DRDO RCI Paid Internship: Hyderabad Lab Experience

Getting inside a DRDO lab, even as an intern, is something many engineering students quietly aim for. The exposure alone can reshape how you think about real-world defence technology.

Applications for the 2026 DRDO RCI Paid Internship at Research Centre Imarat (Hyderabad) closed on June 20, 2026. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year. This program offered 160 internship seats and a ₹5,000 monthly stipend. Work happens inside one of DRDO’s key missile avionics labs.

While applications are currently closed, you can review the eligibility criteria and required documents now. Preparing these will help you apply quickly when the next cycle opens.

The application process is slightly old-school. You need to submit the filled form and documents via Speed Post. Miss the paperwork and the application won’t be considered.

Particular Details
| Internship Name  | DRDO RCI Paid Internship
| Organisation  | Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO
| Location  | Hyderabad
| Total Seats  | 160
| Stipend  | ₹5,000 per month
| Duration  | Minimum 6 months
| Eligibility  | Final year UG or PG Engineering/Science students
| Application Deadline  | Applications for 2026 closed on 20 June 2026. Next cycle expected around same time next year.
| Internship Start Date  | 03 August 2026 (tentative)

If you’re exploring multiple DRDO programs, it’s worth checking our complete guide to DRDO Internships. Several labs open separate internships every few weeks.

About DRDO Research Centre Imarat (RCI)

Research Centre Imarat, usually called RCI, is one of DRDO’s premier laboratories. The lab functions as the modern avionics hub for India’s missile and defence programmes.

Teams here work on guidance systems, avionics electronics, radar technologies and advanced sensors used in missile systems. Interning here means seeing how theoretical engineering turns into operational defence technology.

This kind of lab exposure is rare at the undergraduate level.

If you're actively tracking DRDO openings, you might also want to read about the DRDO VRDE Paid Internship and the DRDO CAIR Internship in Bengaluru. Different labs, different domains, but similar selection style.

DRDO RCI Paid Internship Eligibility

The eligibility rules are fairly strict. DRDO expects strong academic records and nominations from your college.

• Must be an Indian citizen
• Students must be pursuing a full-time UG or PG degree
• Only final-year students are eligible
• Minimum 75% marks or equivalent CGPA
• College must be AICTE/UGC approved
• Age must be below 28 years

The internship is offered strictly in offline mode at RCI Hyderabad. There is no remote option.

Branches Eligible for DRDO RCI Internship

RCI is mainly focused on avionics and defence electronics, but the internship covers a wide range of engineering and science disciplines.

UG Internship (B.Tech VII or VIII Semester)

• Computer Science Engineering (CSE, AI, ML, Cyber Security)
• Electronics / ECE / EIE
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Materials / Chemical Engineering
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Safety Engineering

PG Internship (M.Tech / MSc Second Year)

• Computer Science
• Electronics & Communication
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Power Engineering
• Physics
• Chemistry
• VLSI / Embedded Systems
• RF Systems / Radar Engineering
• Structural Analysis
• IR Seekers
• Lasers
• Mechatronics / MEMS
• Robotics Engineering
• Systems Engineering
• Thermal Engineering

The total 160 seats are distributed across these disciplines.

₹5,000 Monthly Stipend Details

The stipend for the DRDO RCI Paid Internship is ₹5,000 per month.

But there are a few conditions attached:

• Interns must be present in the lab for at least 15 working days each month
• Payment is released in two installments
• First installment after 3 months
• Second installment after completing 6 months
• The amount is transferred directly to the student’s bank account

Also note, no boarding or lodging expenses are provided by DRDO.

DRDO RCI Internship Duration and Extension

The internship runs for a minimum of 6 months.

For M.Tech and MSc students, the project internship can be extended by another 4 to 6 months. However, that extended period does not include stipend payment.

Another rule many students overlook: if you leave the internship midway, you won’t receive the stipend or completion certificate.

Selection Process

Selection for the DRDO RCI Paid Internship is completely merit based.

The process usually includes:

• Shortlisting based on CGPA / academic record
• Online interview or interaction if required
• Verification of submitted documents

Selected students will be informed through the email ID mentioned in the application form.

How to Apply for DRDO RCI Paid Internship

1. Download the Official Application Form
   The internship advertisement includes the bio-data format and required forms. Download it here: Download Application Form & Advertisement.
2. Fill the Bio-Data Form Carefully
   The form asks for details like name, date of birth, education, discipline, semester, marks, CGPA conversion, internship area preference, technical skills, achievements, seminars attended and previous internships/projects.
3. Attach Required Documents
   You must attach verified copies of marksheets, Aadhaar card, college ID card and the official referral letter from your college.https://drdo.gov.in/drdo/sites/default/files/vacancy/advtRCI05062026.pdf
4. Get College Recommendation Letter
   The application must include a formal request letter printed on college letterhead and signed by the Principal or HOD. This letter confirms the student is a bonafide candidate and will complete the 6-month internship.
5. Prepare the Envelope Correctly
   Write "Application for Paid Internship" and your Branch Code clearly on top of the envelope.
6. Send Application by Speed Post
   Mail the complete application package to:
   
   Director
   Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
   Defence R&D Organisation
   Vignyana Kancha
   Hyderabad – 500069

Documents Required

• Duly filled internship application form
• Attested copies of academic marksheets
• College ID card copy
• Aadhaar card copy
• Original referral letter from Principal/HOD

Undertakings and Forms Required After Selection

The official document also includes two important undertakings students must submit during joining.

1. Indian Official Secrets Act Undertaking

This declaration confirms that the student understands the provisions of the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923. Interns must agree not to disclose any sensitive defence information obtained during the internship.

2. IT Rules and Regulations Undertaking

This undertaking confirms the intern will follow the IT rules and security policies of the Ministry of Defence during their internship.

Both forms require the student’s signature and personal details.

Documents Required at the Time of Joining

• Original Aadhaar card
• Original college ID card
• Original academic certificates for verification
• 3 passport size photographs
• Police verification from hometown or residence
• Bank details for stipend transfer

All original documents are returned immediately after verification.

Important Dates

Event Date
| Application Start  | 05 June 2026
| Last Date to Apply  | Applications for 2026 closed on 20 June 2026. Next cycle expected around same time next year.
| Selection Intimation  | Second week of July 2026
| Internship Start  | 03 August 2026

If you want to track more government internships like this, you can always browse all opportunities on Talentd. New openings from DRDO, ISRO and IIT labs appear there almost every week.

Tips for Getting Selected

RCI tends to prefer academically strong students, but that’s not the only factor.

• Keep your CGPA clearly mentioned in the application
• Write a focused 100-word description about your internship area
• Highlight projects related to electronics, avionics, robotics or defence tech
• Ensure the HOD referral letter is properly signed and stamped

I’ve seen students lose opportunities simply because their application envelope missed the branch code. Small details matter here.