DRDO ACEM Internship: Guide to a Paid 6-Month Program

DRDO internships rarely show up with clear stipends and limited seats. When they do, applications usually pile up quickly.

Applications for the DRDO ACEM Internship 2026 are now closed. The Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM) in Nashik offered a paid internship for engineering students, with just five positions available across multiple technical disciplines. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year.

To prepare for the next cycle, review the eligibility criteria and start gathering your documents. Being ready when applications open can help you submit a strong application on time.

Applications for the 2026 cycle closed on June 15, 2026, and had to be sent by post with a college principal's endorsement. Missing either step meant the application was not considered.

Program DRDO ACEM Paid Internship
| Organisation | Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM), DRDO
| Location | Nashik, Maharashtra
| Internship Duration | 6 Months
| Monthly Stipend | ₹5,000 per month
| Total Seats | 5 (may change at DRDO's discretion)
| Eligibility | Engineering UG (7th/8th semester) or PG (1st/2nd year)
| Application Deadline | 15 June 2026 (closed)
| Internship Start Date | 1 July 2026
| Application Mode | Speed Post (offline)

If you're exploring multiple defence research internships, it also helps to check our complete guide to DRDO Internships 2026, which lists labs, stipends and application patterns across the organisation.

What is the DRDO ACEM Internship?

The DRDO ACEM Internship is a six‑month paid training program offered by the Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials in Nashik. ACEM is a specialised DRDO facility that works on composite propellants and rocket motor technologies used in strategic missile programs.

This lab deals with the materials and engineering behind propulsion systems. That makes the internship particularly interesting for students interested in aerospace, defence technology, energetic materials and advanced manufacturing.

Only five interns were selected for the 2026 cycle.

Many DRDO labs release internship ads with similar seat counts. Competition becomes intense quickly, especially when the eligibility cutoff is high.

DRDO ACEM Internship Seats and Branches

The internship is open to a small set of engineering disciplines. Each branch has extremely limited seats.

Branch Code Discipline Seats
| CE | Chemical Engineering | 1
| ME | Mechanical / Armament / Defence Technology / Production Engineering | 1
| AE | Aero Engineering / Rocket Propulsion Systems | 1
| AI & DS | AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, System Engineering | 2
| CS | Computer Engineering / Information Technology | —

The total advertised seats are five, although DRDO notes the number may increase or decrease depending on requirements.

If you're tracking other DRDO openings right now, you might also want to look at the DRDO DLRL Internship 2026 in Hyderabad and the DRDO DEBEL Paid Internship 2026, both of which have significantly larger intake numbers.

₹5,000/Month Stipend and Payment Rules

The stipend for the internship is ₹5,000 per month. While it isn't the highest DRDO stipend out there, the research exposure at a propulsion materials facility is the real draw.

There are a few conditions attached.

• Internship duration is 6 months
• Payment is released in two instalments
• The first payment comes after completing three months of training
• You must maintain minimum 15 working days of physical attendance per month

If an intern leaves before completing three months, the stipend is not paid. Also, incomplete internships do not receive a completion certificate.

DRDO ACEM Internship Eligibility

The eligibility requirements are stricter than many typical internships.

• Engineering UG students in 7th or 8th semester
• Engineering PG students in 1st or 2nd year
• Minimum 85% marks or 8.5 CGPA in previous semesters
• Must be studying in a recognised AICTE or UGC approved institute
• Age below 28 years
• Principal or Director must provide a recommendation letter

And yes, the 8.5 CGPA requirement must be maintained consistently across previous semesters.

Important Dates

Event Date
| Application Start | 22 May 2026
| Last Date to Apply | 15 June 2026 (closed)
| Shortlist Intimation | After 17 June 2026
| Internship Start | 1 July 2026

How to Apply for DRDO ACEM Internship

The application process is offline. That means you'll need to prepare documents, print the form and send it by speed post.

1. Download the official form
   Get the internship application template from the official notification here: Download Advertisement and Application Form.
2. Fill the student application form
   The form asks for personal details such as name, date of birth, Aadhaar number, discipline, CGPA, achievements and contact details. You must also attach a passport‑size photo.
3. Get the Principal/Director recommendation letter
   Your college must issue a formal request letter recommending you for the internship. The template for this letter is included in the same PDF and should be printed on the official college letterhead.
4. Attach required documents
   You must include supporting documents like mark sheets, Aadhaar copy and referral letter from the institute.
5. Send application by Speed Post
   Mail the complete application package to:
   
   The General Manager
   Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM)
   DRDO, Ministry of Defence
   Ambe Hills, Ojhar, Nashik – 422207
   Kind Attention: HRD Division
6. Write this on the envelope
   Mention “Application for Paid Internship” along with the branch code clearly on the envelope.

Documents Required at Joining

If shortlisted, selected interns must submit several verification documents when joining ACEM.

• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from college
• Police verification acknowledgement
• Undertaking under the Indian Official Secrets Act 1923
• IT rules compliance undertaking for Ministry of Defence
• Bank account details for stipend transfer
• Medical fitness certificate from an MBBS doctor
• Aadhaar card and college ID for verification
• Three passport size photographs
• Original semester mark sheets

The undertakings related to the Official Secrets Act and Ministry of Defence IT rules are also provided in the official PDF notification. These must be signed by the student before joining the internship.

Selection Process

The selection committee at ACEM will shortlist candidates primarily based on merit.

The process may include:

• Academic performance screening
• Merit list based on CGPA
• Possible interaction or interview

Only shortlisted students will receive further communication regarding joining formalities.

If you're actively applying to research internships this year, it may also help to browse all opportunities on Talentd. New government lab internships show up almost every week.

Important Rules Interns Should Know

DRDO clearly states a few conditions interns should keep in mind.

• Completion certificate is issued only after finishing the full 6‑month internship
• Interns must submit a project report and clear evaluation
• No boarding or lodging expenses are provided
• Canteen food is available at subsidised rates
• The internship does not guarantee employment with DRDO

That last point matters. Some students assume DRDO internships convert into jobs automatically. They don't. But the experience can significantly strengthen your profile for research roles, higher studies, or defence tech companies.