The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is one of India’s most esteemed institutions, known for its contributions to defense technology and research. Every year, DRDO offers internships to students who wish to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research and innovation. This article provides a comprehensive guide to DRDO Internship 2025, covering eligibility, application process, stipend, deadlines, and other essential details.
A DRDO internship provides aspiring engineers and researchers with:
DRDO offers multiple internship programs tailored to students’ academic schedules and interests.
To be eligible for the DRDO internship, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Follow these steps to apply for a DRDO internship:
DRDO has 50+ labs across India specializing in different areas of research. Visit the official DRDO website to find a lab that matches your academic background.
Internship notifications are posted on the DRDO website and other job portals. You can also directly contact the respective lab for vacancy details.
Ensure you have the following:
Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview (virtual or in-person). The interview assesses your technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and motivation for interning at DRDO.
Checkout the full guide on How to Apply for DRDO Internship.
DRDO provides a stipend ranging from ₹8,000 to ₹12,000 per month, depending on the type of internship and qualifications of the candidate.
Upon successful completion, interns receive an official DRDO Internship Certificate, which adds immense value to resumes and job applications.
| Laboratory Name | Location | Website | Research Areas | Eligible Disciplines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) | Hyderabad, Telangana | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/defence-research-development-laboratory-drdl | Missile Systems, Navigation Systems, Avionics | Aerospace, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering |
| Research Centre Imarat (RCI) | Hyderabad, Telangana | https://drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/research-centre-imarat-rci | Avionics, Control Systems, Imaging Systems | Electronics, Computer Science, Control Systems |
| Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) | Hyderabad, Telangana | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/advanced-systems-laboratory-asl | Missile Technology, Propulsion Systems | Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering |
| Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL) | Hyderabad, Telangana | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/defence-electronics-research-laboratory-dlrl | Electronic Warfare, Signal Processing | Electronics, Communication Engineering |
| Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE) | Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/defence-research-development-establishment-drde | NBC Defence, Life Sciences | Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology |
| Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh | https://drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/defence-materials-and-stores-research-and-development-establishment-dmsrde | Materials Science, Textiles | Materials Science, Textile Engineering |
| Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) | Pune, Maharashtra | https://diat.ac.in | Advanced Technology, Defense Systems | Multiple Engineering Disciplines |
| Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) | Pune, Maharashtra | https://drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/armament-research-development-establishment-arde | Armaments, Ammunition | Mechanical, Metallurgy Engineering |
| High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) | Pune, Maharashtra | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/high-energy-materials-research-laboratory-hemrl | Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics | Chemical Engineering, Chemistry |
| Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR) | Delhi | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/defence-institute-psychological-research-dipr | Psychological Research, Human Behavior | Psychology, Behavioral Sciences |
| Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS) | Delhi | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/defence-institute-physiology-allied-sciences-dipas | Physiology, Biomedical Sciences | Life Sciences, Biomedical Engineering |
| Defence Laboratory (DL) | Jodhpur, Rajasthan | https://drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/defence-laboratory-dlj | Electronic Systems, Desert Technology | Electronics, Environmental Science |
| Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) | Mysuru, Karnataka | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/defence-food-research-laboratory-dfrl | Food Processing, Preservation | Food Technology, Nutrition Science |
| Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) | Kochi, Kerala | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/naval-physical-oceanographic-laboratory-npol | Sonar Systems, Oceanography | Electronics, Ocean Engineering |
| Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) | Ambernath, Maharashtra | https://drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/naval-materials-research-laboratory-nmrl | Naval Materials, Corrosion Science | Materials Science, Metallurgy |
| Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS) | Bengaluru, Karnataka | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/centre-air-borne-system-cabs | Airborne Early Warning Systems | Aerospace, Electronics Engineering |
| Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) | Bengaluru, Karnataka | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/gas-turbine-research-establishment-gtre | Gas Turbines, Propulsion Systems | Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering |
| Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) | Bengaluru, Karnataka | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/electronics-radar-development-establishment-lrde | Radar Systems, Signal Processing | Electronics, Communication Engineering |
| Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL) | Bengaluru, Karnataka | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/defence-bio-engineering-electro-medical-laboratory-debel | Life Support Systems, Biomedical Equipment | Biomedical Engineering, Electronics |
| Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/combat-vehicles-research-development-estt-cvrde | Combat Vehicles, Military Engineering | Mechanical, Automotive Engineering |
| Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) | Ahmednagar, Maharashtra | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/vehicles-research-and-development-establishment-vrde | Military Vehicles, Mobility Systems | Mechanical, Automotive Engineering |
| Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) | Chandigarh | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/terminal-ballistics-research-laboratory-tbrl | Ballistics, Impact Dynamics | Mechanical Engineering, Physics |
| Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research (DIBER) | Haldwani, Uttarakhand | https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/organisations/ministry-and-departments/defence-research-and-development-organisation-drdo-govt-india/defence-institute-bio-energy-research-diber | Bio-Energy, Environmental Science | Biotechnology, Environmental Science |
| Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) | Chandigarh | https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/allstinstitutions/snow-avalanche-study-establishment-rd-centre-0 | Snow Science, Avalanche Research | Earth Sciences, Civil Engineering |
The DRDO internship application form is available on the official DRDO website and respective lab portals. It includes personal details, academic qualifications, and a statement of purpose.
Students pursuing BE/BTech/BSc/ME/MTech/MSc in engineering, sciences, or relevant fields with 60%+ marks can apply.
DRDO interns receive a stipend between ₹8,000 and ₹12,000 per month.
The deadline varies by DRDO lab but generally falls between March and April 2025.
Yes, DRDO offers internships for Computer Science Engineering (CSE) students in AI, cybersecurity, software development, and defense tech.
A DRDO internship is a prestigious opportunity for students looking to gain practical experience in defense research and development. By following the correct application process, preparing well, and staying updated on deadlines, you can significantly increase your chances of securing this internship.
Start your preparations early, craft a strong application, and take the first step toward a rewarding career in defense research and engineering!
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