DRDO R&D(E) Pune Internships: Prepare for Next Cycle

Looking for a DRDO internship that actually lets you work inside a defence lab? Applications for the DRDO R&DE(E) Pune Internship 2026 closed on 27 May 2026. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year.

This program is run by the Research and Development Establishment (Engineers), one of DRDO’s core labs working on advanced engineering systems for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Selected students spend months inside the lab working on real defence technology projects. Not just simulations or academic exercises.

Now is a good time to review the eligibility criteria and start preparing your documents. This will ensure you are ready when the next application window opens.

Applications for the 2026 cycle closed on 27 May 2026. Many students miss these short DRDO windows. If this fits your profile, prepare your documents now for the next cycle.

Program DRDO R&DE(E) Pune Paid Internship
| Organization | Research & Development Establishment (Engineers), DRDO
| Total Seats | 40
| Eligible Students | Engineering UG (7th/8th semester) and PG (2nd year)
| Branches | Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, Computer Science, AI & Data Science
| Stipend | ₹5,000 per month
| Duration | 6 months (UG) / 11 months (PG)
| Location | R&DE(E), Dighi, Pune
| Application Deadline | 27 May 2026 (Closed)
| Start Date | 1 July 2026

If you are exploring defence research internships, you should also check our complete guide to DRDO Internships. We track multiple DRDO labs that open seats throughout the year.

DRDO R&DE(E) Pune Internship Eligibility

The eligibility rules are strict. DRDO labs typically shortlist only strong academic profiles.

• Students pursuing B.E. or B.Tech in 7th or 8th semester
• Students pursuing M.E. or M.Tech in 2nd year
• Must be enrolled in a full-time program from a recognised Indian institute
• Minimum 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA across all semesters
• College must issue an official recommendation letter

Applications based only on SGPA are rejected. The lab clearly mentions that the cumulative CGPA or overall percentage must be submitted.

The Principal or Director of your college must recommend you. So do not wait until the last day to arrange that letter for the next cycle.

Available Branches and Seats (40 Total)

The internship is open across three broad engineering groups.

Branch Code Discipline Seats
| ME/CE | Mechanical / Civil Engineering | 10
| EE/ECS & IN | Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation | 15
| CS/AI & DS | Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science | 15

Seat numbers may change slightly depending on the lab's internal requirements.

If you are applying to multiple DRDO labs, you might also want to see opportunities like the DRDO DLRL Internship in Hyderabad and the DRDO DEBEL Paid Internship, as these also open applications periodically.

₹5,000/Month Stipend Details

The stipend for the DRDO R&DE(E) Pune Internship is ₹5,000 per month.

Here is the payment structure, which many students miss.

• Total stipend for 6 months: ₹30,000
• Paid in two installments of ₹15,000
• First payment after 3 months
• Second payment after 6 months

For M.Tech students, the internship duration is 11 months. However, stipend is paid only for the first six months.

Also, interns must maintain at least 15 working days of physical attendance per month at the Pune laboratory.

Duration and Internship Timeline

The program follows a structured timeline.

• Application deadline: 27 May 2026 (Closed)
• Shortlisted students informed by email: 15 June 2026
• Internship start date: 1 July 2026

UG students complete a 6 month internship, typically aligned with their final-year project.

PG students may work for up to 11 months depending on project requirements.

Documents Required for DRDO R&DE(E) Pune Internship

The documentation part is slightly detailed. DRDO labs operate under strict defence guidelines, so they require verification at multiple levels.

You can download the official advertisement and application format here: Download DRDO R&DE(E) Internship Advertisement and Application Format.

The PDF contains two important formats.

1. Student Application Format

The form collects the following information:

• Student name, Aadhaar number, and date of birth
• College name and contact details
• Engineering discipline and branch code
• Current semester or PG year
• CGPA or overall percentage across semesters
• Awards or professional memberships

You will also attach supporting documents like semester mark sheets, Aadhaar copy, and college ID.

2. College Recommendation Letter (Mandatory)

The second format is a formal letter printed on the college letterhead and signed by the Principal or Director.

This letter confirms:

• You are a bonafide student of the institution
• The college approves your internship from 1 July to 31 December 2026
• The institute allows physical presence at DRDO for at least 15 days per month
• The college will issue indemnity and undertaking forms if you are selected

Without this signed recommendation, the application will not be considered.

Additional Documents Required After Selection

If you get shortlisted, DRDO will ask for several documents at the time of joining.

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

Sounds like a lot, but this is fairly standard for defence internships.

How to Apply for DRDO R&DE(E) Pune Internship

1. Check eligibility and prepare documents
   Confirm you meet the 75% or 7.5 CGPA requirement and collect your semester mark sheets and Aadhaar copy.
2. Download the official format
   Use the official document here: Download Application Format and College Letter Template. Fill the student details carefully.
3. Get the college recommendation letter
   Print the recommendation format on your college letterhead and get it signed by the Principal or Director.
4. Submit the online form
   Complete the application through the official DRDO R&DE(E) Internship Google Form. Only responses submitted through this form are accepted.
5. Wait for shortlist email
   Selected candidates for the 2026 cycle received joining instructions by email around 15 June 2026.

Selection Process

The DRDO R&DE(E) Pune Internship selection is purely merit-based.

The lab evaluates:

• Academic performance (minimum 75% or 7.5 CGPA)
• Recommendation from your institute
• Awards or professional achievements

Only shortlisted candidates receive communication. There is usually no interview stage for many DRDO internship programs.

Things Students Should Know Before Applying

First, this internship does not guarantee a job at DRDO. The organisation clearly states that interns cannot claim employment after completion.

Second, accommodation is not provided. You will have to arrange your own stay in Pune. However, interns can use the lab canteen for subsidised meals.

And third, incomplete applications are rejected immediately. That includes missing signatures or incorrect CGPA calculations.

If you want to explore more research internships like this, you can also browse all opportunities on Talentd. We regularly track government internships, research fellowships, and hackathons for students.