DRDO DLJ Internship: Eligibility, Stipend and How to Apply

Want to work inside a DRDO lab while you're still in college? This is a rare opportunity.

Applications for the 2026 DRDO DLJ Paid Internship closed on 15 June 2026. Defence Laboratory Jodhpur (DLJ), a DRDO research facility, offered a 6‑month paid internship for final‑year engineering and science students. The stipend was Rs 5,000 per month. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year.

Now is a good time to review the eligibility criteria and required documents. Preparing these materials in advance will ensure you are ready when the next application cycle opens.

If you are exploring more defence research internships, you might also want to check the complete DRDO internships guide or browse similar openings on Talentd's opportunities hub.

DRDO DLJ Paid Internship: Key Details

Program Details
| Internship Name  | DRDO DLJ Paid Internship Scheme
| Organization  | Defence Laboratory Jodhpur (DLJ), DRDO
| Location  | Jodhpur, Rajasthan
| Duration  | Minimum 6 months
| Stipend  | Rs 5,000 per month
| Total Seats  | 9
| Eligible Students  | Final year B.E/B.Tech and M.Sc students
| Application Mode  | Offline (Speed Post)
| Last Date (2026 Cycle)  | 15 June 2026 (applications closed)
| Internship Start (2026 Cycle)  | 1 July 2026 (tentative)

DRDO internships are scattered across many labs, and each has different rules. For example, the DRDO VRDE Paid Internship offers a significantly higher stipend, while programs like the DRDO CAIR Internship focus more on AI and computing research.

About Defence Laboratory Jodhpur (DLJ)

DLJ is one of DRDO's specialized research laboratories. Its work focuses on technologies that operate in harsh desert environments and high‑security defence applications.

The lab works on areas such as multispectral camouflage, stealth and deception systems, desert science technologies, and nuclear radiation management. This is not a routine internship where you spend months doing documentation. Students often assist in actual defence‑oriented research tasks under scientists.

DRDO DLJ Paid Internship Eligibility

Not everyone can apply. DRDO has kept the eligibility fairly strict since this is a defence lab.

• Must be an Indian citizen
• Final year B.E/B.Tech or final year M.Sc students
• Studying full‑time from an AICTE or UGC approved institution
• Minimum 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA
• Age must be below 25 years

Selection is purely merit based. Academic performance matters a lot here.

Branches Eligible (9 Internship Seats)

The internship is open across multiple engineering and science disciplines.

• Electronics / ECE / EIE
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Science Engineering
• Materials or Chemical Engineering
• M.Sc Physics
• M.Sc Chemistry (final year)

Total available seats are just 9. That is a very small intake. Expect competition.

₹5,000/Month Stipend and Internship Duration

The internship runs for a minimum of six months. Students will receive a stipend of Rs 5,000 per month.

Payments are not monthly. Instead, DRDO releases the stipend in two instalments:

• First payment after completing 3 months
• Second payment after finishing the full 6 months

You must attend the lab for at least 15 working days per month to remain eligible for stipend payment.

Boarding and lodging are not provided. Students need to manage accommodation themselves in Jodhpur.

Documents Required for DRDO DLJ Internship

This internship involves several official documents. Most of them come from the DRDO advertisement itself.

Start by downloading the official notice here: Download DRDO DLJ Internship Advertisement & Application Form.

The PDF contains multiple forms you must print and complete.

1. Application Form

The application form asks for details like:

• Name, date of birth, Aadhaar number
• College details and contact information
• Branch code and degree (UG or PG)
• Achievements in under 300 words
• Marksheets and academic details

2. Principal / HOD Referral Letter

This is a mandatory letter printed on your college letterhead. It must be signed by the Principal or HOD.

The letter confirms that:

• You are a bonafide student of the institution
• The college allows you to attend the internship
• You will remain present at the DRDO lab for at least 15 working days each month
• The college supports your participation in the internship

3. Mandatory Undertakings

Two undertakings are included in the PDF:

• Undertaking under the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923
• Undertaking to follow IT Rules and Regulations of the Ministry of Defence

These are standard for defence organizations. They confirm that you will not disclose confidential information during or after the internship.

4. Additional Documents at Joining

• Bonafide certificate from college
• No Objection Certificate (NOC)
• Police verification from hometown
• Aadhaar card and college ID
• Previous semester marksheets
• Three passport size photographs
• Bank account details for stipend transfer

How to Apply for DRDO DLJ Paid Internship

1. Download the Official Application Form
   Visit the DRDO notice and download the full document here: Download Application Form PDF.
2. Fill the Application Form Carefully
   Provide personal details, academic information, branch code, and achievements exactly as requested in the form.
3. Get the Referral Letter from Your College
   Ask your Principal or HOD to sign the request letter on official college letterhead using the format given in the PDF.
4. Attach Required Documents
   Include marksheets, Aadhaar copy, and the signed referral letter along with your filled application.
5. Send the Application by Speed Post
   Mail the complete application to:
   
   Director
   Defence Laboratory Jodhpur
   Prof. Daulat Singh Kothari Marg
   Ratanada, Jodhpur – 342011, Rajasthan
6. Write This on the Envelope
   Clearly mention: Application for Paid Internship – Branch Code on top of the envelope.

Selection Process

The selection process usually involves academic screening first. Only students with strong marks are considered.

Shortlisted candidates may then go through an online interaction or interview. Final selection is based on merit and document verification.

Selected candidates for the 2026 cycle were notified via email starting around 25 June 2026. The internship was expected to begin from 1 July 2026.

Completion Certificate and Evaluation

Students who successfully finish the internship will receive an official DRDO completion certificate. But there are conditions.

• You must complete the full 6‑month duration
• Submit the final project report
• Clear the evaluation conducted by the lab

If you leave midway, the certificate and stipend will not be issued.

Pro Tips Before Applying

First, start the college approval process early. Getting a Principal or HOD signature can take days.

Second, double‑check the branch code and discipline fields in the form. DRDO rejects incomplete or incorrect applications without notifying candidates.

And finally, send the application well before the deadline. Speed Post delays happen more often than people expect.