DRDO ITR Paid Internship at Chandipur: A Guide for Future Cycles

If working inside a DRDO missile testing facility sounds interesting, this internship might catch your attention.

Applications for the 2026 DRDO ITR Paid Internship closed on June 25, 2026. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year. This program runs at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, one of DRDO's key test facilities where missile and aerospace systems are evaluated.

While applications are closed, you can review the eligibility criteria and start preparing your documents now. This will ensure you are ready when the next application cycle opens.

Only 27 internship positions were listed for the 2026 cycle. Students in final year BTech, MTech, or MSc Physics can apply if they meet the academic criteria.

If you are exploring similar government research opportunities, you may also want to check the complete DRDO Internships guide or browse all opportunities on Talentd for more openings across research labs and IIThttps://drdo.gov.in/drdo/sites/default/files/vacancy/advtITR27052026.pdf programs.

DRDO ITR Paid Internship: Key Details

Program Details
| Internship Name  | DRDO ITR Paid Internship Scheme
| Organisation  | Integrated Test Range (ITR), DRDO
| Location  | Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha
| Duration  | 6 Months
| Stipend  | ₹5,000 per month
| Total Seats  | 27 (may change at DRDO discretion)
| Application Mode  | Offline (Speed Post)
| Last Date  | 25 June 2026 (applications closed)
| Internship Start  | 20 July 2026 (tentative)

Quick heads-up: DRDO labs run their own internships independently. For example, the DRDO NPOL Paid Internship offers a significantly higher stipend, while programs like the DRDO CAIR Internship focus more on AI and computing.

DRDO ITR Paid Internship Eligibility

The internship is meant for students who are currently in the final phase of their degree. DRDO specifically mentions strong academic performance and institutional recommendation.

• Final year BTech students
• Final year MTech students
• MSc Physics students (Atmospheric Physics specialization)
• Students must be enrolled in a full‑time course from a recognized Indian university or institute
• Applicants must have a good academic track record

Your college also plays a role here. DRDO requires a formal request letter from the Principal or Director recommending the student for internship.

Many students overlook this requirement and submit incomplete applications. If that letter is missing, the application usually gets rejected before evaluation.

Branches and Specializations Accepted

The DRDO ITR Paid Internship is open to specific engineering and science disciplines relevant to missile testing and defence systems.

• Electronics Engineering / ECE (Communication, Microwave, VLSI, Networking)
• Electrical Engineering (Power Systems, Control Systems)
• Computer Science Engineering (AI/ML, IT, Data Analytics, Cyber Security, Computer Vision, Image Processing)
• Mechanical Engineering (Production Technology)
• Aerospace Engineering (Flight Dynamics and Control)
• MSc Physics (Atmospheric Physics)

These domains align closely with testing, telemetry, radar systems, and missile trajectory analysis carried out at ITR.

₹5,000 Monthly Stipend Details

The stipend for this internship is ₹5,000 per month. Payment is made in two installments rather than monthly transfers.

• First installment paid after completion of 3 months
• Second installment after finishing the full 6‑month internship
• Interns must complete at least 15 working days per month of physical attendance

If a student leaves before completing three months, no stipend is paid. Also, the completion certificate is issued only after successfully finishing the entire internship and submitting the project report.

Another detail students often miss: DRDO does not provide accommodation or travel support. Interns must arrange their own stay in Chandipur.

DRDO ITR Internship Duration and Timeline

The internship runs for six months and follows a fixed schedule announced in the official notification.

Event Date
| Application Start  | 27 May 2026 (applications closed)
| Last Date to Apply  | 25 June 2026 (applications closed)
| Interaction / Selection Info  | 6 July 2026 (tentative for 2026 cycle)
| Internship Start Date  | 20 July 2026 (for 2026 cycle)
| Internship End  | Approximately January 2027 (for 2026 cycle)

Selections are based on merit and may involve a short interaction through video call or telephone.

Documents Required for DRDO ITR Paid Internship

The application process includes multiple documents that must be submitted during application and joining.

You must download and fill the official form from the notification:

Download Advertisement and Application Form

The form asks for detailed academic and personal information including:

• Full name, date of birth, Aadhaar number
• College details and discipline
• CGPA (on a 10‑point scale)
• Achievements such as awards or professional memberships
• Languages known
• Permanent and local address
• Contact details and email ID

Along with the form, the following documents are required.

• College recommendation letter signed by Principal or Director
• Brief bio‑data under 300 words highlighting achievements
• Copies of academic mark sheets
• Any awards or memberships (if applicable)

If selected, additional documents are required at the time of joining:

• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from college
• Police verification certificate
• Undertaking to follow the Official Secrets Act, 1923
• Undertaking for Ministry of Defence IT rules
• Medical fitness certificate from MBBS doctor
• Aadhaar card and college ID (original for verification)
• Three passport size photographs
• All semester mark sheets for verification
• Bank details for stipend transfer

The application format in the PDF also includes a structured college endorsement section. This section confirms that the student will attend at least 15 working days per month and that the institution has no objection to the internship.

How to Apply for DRDO ITR Paid Internship

1. Download the official form
   Access the notification and form here: Download Advertisement and Application Form.
2. Fill the application carefully
   Enter personal details, discipline, CGPA, achievements, and contact information exactly as requested.
3. Get the college recommendation letter
   Your Principal or Director must sign the official request letter recommending you for the internship.
4. Attach supporting documents
   Include bio‑data, academic mark sheets, and proof of achievements.
5. Send the application by Speed Post
   Mail the complete application to:
   
   Director
   Integrated Test Range (ITR)
   Defence Research and Development Organisation
   Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha – 756025
6. Mention this on the envelope
   Write clearly on the envelope: “Application for Paid Internship at ITR, Chandipur.”

Selection Process

The DRDO ITR Paid Internship selection is fairly straightforward.

• Shortlisting based on academic record
• Review of achievements and recommendations
• Interaction through video call or telephone (if required)

Only shortlisted students are contacted for further instructions and document verification.

And just to set expectations, completing the internship does not guarantee employment in DRDO. It is strictly a training and research exposure program.

Tips to Improve Your Chances

Competition for DRDO labs is usually strong, even for internships.

• Highlight projects related to defence technology, signal processing, AI, or aerospace systems
• Keep your bio‑data under 300 words as requested
• Ask your faculty mentor to mention your academic strengths in the recommendation letter
• Ensure all documents are complete before sending the Speed Post application

If you are applying to multiple DRDO labs simultaneously, it can improve your chances. For example, students often apply to programs like the DRDO ARDE Internship or the DRDO RCI Paid Internship alongside other openings.