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DRDO IRDE Internship: Your Guide to Research Opportunities

June 22, 20255 min readUpdated August 6, 2026
Stipend

₹5,000/month

Duration

6 months (1 August 2025 – 31 January 2026)

Eligibility

Final-year UG or PG students in Engineering or Science with minimum 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA from a UGC/AICTE-approved college and below 28 years of age

Documents

Passport photo, Aadhaar copy, semester marksheets, recommendation letter from Principal/Director, police verification certificate, character certificate, resume (optional), declaration form, document checklist

Looking to gain real-world research experience in cutting-edge defence technologies? The DRDO Summer Internship at the Instruments Research and Development Establishment (IRDE), Dehradun offers opportunities for final-year students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in engineering and science. Applications for the 2025 cycle closed on June 30, 2025. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year.

To be ready for the next cycle, review the eligibility criteria now and start preparing the necessary documents. This proactive approach will position you well when applications reopen.

This paid internship provides hands-on exposure to advanced projects in optics, photonics, electronics, mechanical systems, and computing. It is a sought-after research internship in India for tech and science students. With a competitive selection process, monthly stipend, and a certificate upon successful completion, DRDO IRDE’s Summer Internship is a stepping stone into the world of defence R&D.


Internship Highlights

  • Organization: DRDO – Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE)
  • Location: IRDE, Raipur Road, Dehradun – 248008
  • Type: Paid Internship (Physical Mode)
  • Duration: 6 months (typically August to January)
  • Stipend: ₹5,000/month (paid in 2 installments)
  • Vacancies: 45 total across various branches

Who Can Apply?

You are eligible if you meet all the following criteria:

  • Pursuing final year UG/PG in Engineering or Science
  • Enrolled in a full-time course at a UGC/AICTE-approved college
  • Have a minimum of 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA
  • Below 28 years of age
  • Have a recommendation letter from your college Principal/Director

Available Disciplines & Codes

DisciplineCodeVacancies
Electronics, ECE, Instrumentation, ElectricalEE15
Mechanical EngineeringME10
Physics, Applied Optics, OptoelectronicsPH10
Computer Science & EngineeringCS10

View All DRDO Internships – Updated daily with latest openings, stipend details, how to apply & deadlines

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for the Internship


Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents

Before you begin the form, keep these documents ready:

  1. Passport size photo (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm)
  2. Copy of Aadhaar Card
  3. All semester marksheets (UG/PG) – photocopies
  4. Recommendation letter from Principal/Director on college letterhead
  5. Police verification certificate or acknowledgment receipt
  6. Character certificate from college
  7. Resume (optional but recommended)
  8. Declaration form (see sample below)
  9. Document checklist (tick-mark enclosed documents)

Note: You’ll need original mark sheets, Aadhaar card, and ID proof at the time of joining for verification.


Step 2: Fill the Application Form

Print the following format on A4 paper and fill it neatly (preferably typed, then signed):

Download the Form (Page 4,5,6) : https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/sites/default/files/career-vacancy-documents/advtIRDE20062025.pdf

Application Format:

1. Name of the Applicant:
2. Date of Birth:
3. Aadhaar Number:
4. Name and Address of College:
5. Branch/Discipline:
6. Branch Code (EE/ME/PH/CS):
7. Degree (UG/PG) and Current Semester:
8. CGPA (attach proof):
9. Awards or Professional Memberships:
10. Languages Known:
11. Referral Letter (from Principal/Director) – attached or not:
12. Permanent Address:
13. Local Address (if any):
14. Contact Number and Alternate Number:
15. Email ID:

Checklist:
- Referral Letter [  ]
- CGPA Proof (Marksheet) [  ]
- Aadhaar Card Copy [  ]

Place:
Date:
Signature of Applicant

Step 3: Get College Letter on Official Letterhead

Your college must issue a formal request letter addressed to the Director of IRDE, confirming:

  • You are a bonafide student
  • College allows you to attend internship physically for 15 working days/month
  • They will issue an indemnity form if required

The letter must be signed by the Principal/Director with college seal.


Step 4: Envelope Labelling

Place your completed application form, documents, and college letter in an envelope. On the top of the envelope, clearly write:

Application for Paid Internship – Branch Code: [EE/ME/PH/CS]

Step 5: Send by Speed Post

Mail your application only via Speed Post to the following address:

The Director,
Instruments Research and Development Establishment (IRDE),
Defence Research & Development Organisation,
Raipur Road, Dehradun – 248008

Note: Applications sent by email or any mode other than Speed Post will not be accepted.


Important Dates

EventDate
Last Date to Apply (2025 cycle)30 June 2025 (Applications are now closed)
Announcement of Selection (2025 cycle)25 July 2025
Start of Internship (2025 cycle)01 August 2025

Selection Process

  • Shortlisting based on academic performance (≥75% or 7.5 CGPA)
  • Possibly followed by an interview/interactions
  • Final selection based on merit

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding joining formalities.


Conditions for Stipend and Completion Certificate

  • Minimum 15 working days/month attendance required
  • Stipend is paid in 2 installments: after 3 months and after 6 months
  • Certificate is issued only after full 6-month completion and successful project report submission
  • No stipend or certificate if the intern discontinues before 3 months

Documents to Submit at the Time of Joining (For Selected Candidates)

Bring these documents in original (with photocopies):

  1. Aadhaar card
  2. College ID
  3. Police verification certificate
  4. Character certificate
  5. No Objection Certificate (NOC) from college
  6. Medical fitness certificate (from MBBS doctor)
  7. Undertaking forms (Official Secrets Act, IT compliance)
  8. 3 Passport size photographs
  9. All marksheets (original + copies)
  10. Bank details (for stipend)
  11. Indemnity form from college (as required)

Important Notes

  • Accommodation is not provided, but meals and snacks are available at subsidized rates in the IRDE canteen
  • This internship does not guarantee future employment at DRDO
  • The organization reserves the right to alter the selection process or number of vacancies

Guide

Explore all DRDO Internships

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the stipend for the DRDO IRDE Internship 2025?
Selected interns receive a stipend of ₹5,000 per month, paid in two installments after the 3rd and 6th month of the internship.
Who is eligible for the DRDO IRDE Dehradun Internship 2025?
Final-year UG or PG students in Engineering or Science with at least 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA, studying in a UGC/AICTE-approved full-time course and below 28 years of age are eligible.
What is the duration of the DRDO Summer Internship at IRDE?
The internship duration is 6 months, running from 1 August 2025 to 31 January 2026.
How can students apply for the DRDO IRDE Internship 2025?
Students must download the application form from the official DRDO PDF, fill it, attach required documents and send it via Speed Post to the Director, IRDE Dehradun.
What is the last date to apply for the DRDO IRDE Internship 2025?
The last date to submit the application via Speed Post is 30 June 2025.
How many vacancies are available in the DRDO IRDE Internship 2025?
There are 45 internship positions across Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics/Optics, and Computer Science disciplines.
Will interns receive a certificate after completing the DRDO IRDE internship?
Yes, interns will receive a completion certificate after successfully finishing the full 6‑month internship and submitting their project report.

About the Author

Azhar Khan

Azhar Khan

Founder | Editor | Senior Fullstack Engineer

Azhar Khan is the founder of Talentd, and a Sr. FullStack Engineer, currently working for USA Fintech company. Passionate about helping people find their dream jobs and grow their careers.