DRDO ARDE Internship: A Guide for Future Applicants

The Defence Research and Development Organisation offers internships, and one popular program comes from its Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune. If you're an engineering student who wants real exposure to defence technology, this internship can enhance a resume.

Applications for the most recent cycle closed on 5 July 2026. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year. While you wait for the next application window to open, review the eligibility criteria and start preparing your documents. This will ensure you are ready to apply as soon as applications open.

The DRDO ARDE Internship offers a six-month paid internship for UG and PG engineering students. There are 40 seats across multiple disciplines and a monthly stipend of ₹5,000. The application must be sent by post, not online.

If you're exploring multiple DRDO programs, check our complete guide to DRDO Internships. Different labs release opportunities at different times.

DRDO ARDE Internship: Key Details

Feature Details
| Organisation  | DRDO – Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE)
| Location  | Pashan, Pune, Maharashtra
| Total Seats  | 40
| Internship Duration  | 6 Months
| Stipend  | ₹5,000 per month
| Eligible Students  | BE/BTech (7th or 8th semester) and MTech (1st or 2nd year)
| Application Mode  | Speed Post / Courier / Registered Post
| Last Date  | Applications for the last cycle closed on 5 July 2026
| Internship Start Date  | 30 July 2026

ARDE is one of DRDO's core laboratories working on advanced armament systems for the Army, Navy and Air Force. Interns here usually get exposure to research, design, testing and technology development. This is not something you get in most corporate internships.

DRDO ARDE Internship Disciplines and Seat Distribution

The internship is open to multiple engineering branches. Mechanical engineering has the largest number of seats, but several other domains are included.

• Mechanical / Armament / Production Engineering: 16 seats
• Electronics / ECE / Instrumentation / Embedded Systems: 8 seats
• AI & Machine Learning / Data Science / Systems Engineering: 7 seats
• Aerospace / Rocket Propulsion: 5 seats
• Electrical / Electrical Power Engineering: 2 seats
• Material Science / Material Engineering: 2 seats
• Computer Engineering / IT: Included in technical disciplines

The official notification mentions that seat numbers are indicative. ARDE may increase or decrease them depending on project needs.

₹5,000/Month Stipend and Payment Structure

The DRDO ARDE Internship provides a stipend of ₹5,000 per month for six months.

However, interns do not receive it every month. Payments are made in two slabs:

• First slab: ₹15,000 after the first three months
• Second slab: ₹15,000 after the next three months

The money is transferred directly to the intern's bank account.

There is a condition though. Interns must complete at least 15 working days each month and maintain satisfactory academic performance during the internship period.

DRDO ARDE Internship Eligibility

Students must meet several academic and administrative conditions before applying.

• BE or BTech students in 7th or 8th semester
• MTech students in 1st or 2nd year
• Minimum 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA
• Must maintain at least 7.5 CGPA across previous semesters
• Age below 28 years as of 20 June 2026
• Regular students from AICTE approved institutes or UGC recognised universities
• No academic backlogs allowed
• Must be an Indian citizen

Also note this small rule many students overlook. If you're already receiving a stipend from another institute or program, you are not eligible for this internship.

Internship Duration and Facilities

The internship runs for six months. Selected students for the last cycle started around 30 July 2026.

ARDE does not provide accommodation or transport support. Students must arrange their own stay in Pune. The laboratory does have a canteen facility where interns can buy lunch, tea and snacks.

On successful completion, interns receive a DRDO internship completion certificate after submitting their project report.

Required Documents for DRDO ARDE Internship

The application process is document heavy. Most rejections happen because one paper is missing. I've seen this happen more times than you'd think.

Students must send a physical application package containing the following:

• Duly filled application form with passport photo
• Request letter or NOC from college principal or director
• Signed undertaking form
• Copies of all semester marksheets
• Bonafide and character certificate issued by college
• Copy of Aadhaar card
• Copy of college ID card
• Student bio-data (maximum 300 words)
• Awards or certificates if applicable

You can download the official documents here:

• Download Official Notification and Application Form
• View Official Internship Page

About the Application Form (Appendix A)

The application form asks for basic student details such as name, date of birth, Aadhaar number, CGPA and discipline. You must also mention the branch code exactly as listed in the advertisement.

Students must attach a passport size photograph and provide bank account details because the stipend is transferred directly to that account.

College Request Letter / NOC (Appendix B)

This document must be printed on your college letterhead and signed by the Principal or Director. It confirms that the student is a bonafide candidate and the college allows them to undertake the six-month internship.

The form also includes:

• Student academic record semester-wise
• Faculty coordinator details
• Institute affiliation and contact information

Undertaking Form (Appendix C)

This is a declaration related to the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923. Because the internship happens in a defence research environment, interns must confirm they will not disclose confidential information.

How to Apply for DRDO ARDE Internship

1. Download the official forms
   Visit the DRDO vacancy page and get the application documents from the official advertisement PDF.
2. Fill the application form carefully
   Complete all fields in the Appendix A form including CGPA, branch code, discipline and contact details.
3. Get your college approval letter
   Print Appendix B on college letterhead and get it signed by the Principal or Director.
4. Sign the undertaking form
   Appendix C must be filled and signed by the student acknowledging the Official Secrets Act.
5. Attach all required documents
   Include marksheets, Aadhaar copy, bonafide certificate, ID card copy and your 300-word biodata.
6. Send the application by post
   Mail the envelope via Speed Post, Courier or Registered Post to:
   
   The Director (HRD Division)
    Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE)
    Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pashan
    Pune – 411021
7. Mention branch code on the envelope
   Write "Application for Paid Internship" and clearly mention your branch code on the top of the envelope.

Important Dates

• Applications for the last cycle opened on 10 June 2026.
• Applications for the last cycle closed on 5 July 2026.
• Selection intimation for the last cycle was by email on 20 July 2026.
• Internship start date for the last cycle was 30 July 2026.

If you're considering DRDO internships in different labs, you may also want to look at the DRDO CAIR Internship in Bengaluru or the DRDO RCI Paid Internship in Hyderabad. Different labs focus on different technologies.

And if you're browsing multiple opportunities right now, you can always browse all opportunities on Talentd. New internships appear there almost every week.

Selection Process

Selection for the DRDO ARDE Internship is purely merit based. Students with strong academic performance are shortlisted first.

Shortlisted candidates receive an email with joining instructions. Students who are not selected usually do not receive separate communication.

Quick Tips Before You Apply

• Send your application early. Postal delays can easily cost you a week.
• Double check the branch code mentioned in the advertisement.
• Keep your biodata within the 300 word limit.
• Ensure all documents are signed and stamped where required.