DRDO DMRL Internship Guide for Aspiring Researchers

The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad, offers a 6-month paid internship program for UG and PG students. Applications for the most recent cycle closed on 15 July 2026. The next cycle is expected to open around July 2027.

While applications are closed, this is a good time to review the eligibility criteria and prepare your documents. Being ready in advance can improve your chances when the next application window opens.

There are only 20 seats in total for this program. Many students miss DRDO deadlines simply because they are not prepared.

ParticularDetailsOrganization | Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), DRDO
Internship Location | Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad
Internship Duration | 6 Months
Stipend | ₹5,000 per month
Total Seats | 20
Eligible Courses | BE/BTech, ME/MTech, MSc
Eligible Branches | Metallurgy, Mechanical, Physics, Chemistry, CSE (DS), CSE (AI&ML)
Minimum CGPA | 7.0 CGPA for UG students
PG Eligibility | 70% marks in 1st year exam
Age Limit | Below 28 years as on 31 July 2026
Last Date | 15 July 2026
Email for Application | hrd.dmrl@gov.in

Students looking for defence research internships should also check the complete DRDO Internships guide. You can also browse all opportunities on Talentd for more research and paid internship openings.

DRDO DMRL internship eligibility

The DRDO DMRL internship is open for final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in full-time courses from AICTE or UGC-approved colleges.

Eligible disciplines include:

• Metallurgical / Material Science Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Computer Science Engineering (Data Science)
• Computer Science Engineering (AI & ML)

UG students must have a minimum CGPA of 7.0 on a 10-point scale across all previous semesters.

PG students pursuing ME, MTech, or MSc should have at least 70% marks in their first-year examination.

Only Indian nationals can apply.

₹5,000/month stipend and internship duration

Selected students will receive a stipend of ₹5,000 per month for a maximum period of six months.

The internship duration itself is fixed at six months. DMRL may allow extensions in some cases, but stipend payments stop after the initial six months.

The stipend is released in two installments:

• First installment after completion of 3 months
• Second installment after completion of 6 months

The stipend is modest compared to private tech internships. But the DRDO research exposure matters far more here, especially if you are planning higher studies, PSU careers, GATE preparation, or defence research work.

If you are exploring similar opportunities, these DRDO openings were also available in the last cycle:

• DRDO RCI Paid Internship
• DRDO VRDE Paid Internship
• DRDO NPOL Internship
• DRDO ARDE Internship

DRDO DMRL internship selection process

DMRL will shortlist candidates based on merit. Depending on the number of applications, the lab may also conduct an online or offline interview or interaction round.

Applications that are incomplete, incorrectly filled, or submitted after the deadline are rejected directly.

Selected students receive joining instructions through email only. There are no separate call letters by post.

The timeline shared by DMRL for the last cycle was:

EventDateApplication Start Date | 3 July 2026
Last Date to Apply | 15 July 2026
Selection Intimation | 31 July 2026 onwards
Internship Start Date | 5 August 2026 onwards

How to apply for DRDO DMRL internships

1. Download the official notification and application form
   Students need to use the prescribed application format shared by DMRL. Download the official PDF here: Download Application Form and Official Notification
2. Fill the application form carefully
   You will need to enter personal details, Aadhaar number, branch code, CGPA, achievements, semester details, contact information, and internship discipline.
3. Get the college request letter signed
   DMRL has provided a separate referral/request letter format that must be printed on college letterhead and signed by the Principal or HOD. The letter confirms that your college has no objection to the internship and that you will be relieved for the internship period.
4. Prepare all required documents
   You must attach scanned copies of:
   • Filled application form
   • Recent semester mark sheets
   • Aadhaar card
   • Reference/request letter from college
   • Brief biodata under 300 words
5. Send the application through email only
   Email your complete application to hrd.dmrl@gov.in
   The email subject line must be written exactly like this:
   
   Application for paid internship 2026, DMRL Hyderabad (BRANCH CODE: ___)
6. Submit before the deadline
   The last date to apply for the past cycle was 15 July 2026. No hard copy applications are accepted.

Documents required at the time of joining

Students selected for the DRDO DMRL internship will need to carry several original documents during joining.

• Original reference/request letter from college
• Original bonafide certificate
• No Objection Certificate (NOC)
• Police verification certificate or acknowledgement
• Signed undertaking for Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923
• Signed undertaking for Ministry of Defence IT Rules
• Bank account details
• Original Aadhaar card and college ID
• Three passport-size photographs
• Original mark sheets for verification

The official PDF also includes two mandatory undertaking formats. One is related to the Indian Official Secrets Act, and the other covers Ministry of Defence IT rules. These are compulsory during joining.

DRDO DMRL internship rules students should know

DMRL has clearly mentioned that interns will not receive any boarding, lodging, transport, or medical support. Students must arrange accommodation and daily expenses on their own.

There is also no employment guarantee after the internship.

Attendance matters. Leave is generally not allowed except for valid medical reasons supported by prescriptions.

The completion certificate will only be issued after successful completion of the full internship duration and submission of the final project report.

If you are specifically searching for summer research internships, check our Summer Internships guide as well.

Should you apply for the DRDO DMRL internship?

If your interests align with defence materials, mechanical systems, metallurgy, applied physics, chemistry, or AI-based engineering research, this internship is worth considering. The next application cycle is expected around July 2027.

DMRL is one of DRDO's premier research labs. Internships here can add value to your resume, especially for higher studies, research profiles, and PSU interviews.

The competition will likely be intense because there are only 20 seats. A strong CGPA, a clean application, and a well-written biodata can make a difference.