DRDO Paid Internship Guide: Prepare for Next Cycle

The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), operating under DRDO, previously announced its 2025 Paid Internship Programme for final-year students pursuing undergraduate engineering or postgraduate courses in engineering or physical sciences. The internship was conducted at DRDL, ASL, and CAS, all located in Hyderabad. Applications for that cycle closed on July 14, 2025. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year.

If you are interested in a future DRDO internship, now is the time to review the eligibility requirements and gather your necessary documents. Being prepared will help you apply quickly when the next cycle opens.

Overview of the Internship Programme

Internship Title: DRDO Paid Internship Programme
Organization: Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad
Internship Duration: 6 Months (Typically starting August 1)
Internship Type: Paid (with monthly stipend)
Location: DRDL/ASL/CAS, Hyderabad
Total Vacancies: 165 (tentative and may vary)
Stipend: ₹5,000 per month (paid in two installments)

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the internship, applicants must fulfill the following conditions:

• Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
• Academic Background:
  • Final year undergraduate engineering students.
  • Final year postgraduate engineering or physical science students.
  • Candidates must be enrolled in full-time programs from UGC/AICTE approved institutions.
• Minimum Marks: At least 60% aggregate or equivalent CGPA (on scale of 10) till the last completed semester.
• Age Limit: Should be below 28 years as on the date of application.
• Recommendation: Must have a formal request letter from the Principal/Director of the institution.

Internship Streams & Branch Codes

Note: The number of positions is indicative and may change as per DRDO’s discretion.

Key Dates for the 2025 Cycle

Selection Process

1. Shortlisting: Based on CGPA/% marks and recommendation letter.
2. Interaction/Interview: Only shortlisted candidates will be invited.
3. Final Selection: Subject to verification of documents and fulfilling all criteria.
4. Notification: Only selected students will receive confirmation; no communication for rejections.

How to Apply for the Internship

Download Application Form (Page 4,5,6):

https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/sites/default/files/career-vacancy-documents/advtDRDL01072025.pdf

Application Submission Process:

1. Prepare the Application:
   • Fill in the prescribed application format (as provided below).
   • Attach photograph and necessary enclosures (mark sheets, ID proof, etc.)
   • Include the recommendation letter from your college Principal/Director.
2. Send Your Application:
   • Post your hard copy to: Director
     Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL)
     Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex
     PO Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500058
     (Kind Attention: Head, HRD)
   • Also email a scanned copy to: drdlintern2025@gmail.com
3. Envelope Instructions:
   • Clearly mention:
     "Application for Paid Internship"
     and
     "Branch Code No: [Your Branch Code]" on the envelope.

Internship Stipend Details

• Amount: ₹5,000/month
• Disbursement:
  • First installment after completing 3 months of internship.
  • Final installment upon successful completion of 6 months.
• Minimum Attendance: At least 15 working days per month physically at the DRDL/ASL/CAS.
• Bank Account: Stipend will be transferred to the intern’s bank account directly.

Facilities & Provisions

• Cafeteria: Subsidized lunch/snacks/tea available.
• Accommodation: Not provided.
• Medical: Students need to submit a medical fitness certificate.
• Completion Certificate: Only issued if full tenure (6 months) is completed successfully.

Mandatory Documents for Joining

At the time of selection/joining, candidates must submit:

• Original and copy of NOC from college.
• Police verification certificate or acknowledgment.
• Undertaking for adherence to the Official Secrets Act, 1923.
• Agreement to IT Rules & MoD regulations.
• Bank account details.
• Medical certificate (MBBS practitioner).
• Aadhar Card (Original) and College ID.
• 3 Passport-size photographs.
• All previous semester mark sheets (originals for verification).
• Indemnity form (from college as per DRDO format).

Important Conditions

• No job guarantee after internship.
• No certificate/stipend if:
  • Student fails to complete at least 3 months.
  • Leaves the internship midway.
• DRDO has full authority to amend the selection process, dates, or vacancy count at any time.

How to Fill the Application Form

The application form must include:

• Personal details (Name, DOB, Aadhar No., Address)
• Educational information (Course, Branch, Semester, Marks)
• Reference from Principal/Director
• Signature with date and place
• Checklist confirming enclosed documents

The college recommendation letter must be printed on official letterhead and signed by the Principal/Director, confirming the student’s merit and availability for a minimum of 15 working days/month for the internship.