DRDO IRDE Internship: Eligibility, Stipend and How to Apply

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.

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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

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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

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Available Disciplines & Codes

Discipline	Code	Vacancies
Electronics, ECE, Instrumentation, Electrical	EE	15
Mechanical Engineering	ME	10
Physics, Applied Optics, Optoelectronics	PH	10
Computer Science & Engineering	CS	10

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Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for the Internship

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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.

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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

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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.

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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]

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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.

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Important Dates

Event	Date
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

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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.

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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

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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)

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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

Cover photo: Arjun MBT bump track test by Ajai Shukla, uploaded by User:Sniperz11, CC BY 2.5 in, via Wikimedia Commons.