DRDO NPOL Internship: Eligibility, Stipend and How to Apply

Applications for DRDO internships are competitive. A paid internship at a defence research lab like NPOL attracts many students.

The DRDO NPOL Internship applications for the 2026 cycle closed on 15 June 2026. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year. This internship was hosted at the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) in Kochi, a DRDO lab working on underwater sensors, surveillance systems, and oceanographic research for naval applications.

If you plan to apply for a future cycle, review the eligibility criteria and required documents now. Preparing these in advance will help you submit your application quickly when the next cycle opens.

If you're exploring multiple DRDO labs, you might also check the complete guide to DRDO Internships where we track openings across labs.

Program Details
| Internship Name  | DRDO NPOL Paid Internship Scheme
| Organisation  | Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO)
| Lab  | Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi
| Total Seats  | 35 (tentative)
| Duration  | 6 months
| Internship Start Date  | 1 July (for the 2026 cycle)
| Stipend  | ₹30,000 total (₹15,000 after 3 months + ₹15,000 after completion)
| Application Deadline  | 15 June (for the 2026 cycle)
| Selection Intimation  | 4th week of June (for the 2026 cycle)

DRDO internships are usually competitive because the seat count is limited and eligibility requirements are strict.

DRDO NPOL Internship Disciplines and Seats

The internship is open across several engineering and science streams. Seats are distributed by discipline, though the numbers are listed as tentative.

• Computer Science / AI / Machine Learning / Data Science – 12 seats
• Electronics & Communication / Electrical & Electronics / Instrumentation – 10 seats
• Mechanical Engineering – 5 seats
• Chemical Engineering / Polymer Science or Technology – 4 seats
• Physics / Opto Electronics – 2 seats
• Ocean Science / Ocean Technology – 2 seats

That adds up to around 35 internship positions. The exact number may change during the selection process depending on applications and lab requirements.

If you're looking for other labs with similar stipends, you might also read about the DRDO CAIR Internship in Bengaluru or the DRDO R&DE Pune Internship. Different labs, similar structure.

DRDO NPOL Internship Eligibility

The eligibility rules are strict because this internship is tied to academic research projects.

• Students must be Indian nationals.
• Currently enrolled in a full‑time UG or PG program in engineering or basic sciences.
• The course must be from an AICTE or UGC recognized institute.
• Applicants must be in the final year of their program.
• The internship must be a mandatory six‑month project or training as part of the curriculum.
• Minimum 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA until the previous semester/year.
• Maximum age: 28 years as of the application deadline.

The 75% requirement filters out many applications. If your CGPA is comfortably above that, you meet the academic cutoff.

₹30,000 Stipend Details (How the Payment Works)

The DRDO NPOL Internship offers a total stipend of ₹30,000 for the entire six‑month duration.

The payment does not come monthly.

• ₹15,000 after completion of the first 3 months
• ₹15,000 after successful completion of the full 6 months

If a student leaves the internship before completing the six months, no stipend will be paid and no internship certificate will be issued.

Interns are not eligible for housing, transport, medical reimbursement, or other government allowances.

DRDO NPOL Internship Duration and Start Date

The internship duration is six months. For the 2026 cycle, it began on 1 July 2026.

Students must complete the full duration to receive the completion certificate. Extensions beyond six months may sometimes be allowed, but any additional period will be unpaid.

Documents Required for DRDO NPOL Internship Application

The application requires several documents. Missing even one can lead to rejection.

• Filled internship application form
• Endorsement letter from your college or university
• Government photo ID proof
• Semester or year‑wise mark sheets
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

The official document contains both the application form and the endorsement letter format your college must sign.

You can access the official file here: Download Application Form and Endorsement Letter Format.

The endorsement letter must be printed on your college letterhead and signed by the Head of Institution or Principal. It confirms that:

• You are a bonafide student of the institution
• Your current semester or year of study
• Your CGPA or percentage until the previous semester
• The six‑month internship is part of your course curriculum
• The institute takes responsibility for your conduct during the internship

Getting the principal’s signature takes time. Start this early if you plan to apply.

How to Apply for DRDO NPOL Internship

The application process involves two parts: submitting a Google Form and emailing the application documents.

1. Download the official application form
   Get the form and endorsement format from the official PDF here: Download Application Form and Endorsement Letter.
2. Fill the application form
   Provide your personal details, academic history (from Class 10 onward), internship topic if applicable, and any achievements.
3. Get the institute endorsement letter signed
   The letter must be issued on your college letterhead and signed by the Head of Institution or Principal.
4. Prepare a single scanned file
   Combine the signed application form, endorsement letter, marksheets, ID proof, and CV into one PDF.
5. Email the application
   Send the file to hrd.npol@gov.in before the deadline.
6. Fill the online submission form
   You must also submit your details through the official form here: DRDO NPOL Internship Google Form.
7. Optional speed‑post submission
   Candidates can also send the documents via speed post addressed to: Director, NPOL (DRDO), Thrikkakkara PO, Kochi – 682021.

The envelope should mention: Application for Paid Internship Scheme – 2026 in [Discipline].

Once shortlisted, candidates may be invited for interaction either in person, by phone, or via video conference.

Selection Process for DRDO NPOL Internship

Selection mainly depends on academic performance.

NPOL will shortlist candidates based on their marks and academic record. Only shortlisted students will be contacted for an interaction round.

No communication is sent to applicants who are not shortlisted.

If you're actively tracking internships this season, you can also browse all opportunities on Talentd where we publish new internships and research programs for students.

Key Rules Interns Must Follow

• Interns must follow the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923 and lab security rules.
• Only sick leave with medical proof is allowed.
• Attempting to influence the selection process will lead to cancellation.
• The internship does not guarantee employment in DRDO.

These rules are standard for defence labs. Most DRDO facilities work with sensitive research, so interns must follow strict security protocols.

DRDO NPOL Internship: Important Dates

Event Date
| Applications Open  | 5 June (for the 2026 cycle)
| Last Date to Apply  | 15 June (for the 2026 cycle)
| Shortlist Notification  | Fourth week of June (for the 2026 cycle)
| Internship Begins  | 1 July (for the 2026 cycle)