DRDO CHESS Paid Internship: Your Guide for Next Cycle

Applications for DRDO CHESS internships close quickly. The available seats fill up fast.

The DRDO CHESS Paid Internship 2026 applications closed on 11 May 2026. This program ran for six months at the Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad. CHESS is a DRDO lab that works on lasers, optics, opto-electronics, and related defence technologies.

There were only 20 seats. The total stipend was ₹30,000 for the internship period. If you are aiming for hands-on research exposure in defence technology, keep an eye out for the next cycle.

Applications for the 2026 cycle closed on 11 May 2026. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year. In the meantime, review the eligibility criteria and required documents. Preparing these now will ensure you are ready when the next application window opens.

Program DRDO CHESS Paid Internship
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
| Lab | Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad
| Total Seats | 20
| Eligible Students | Final year Engineering or Science UG/PG students
| Stipend | ₹30,000 total (₹15,000 after 3 months + ₹15,000 after 6 months)
| Duration | 6 Months
| Location | CHESS Lab, Hyderabad
| Application Mode | Offline via Speed Post
| Last Date | 11 May 2026 (closed)
| Internship Start Date | 03 June 2026 (closed)

If you're exploring DRDO opportunities, also check the DRDO DLRL Internship 2026 and the DRDO DIPAS Internship 2026. Several DRDO labs open internships regularly.

DRDO CHESS Paid Internship disciplines and seats

The internship is open to students from specific engineering and science branches. Seat distribution is limited. Numbers can change depending on the lab's requirements.

Branch Code Discipline Seats
| PH | Physics / Applied Optics | 5
| ME | Mechanical Engineering | 5
| EE | Electronics / Instrumentation / Electrical / ECE | 5
| CS | Computer Science | 3
| CE | Chemical Engineering | 2

In total, 20 positions were available. DRDO mentioned that the number may increase or decrease based on internal requirements.

₹30,000 stipend details for DRDO CHESS internship

The stipend structure is simple but comes with conditions.

• Total stipend: ₹30,000
• ₹15,000 paid after completion of the first 3 months
• ₹15,000 paid after completing the full 6 months
• Minimum attendance requirement: 15 working days per month

Miss the six-month completion requirement and the stipend is not granted. Students must cover their own accommodation, food, travel, and medical expenses during the internship.

A DRDO lab internship carries strong academic weight. For students interested in defence R&D or higher studies, the experience matters more than the stipend.

DRDO CHESS Internship eligibility

Not everyone can apply. DRDO has a fairly strict eligibility filter.

• Must be an Indian citizen
• Final year students pursuing UG or PG in Engineering or Science
• Minimum 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA
• Age must be below 28 years
• Must be enrolled in a recognized AICTE or UGC approved institution
• A referral letter from Principal or Director is mandatory

Selection happens purely on merit and academic record. Only shortlisted candidates receive communication about joining.

Documents required for DRDO CHESS Paid Internship

This internship requires several official documents. Most students get stuck here because they underestimate the paperwork.

First, you must download and fill the official form from the DRDO website. Here is the direct document:

Download DRDO CHESS Internship Advertisement and Application Form

The form requires the following details:

• Name, date of birth and Aadhaar number
• Full address and contact details
• Discipline and branch code (PH / ME / EE / CS / CE)
• Current semester or academic year
• CGPA or percentage with marksheet proof
• College referral letter

Along with the application, students must attach these documents:

• Referral letter issued by Principal or HOD
• UG or PG marksheets showing CGPA or percentage
• Copy of Aadhaar card
• College ID card copy

The referral letter is quite detailed. It must include student details, faculty coordinator information, and the institution's AICTE affiliation information. The college also confirms that the student will be relieved for internship duties and will attend at least 15 working days per month.

Selected students must later submit additional undertakings when joining the lab. These include:

• Undertaking for compliance with the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923
• Undertaking agreeing to follow Ministry of Defence IT rules
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from college
• Police verification acknowledgement
• Bank details for stipend transfer
• Aadhaar card and college ID for verification
• Three passport-size photographs
• Original marksheets for verification

The documentation is strict. This is standard for defence research labs.

How to apply for DRDO CHESS Paid Internship

The application process is offline. Follow the steps carefully.

1. Download the application form – Get the official document from the DRDO advertisement here: Download Application Form.
2. Fill in your academic and personal details – Enter your discipline, CGPA, branch code, and contact information carefully.
3. Get the referral letter from your college – This must be printed on college letterhead and signed by the Principal or HOD.
4. Attach supporting documents – Include Aadhaar copy, college ID, marksheets, and the referral letter.
5. Prepare the envelope correctly – On top of the envelope clearly write: “Application for Paid Internship” along with your branch code.
6. Send via Speed Post – Mail the application to:

Director
Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS)
DRDO, RCI Campus
PO: Vignyana Kancha
Hyderabad – 500069

Applications for the 2026 cycle had to reach by 11 May 2026. Late or incomplete applications are rejected without review.

If you're exploring more government research programs, the NITI Aayog Internship Scheme and the IDRBT Summer Internship 2026 are also worth considering. You can always browse all opportunities on Talentd.

Selection process for DRDO CHESS Internship

The selection process is straightforward.

• Applications are screened based on academic merit
• Only shortlisted candidates are contacted
• Selected students receive joining instructions
• Students must submit security documents and undertakings before starting

The official notification mentioned that shortlisted candidates would be informed by 20 May 2026. The internship was scheduled to begin on 03 June 2026.

Tips before applying

A few practical things can improve your chances.

First, apply early. DRDO labs often start screening applications even before the deadline once they receive strong candidates.

Second, ensure your CGPA proof is clear and accurate. If your transcript shows grading scale information, include it.

Third, speak with your HOD before requesting the referral letter. Colleges sometimes take several days to issue it.

Finally, double-check the branch code on the envelope. DRDO explicitly asks for it to sort applications.