defence. It operates through a network of over 50 laboratories and establishments spread across the country, each specializing in a distinct area — missiles, combat vehicles, electronic warfare, naval systems, materials science, biomedical research, and more.
Because DRDO’s work spans so many scientific and engineering disciplines, its internship program is one of the most diverse in the country — open to students of engineering, science, and even social sciences (for labs like the Defence Institute of Psychological Research).
Why Intern at DRDO?
- Hands-on exposure to real defence R&D projects, not simulated coursework
- Mentorship from working scientists (Scientist ‘B’ and above)
- Certificate of completion from a recognized government R&D organisation, valuable for higher studies and placements
- Possible pathway to DRDO’s Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or future recruitment (though internship completion does not guarantee a job)
- Access to specialised labs and equipment rarely available at the undergraduate level
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Eligibility Criteria
General eligibility (individual labs may add specific requirements in their own notification):
- Academic level: Currently pursuing (or recently completed) B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech, M.Sc., or Ph.D. in a relevant discipline
- Relevant disciplines: Vary by lab — e.g., Aeronautical/Mechanical Engineering for ADE, Electronics/Communication for LRDE and DEAL, Metallurgy/Materials Science for DMRL, Chemistry for HEMRL, Computer Science/AI for CAIR
- Minimum academic performance: Typically 60–75% marks or equivalent CGPA (varies by lab and institute)
- Institute recognition: Must be enrolled in a UGC/AICTE-recognized university or institute
- Nationality: Indian citizens only (security clearance requirements apply given the nature of DRDO’s work)
- Duration alignment: Some labs only accept interns during specific academic-calendar windows (e.g., summer break, final-year project period)
Always cross-check the exact eligibility on the specific lab’s official notification, since requirements differ lab to lab.
Currently Open Internships
| Organization Name | Status | Internship Notice |
|---|---|---|
| DRDO DYSL | Active | Download Here |
| DRDO SSPL | Active | Download Here |
Types of DRDO Internships
- Summer Internships — short-term (4–8 weeks), typically for undergraduate students, focused on exposure and a mini-project
- Project/Thesis Internships — longer-term (3–6 months), usually for final-year B.Tech/M.Tech or M.Sc. students completing their major project or thesis under a DRDO scientist
- Ph.D./Research Internships — for doctoral scholars collaborating with a lab on a specific research problem, sometimes leading to joint publications
How to Apply — Step by Step
- Identify the right lab for your discipline using the list below.
- Check the lab’s official notification — DRDO does not have one single centralized internship portal; each lab (or DRDO HQ) releases its own notice, usually on drdo.gov.in under “Careers” or on the specific lab’s own webpage.
- Prepare a Statement of Purpose (SOP) tailored to the lab’s research area, explaining why you want to intern there and what you hope to work on.
- Get an institute recommendation/forwarding letter, if required — many labs ask that your application be forwarded through your college’s Training & Placement Cell or HOD.
- Submit the application via the mode specified (email, physical post, or online form) before the deadline.
- Await shortlisting — some labs conduct a brief interview or shortlist based on academic record and SOP.
- Security/background formalities — since DRDO handles sensitive defence research, selected interns typically undergo basic verification before being granted lab access.
Documents Required
- Updated resume/CV
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- College ID card copy
- Latest academic transcript/mark sheet
- Bonafide/forwarding letter from your institute
- Aadhaar card or other government ID
- Passport-size photograph
(Exact document list varies by lab — always follow the specific notification.)
Stipend & Duration
Most DRDO internships are unpaid or nominal-stipend positions, since the primary value is the research exposure and certification rather than compensation. A few labs offer a small monthly stipend for longer project internships, particularly for M.Tech/Ph.D. candidates working on funded projects. Duration typically ranges from 4 weeks to 6 months, depending on the internship type.
Complete List of DRDO Labs & Their Research Areas
Use this table to find the lab that matches your field of study, then check that lab’s official page or DRDO HQ careers page for current openings.
| Laboratory | Location | Area of Research |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) | Hyderabad, Telangana | Missiles & Strategic Systems |
| Aerial Delivery Research & Development Establishment (ADRDE) | Agra, Uttar Pradesh | Parachutes & Aerial Systems |
| Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Aeronautics |
| Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) | Chitradurga, Karnataka | Unmanned & Manned Aircraft |
| Armaments Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) | Pune, Maharashtra | Armaments |
| Centre for Airborne Systems (CAbS) | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Air-Borne Systems |
| Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR) | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Artificial Intelligence & Robotics |
| Centre for Fire, Explosives & Environment Safety (CFEES) | Delhi | Explosives |
| Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) | Hyderabad, Telangana | High Energy Weapons |
| Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Combat Vehicles |
| Combat Aircraft Systems Development & Integration Centre | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Avionics |
| Defence Bio-engineering & Electro-medical Laboratory (DeBEL) | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Bio-engineering |
| Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL) | Dehradun, Uttarakhand | Electronics & Communication Systems |
| Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) | Mysuru, Karnataka | Food Research |
| Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research (DIBER) | Haldwani, Uttarakhand | Bio-Energy |
| Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) | Leh, Ladakh | High Altitude Agro-animal Research |
| Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences (DIPAS) | Delhi | Physiological and Biomedical Research |
| Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR) | Delhi | Psychological Research |
| Defence Laboratory (DL) | Jodhpur, Rajasthan | Camouflaging and Isotopes |
| Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL) | Hyderabad, Telangana | Electronic Warfare |
| Defence Materials & Stores Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE) | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh | Textiles, Polymers & Composites |
| Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) | Hyderabad, Telangana | Metallurgy |
| Defence Research & Development Establishment (DRDE) | Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh | Chemical & Biological Warfare |
| Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) | Hyderabad, Telangana | Missile & Strategic Systems |
| Defence Research Laboratory (DRL) | Tezpur, Assam | Health & Hygiene |
| Defence Terrain Research Laboratory (DTRL) | Delhi | Terrain Research |
| Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Gas Turbine |
| High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) | Pune, Maharashtra | High Energy Materials, Explosives |
| Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS) | Delhi | Nuclear Medicine |
| Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE) | Dehradun, Uttarakhand | Electronics & Optical Systems |
| Integrated Test Range (ITR) | Balasore, Odisha | Missile & Strategic Systems |
| Joint Cipher Bureau (JCB) | Delhi | Cryptanalysis |
| Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Radars |
| Microwave Tube Research and Development Centre (MTRDC) | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Microwave Tubes & High Power Microwaves |
| Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CeMilAC) | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Airworthiness and Certification |
| Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) | Ambarnath, Maharashtra | Naval Materials |
| Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) | Kochi, Kerala | Sonar Systems |
| Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh | Underwater Weapons |
| Programme Air Defence (PGAD) | Hyderabad, Telangana | Missiles & Strategic Systems |
| Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) | Balasore, Odisha | Armament Testing |
| Research Centre Imarat (RCI) | Hyderabad, Telangana | Missile & Strategic Systems |
| Research & Development Establishment (Engineers) (R&DE(E)) | Pune, Maharashtra | Engineering Systems & Weapon Platforms |
| Scientific Analysis Group (SAG) | Delhi | Communications Security |
| Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) | Chandigarh | Snow and Avalanche Studies |
| Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL) | Delhi | Solid State Materials, Devices and Sub-systems |
| Society for Integrated Circuit Technology and Applied Research (SITAR) | Bengaluru, Karnataka & Hyderabad, Telangana | Semiconductors, MEMS |
| Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) | Chandigarh | Ballistics |
| Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) | Ahmednagar, Maharashtra | Wheeled Vehicles |
Tips to Get Selected
- Target the right lab for your branch — a generic application rarely stands out; align your SOP with that lab’s specific research focus (e.g., mention radar signal processing coursework when applying to LRDE).
- Apply early — DRDO labs often have limited intern seats per cycle, and applications are frequently reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Get your college’s forwarding letter ready in advance so you’re not scrambling near the deadline.
- Highlight relevant projects, publications, or certifications in your resume rather than a generic academic summary.
- Follow the exact submission format each lab specifies — DRDO establishments are strict about format compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a single centralized DRDO internship portal?
No. DRDO does not run one unified internship portal; each laboratory (or DRDO HQ, for some general schemes) publishes its own notification with its own process and deadlines.
Are DRDO internships paid?
Most are unpaid; a limited number of longer, project-based internships (especially for M.Tech/Ph.D. candidates) may offer a nominal stipend.
Can final-year students apply?
Yes — final-year B.Tech/M.Tech/M.Sc. students are common applicants, often completing their major project under a DRDO scientist’s guidance.
Do DRDO internships guarantee a job at DRDO?
No. Completing an internship does not guarantee recruitment; DRDO hiring (for Scientist ‘B’ posts, etc.) happens through separate, formal recruitment exams and processes.
How do I know when a specific lab opens internship applications?
Check that lab’s page on drdo.gov.in, or bookmark this guide — we add a direct link in the “Currently Open Internships” table above whenever a new notification is released.
This guide is maintained and updated as new DRDO internship notifications are released. If you spot an open internship we haven’t listed yet, let us know in the comments.