DRDO HEMRL Internship Pune: Cycle Closed, Prepare for Next Year

Getting research exposure inside a defence lab isn't something most students get easily. And when the lab belongs to DRDO, it becomes even more interesting.

Applications for the 2026 DRDO HEMRL Internship cycle closed on 03 July 2026. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year. High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) in Pune invited final year engineering and science students for a six-month paid internship. There were 40 seats available, and selected students received a stipend of ₹5,000 per month.

If you are interested in areas like explosives, propellants, combustion science, materials, or defence technology, this program offers rare exposure. Also, many students underestimate how valuable DRDO lab experience looks on a resume. I have seen recruiters notice it instantly.

While applications for the last cycle are now closed, you can use this time to review eligibility requirements and gather necessary documents. Being prepared will help you apply quickly when the next cycle opens.

Internship Name DRDO HEMRL Paid Internship
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
| Lab | High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune
| Total Seats | 40
| Stipend | ₹5,000 per month
| Duration | 6 Months
| Start Date | 01 August 2026
| Application Deadline | 03 July 2026 (closed)
| Location | Sutarwadi, Pune, Maharashtra
| Official Notification | Download Official DRDO HEMRL Internship Notification

Interested in more defence research internships? You can also explore our detailed DRDO Internships guide where we track openings across multiple DRDO labs.

About DRDO HEMRL Pune

The High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) is one of DRDO's key research centres. The lab focuses on high-energy materials and explosive technologies used in defence systems.

Research here covers areas like propellants, high explosives, pyrotechnics, polymeric materials, and combustion characteristics. Scientists also study detonation behaviour and design new energetic material systems for defence applications.

This is serious research territory. Interns usually assist in experiments, material analysis, simulation work, and technical documentation under DRDO scientists.

DRDO HEMRL internship seats and branch-wise vacancies

The internship is open to both engineering and science students. DRDO announced 40 indicative seats across several disciplines.

Branch Seats
| Chemical Engineering | 10
| Mechanical Engineering | 10
| Chemistry | 10
| Aerospace Engineering | 2
| Physics | 2
| Electrical Engineering | 2
| Electronics and Communication Engineering | 2
| Computer Engineering / Computer Science | 2

DRDO clearly states that the number of seats can change depending on project requirements. So treat these numbers as indicative.

If you are comparing different DRDO labs, you might also want to see the DRDO CAIR Internship in Bengaluru and the DRDO RCI Paid Internship in Hyderabad. Both usually attract strong applicants every year.

DRDO HEMRL internship eligibility

The eligibility rules are fairly strict. DRDO labs typically shortlist only students with strong academic records.

• Indian citizens only
• Final year UG engineering students (7th or 8th semester)
• Final year PG engineering students
• Final year PG science students in Physics or Chemistry
• BSc (4-year) Chemistry students may also apply
• Minimum 70% marks or 7.5 CGPA
• Age must be below 28 years

One more important rule. Students who have already completed a paid internship in another DRDO lab are not eligible to apply.

₹5,000 monthly stipend and payment details

The DRDO HEMRL Internship provides a stipend of ₹5,000 per month.

However, the payment system has a small catch. The stipend is paid in two installments. The first payment arrives after completing three months of training.

Interns must also maintain a minimum of 15 working days of attendance per month. If someone leaves the internship before completing three months, no stipend is paid.

Also note that DRDO does not provide accommodation or lodging. Students will need to arrange their own stay in Pune.

Documents required for DRDO HEMRL internship application

The application process requires several documents. Most of them must be submitted along with the application form.

• Application Form from the official notification
• Referral letter from the Principal or Director of your college
• UG/PG marksheets showing CGPA
• Copy of Aadhaar card
• Brief biodata under 300 words highlighting achievements
• Passport size photograph

You can download the official form and advertisement here: Download DRDO HEMRL Internship Application Form PDF.

The form asks for basic details such as your discipline, branch code, CGPA, languages known, achievements, and contact information. The referral letter must be printed on your college letterhead and signed by the principal or director.

Undertakings and documents required at joining

If selected, interns must submit several documents at the time of joining. This part surprises many students, so it helps to know early.

• Original No Objection Certificate (NOC) from college
• Police verification acknowledgement from local police station
• Undertaking to follow the Official Secrets Act, 1923
• Undertaking to follow Ministry of Defence IT rules
• Bank account details for stipend transfer
• Medical fitness certificate from an MBBS doctor
• Aadhaar card and college ID for verification
• Three passport photographs
• Original semester marksheets

Most original documents are returned immediately after verification.

How to apply for DRDO HEMRL internship

The application process is slightly old school. There is no online portal for this internship.

1. Download the official application form from the notification PDF: Download Application Form.
2. Fill in your details carefully, including branch code, CGPA, achievements, and contact information.
3. Attach required documents such as marksheets, Aadhaar copy, passport photo, and referral letter.
4. Place everything in an envelope. On the top clearly write “Application for Paid Internship” along with the branch code.
5. Send the application via Speed Post to the following address:

The Director
High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)
DRDO, Sutarwadi
Pune – 411021
Maharashtra
(Attention: HRD Division)

Incomplete applications or forms received after the deadline will be rejected.

Selection process for DRDO HEMRL internship

Selection is entirely merit-based. DRDO reviews academic records, achievements, and recommendations from your institution.

Only shortlisted students are contacted. According to the official timeline, selected candidates received communication around 15 July 2026.

The internship program started from 01 August 2026.

If you want to track more opportunities like this, you can always browse all opportunities on Talentd. New internships show up almost every week.

Tips to improve your chances

DRDO internships are competitive, even when the stipend is modest. A few practical tips help.

• Maintain strong CGPA above the minimum requirement
• Include research projects or technical achievements in your biodata
• Get a strong referral letter from your college
• Ensure the application envelope clearly mentions branch code
• Send the Speed Post well before the deadline

The referral letter matters more than many students think. Labs prefer candidates recommended by faculty who know their academic performance well.

DRDO HEMRL internship FAQs

What is the stipend for DRDO HEMRL internship?

Selected interns receive a stipend of ₹5,000 per month. The payment is released in two installments, with the first after three months of training.

Who can apply for DRDO HEMRL internship?

Final year UG engineering students, PG engineering students, and PG science students in Physics or Chemistry from recognized Indian institutions can apply.

What is the duration of the DRDO HEMRL internship?

The internship runs for six months. Students who complete the program successfully receive a completion certificate from DRDO.

Is accommodation provided during the internship?

No. DRDO HEMRL does not provide boarding or lodging. However, interns can use the laboratory canteen at subsidized rates.

How do I apply for the DRDO HEMRL internship?

You must download the application form, attach required documents, and send the completed application by Speed Post to the HEMRL Pune address.

What happens if I leave the internship early?

If a student leaves before completing three months, no stipend is paid and no completion certificate is issued.

Can students who already did a DRDO internship apply again?

No. Students who have already completed a paid internship in another DRDO laboratory are not eligible for this program.