DRDO TBRL Paid Internship: Guide to an Offline Application

DRDO internships always grab attention. And for good reason.

The DRDO TBRL Paid Internship application cycle closed on 25 May 2026. This program offers engineering and science students a chance to work inside one of India's key defence research labs. The stipend is not huge, but the exposure is serious. You will spend six months at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) working on real defence research projects. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year.

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

If you are exploring multiple DRDO programs, check the DRDO DLRL Internship and the DRDO DIPAS Internship. Different labs have different research areas.

DRDO TBRL Paid Internship: Key Details

FeatureDetails
Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Laboratory | Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL)
Total Seats | 37 (Engineering + Science)
Stipend | ₹5,000 per month (₹30,000 total)
Internship Duration | 6 months
Location | TBRL Range Ramgarh, Panchkula, Haryana
Start Date | 1 July 2026 (tentative)
Application Mode | Offline application submission
Last Date to Apply | 25 May 2026

Looking for more government research internships like this one? You can browse all opportunities on Talentd where we track new openings across DRDO labs, IITs, and government departments.

DRDO TBRL Internship Stipend Details (₹30,000 Total)

The stipend is modest but straightforward.

Selected interns receive ₹5,000 per month for six months, totaling ₹30,000 for the entire internship. The payment is released in two installments:

• ₹15,000 after completing the first 3 months
• ₹15,000 after finishing the full 6 months and submitting the final report

There is one condition. Interns must maintain attendance of at least 15 working days each month. Miss that consistently and the stipend may not be released.

Accommodation and travel are not provided. Students need to arrange their own stay near Panchkula or Chandigarh.

DRDO TBRL Paid Internship Vacancies by Branch

TBRL is offering 37 internship seats across engineering and science disciplines.

Engineering (UG) Internships

• Aerospace / Aeronautical Engineering: 3
• Chemical Engineering: 1
• Computer Science Engineering: 7
• Electronics & Communication Engineering: 9
• Instrumentation Engineering: 1
• Mechanical Engineering: 8
• Civil Engineering: 4
• Electrical Engineering: 2

Science (PG) Internships

• MSc Chemistry: 2 seats

DRDO clearly states that equivalent or related branches are not accepted. If your degree title does not match the branch listed in the advertisement, the application may get rejected.

DRDO TBRL Paid Internship Eligibility

Eligibility is fairly strict because the lab handles defence research.

• Indian citizens only
• B.E./B.Tech students from 6th semester onwards
• MSc students in second year
• Minimum 75% marks or equivalent CGPA
• Age below 28 years (as on 30 June 2026)
• No academic backlogs allowed
• Course must be from an AICTE or UGC approved institution

Another requirement that surprises some applicants: the internship must be part of your degree program. Your college should officially approve it as training or project work.

DRDO TBRL Internship Selection Process

The selection process is merit driven.

Applications are screened based on cumulative academic marks. Shortlisted candidates may then be called for an online or telephonic interaction depending on the project requirements.

If two candidates have the same percentage, DRDO uses a simple tie breaker. The older candidate gets preference.

Only selected candidates receive an email with joining instructions. Rejected applicants typically do not receive any notification.

DRDO TBRL Paid Internship Duration and Work

The internship runs for six months starting around 1 July 2026.

Interns work under scientists and research staff at the TBRL Range in Ramgarh, Panchkula district. This facility focuses on ballistics research, explosives testing, and defence systems evaluation.

Students must submit:

• A progress report after 3 months
• A final project report after 6 months

Once the project evaluation is cleared, DRDO issues an official internship completion certificate.

For students interested in more defence research internships, our complete guide to DRDO Internships lists multiple labs.

How to Apply for DRDO TBRL Paid Internship

The application process is completely offline, and that is where many students slip up. Read these steps carefully.

1. Download the official form
   Start by downloading the advertisement and application form from the DRDO website. Use this link: Download Advertisement and Application Form.
2. Fill the application form carefully
   The form asks for details such as your branch code, semester/year, academic marks, Aadhaar details, contact information, and achievements. Make sure the discipline you choose matches the advertisement exactly.
3. Get the official request letter from your college
   This is mandatory. Your Principal, HOD, or Training and Placement Officer must sign a request letter recommending you for the internship. The letter confirms that the internship is part of your degree program.
   Use this link: Download format available on the last pages of the advertisement
4. Attach required documents
   Along with the form, include photocopies of:
   • All semester mark sheets
   • Aadhaar card
   • College ID card
   • Request letter from Principal/HOD/TPO
5. Send the application by post
   Place everything in an envelope and write on top:
   “Application for Paid Internship: Starting July 2026” along with your branch code.
6. Mail it to the following address
   The Director
   Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL)
   Defence Research and Development Organisation
   Sector 30, Chandigarh – 160030
   Kind Attention: HRD Division

Applications for this cycle closed on 25 May 2026. Late applications were rejected without review.

Documents Required at Joining (If Selected)

If selected, interns must bring several original documents when reporting to the lab.

• Police verification certificate
• Bonafide certificate from college
• No Objection Certificate from institution
• All semester mark sheets
• Aadhaar card and college ID
• Three passport size photos
• Undertaking to follow Official Secrets Act and IT rules

The security paperwork is real. You are entering a defence research facility.

Quick Tips for Getting Selected

After tracking DRDO internships for years, a few patterns stand out.

• Strong academics matter. Most shortlisted students have well above the 75% minimum.
• Apply early so your college has time to issue the recommendation letter.
• Make sure your marksheets clearly show percentage conversion if your university uses CGPA.
• Double check the branch code before posting the envelope.

Many applicants forget to label the envelope exactly as instructed. DRDO receives thousands of applications across labs, so correct labeling helps your application reach the right desk.