DRDO Internship 2026: Paid Internship at DRDE Gwalior, Rs 5,000 Stipend, Apply by 14 Nov

DRDE Gwalior, the Defence Research and Development Establishment under DRDO, is taking applications for a six-month paid internship that begins on 1 January 2027. This DRDO internship is for M.Sc. students in their 3rd or 4th semester and B.E./B.Tech students in their 7th or 8th semester, in biological sciences, chemistry and a few engineering branches. The stipend is Rs 5,000 a month, and your application must reach DRDE by speed post or email by 14 November 2026.

DRDE Gwalior paid internship at a glance

DRDO labs publish their paid internship notices separately, each with its own subjects and deadline. If Gwalior doesn't suit you, compare it with the DRDO CASDIC internship in Bengaluru or read our guide to DRDO internships. For more public sector options, see our government internships hub or browse all opportunities on Talentd.

DRDO internship eligibility at DRDE Gwalior

Only Indian citizens can apply. You must currently be enrolled in one of the courses below, at a college or university approved by AICTE or UGC.

Subjects, seats and qualifications

• Subject code 01, Biological Sciences (3 seats): pursuing M.Sc. or equivalent (3rd/4th semester) or B.Tech (7th/8th semester) in Biological Sciences (Biotechnology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Toxicology or Immunology).
• Subject code 02, Chemical Sciences (3 seats): pursuing M.Sc. or equivalent (3rd/4th semester) in Chemistry (Organic, Inorganic or Analytical Chemistry).
• Subject code 03, Engineering (2 seats): pursuing B.E./B.Tech (7th/8th semester) in Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Information Technology or Computer Sciences.

DRDE says these seat numbers can change with the organisation's needs, and seats left empty in one subject may be shifted to another. So the count per subject isn't final.

Marks, age and college backing

You need 75% or more (or a CGPA of at least 7.5). Your age must be below 28 years on 14 November 2026. You also need a recent referral or sponsorship letter from your college or university, and you can't apply without it.

DRDE Gwalior internship stipend and payment schedule

The stipend is fixed at Rs 5,000 a month for the six-month internship. It isn't paid every month, though. DRDE pays it in two equal parts: Rs 15,000 once you finish 3 months and another Rs 15,000 once you finish 6 months.

DRDE doesn't give interns accommodation, and it won't cover boarding or lodging costs. You also get no travel allowance (TA/DA) for joining. Since the first payment only comes after three months, plan to cover your rent and food in Gwalior yourself until then.

Documents you need for the DRDO internship application

Your application packet must contain all six of these items:

1. The filled application form (Annexure A) with a recent passport-size photograph pasted on it
2. A recent referral or sponsorship letter from your college or university
3. A detailed resume
4. Self-attested copies of all degrees, academic certificates, mark sheets and any experience certificates
5. Copies of your Aadhaar card and PAN card
6. Your bank details

What the application form asks for

Annexure A is inside the advertisement PDF. At the top you write the subject code and subject name you're applying for, and the photo box is marked for self-attestation. The form then asks for your name in block letters, your date of birth (age as on 14 November 2026), your nationality and both addresses, with proof for the permanent one. You also give your mobile number, email and an ID proof (PAN, driving licence or Aadhaar).

A few questions need care. You mark whether the referral letter is attached and whether the internship counts as part of your degree (with details if it does). You also write your current year and semester. There's a table for every qualification with board, year, subjects and percentage, and another for earlier internships, where you attach proof. You sign a declaration at the end.

The college referral letter

The PDF includes a ready format for this letter. It must be printed on your college letterhead and addressed to the Director, DRDE, and it must quote the advertisement number. It lists your details (course, college ID, address, contacts), your faculty coordinator's details including the HoD's email, and college details such as the AICTE permanent ID, DTE code and affiliation. The college states it has no objection, that it will relieve you for the internship and that you will complete the full six months. The Principal or HoD signs it and adds the office seal.

This letter depends on your college office, so ask for it this week. It is usually the slowest item to arrange.

The two undertakings

The last pages of the PDF have two short undertakings to sign. In one, you confirm that you know the provisions of the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923. In the other, you agree to follow the IT rules of the Ministry of Defence. Fill in your name, parent's name, address and district, then sign and date both.

How DRDE shortlists interns

DRDE shortlists on educational qualifications and the eligibility rules. Meeting the criteria doesn't guarantee a seat. If needed, DRDE may hold an interaction by phone or video call, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. DRDE rejects applications that are incomplete, contain errors or arrive after the deadline, and it won't answer follow-up queries.

When you report to join, carry the original referral letter along with original certificates proving your qualifications, experience, age, identity and address. Phones, laptops, pen drives and other electronic devices aren't allowed inside the DRDE Gwalior campus, so don't plan on working from your own laptop.

Rules during the DRDE Gwalior internship

• Attendance is marked through the lab's system, which may be biometric or Aadhaar-based.
• Working hours follow the lab's timings, and the lab's gazetted and closed holidays apply to you.
• The only leave allowed is sick leave, and you need a valid prescription for it.
• You submit a progress report after 3 months and a project report after 6 months.
• You get a completion certificate once you finish the project and hand in the report.
• The internship gives you no right to a job at DRDO later.

DRDO internship 2026 important dates

For questions, the notice lists DRDE's phone numbers as 0751-2390120 and 0751-2390122.

How to apply for the DRDE Gwalior paid internship

1. Read the full advertisement on the official DRDO notice page and pick the subject code that matches your course.
2. Download Application Form (the Annexure A form, referral letter format and undertakings are all in this PDF) and print it.
3. Fill in Annexure A, paste a recent passport-size photo, self-attest it and sign the declaration.
4. Give the referral letter format to your HoD or Principal and get it printed on college letterhead, signed and sealed.
5. Sign both undertakings (Official Secrets Act and MoD IT rules).
6. Add your detailed resume, self-attested copies of all certificates and mark sheets, Aadhaar and PAN copies, and your bank details.
7. Send the full set by speed post to the Director, DRDE, DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Jhansi Road, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474002, or scan everything and email it to director.drde@gov.in and hrd.drde@gov.in.
8. Make sure it reaches DRDE by 14 November 2026. DRDE plans to inform selected students around 1 December 2026.