DRDO Internships: Labs, Stipend & How to Apply

Your Guide to DRDO Internships, Fellowships, and Apprenticeships

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) offers various programs for students and freshers. These include internships for current students, apprenticeships for ITI, Diploma, and Graduate passouts, and Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) for postgraduate students.

These opportunities provide hands-on experience in defence research across different labs in India. This guide outlines the types of programs available, who can apply, typical stipends, and how to navigate the application process.

DRDO Programs At A Glance

DRDO Junior Research Fellow (JRF) Programs

DRDO JRF positions are for postgraduates, offering research opportunities in specialized fields. These fellowships provide a significant stipend and a chance to contribute to defence technology.

DRDO DGRE JRF (Chandigarh)

The Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) offers Junior Research Fellow positions. These roles are for specialists in Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Geo-informatics, and Atmospheric Science. The stipend is ₹37,000 per month plus HRA. Eligibility varies by domain, generally requiring ME/M.Tech or BE/B.Tech with GATE/NET qualification. Selection involves document verification and a technical interview. Read more about DRDO JRF 2026 at DGRE Chandigarh.

DRDO DYSL-AI JRF (Bengaluru)

The DRDO Young Scientist Laboratory-Artificial Intelligence (DYSL-AI) offers Junior Research Fellowships focused on AI and deep learning. The stipend is ₹37,000 per month plus HRA, totaling ₹48,100. Applicants need a graduate degree (BE/BTech) with NET/GATE, a postgraduate degree (ME/MTech), or a postgraduate degree in Basic Science with NET. The age limit is 28 years, with relaxations for reserved categories. Learn more about DRDO DYSL-AI JRF 2026.

DRDO SSPL JRF (Delhi)

The Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL) recruits Junior Research Fellows. The fellowship can go up to ₹67,000 per month. These positions are for candidates in Physics and Electronics. Find details on DRDO SSPL JRF Recruitment 2026.

DRDO CVRDE JRF (Chennai)

The Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) offers Junior Research Fellowships. These fellowships provide a ₹37,000 monthly stipend. Explore DRDO CVRDE JRF 2026.

DRDO SAG JRF (Delhi)

The Scientific Analysis Group (SAG) offers Junior Research Fellowships. These roles come with a ₹37,000 monthly stipend plus HRA. Get details on DRDO SAG JRF 2026.

DRDO CFEES JRF (Delhi)

The Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES) conducts walk-in interviews for Junior Research Fellow positions. See details for DRDO CFEES JRF 2026.

DRDO DLJ JRF (Jodhpur)

The Defence Laboratory Jodhpur (DLJ) announces Research Associate and JRF openings. Fellowships can go up to ₹67,000 per month. Check DRDO DLJ JRF Recruitment 2026.

DRDO Internships

DRDO internships are for current undergraduate and postgraduate students, providing practical exposure to research environments.

DRDO DYSL-QT Internship (Pune)

The DRDO Young Scientist Laboratory for Quantum Technologies (DYSL-QT) offers a 6-month internship program with a stipend of ₹5,000 per month. This is for UG/PG engineering students (7th/8th semester B.Tech in ECE, Mechanical, CS; 3rd/4th semester M.Tech in Physics/Applied Physics) and MSc Physics students (3rd/4th semester or 2nd year). Applicants need a minimum of 70% marks or a CGPA of 7.0. Read more about DRDO DYSL-QT Internship 2026.

DRDO NPOL Internship (Kochi)

The Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) offers internships with a ₹30,000 stipend for a six-month research period. These are for final-year engineering and science students. There are 35 seats available. Find out more about DRDO NPOL Internship 2026.

DRDO RCI Internship (Hyderabad)

The Research Centre Imarat (RCI) offers paid internships for final-year engineering and science students. The program includes 160 seats with a ₹5,000 monthly stipend. Check details for DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026.

DRDO ARDE Internship (Pune)

The Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) offers a 6-month internship program with 40 seats for engineering students. The stipend is ₹5,000 per month. Learn about DRDO ARDE Internship 2026.

DRDO HEMRL Internship (Pune)

The High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) has internships for engineering and science students. There are 40 seats available with a ₹5,000 monthly stipend. Get details on DRDO HEMRL Internship 2026.

DRDO ITR Internship (Chandipur)

The Integrated Test Range (ITR) offers a 6-month paid internship with 27 seats. The stipend is ₹5,000 per month for engineering and MSc Physics students. Explore DRDO ITR Paid Internship 2026.

DRDO DMRL Internship (Hyderabad)

The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) offers paid internships for UG and PG students. There are 20 seats available with a ₹5,000 stipend. Find out about DRDO DMRL Internship 2026.

DRDO Apprenticeships

DRDO apprenticeships are typically for ITI, Diploma, and Graduate passouts, offering structured training and a stipend.

DRDO SSPL Apprentice (Delhi)

The Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL) offers 41 apprentice vacancies. ITI apprentices receive ₹12,300 per month, with higher pay for diploma and graduate apprentices as per government norms. Eligibility requires first division in ITI (Fitter, Electronics, Electrician, COPA), Diploma (Electrical/Mechanical/Electronics/CS), or BSc/BTech (Physics, Chemistry, Electronics, Mech) or BA/BCom. Only 2022-2026 passouts are eligible. Learn more about DRDO SSPL Apprentice 2026.

DRDO DESIDOC Apprenticeship (Delhi)

The Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre (DESIDOC) offers 20 training positions with a stipend up to ₹12,300 per month. Get details on DRDO DESIDOC Apprenticeship 2026.

DRDO ACEM Apprentice (Nasik)

The Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM) offers 41 graduate and diploma apprentice positions. Stipends can go up to ₹12,300 per month. Freshers from 2024-2026 batches can apply. Check DRDO ACEM Apprentice 2026.

How to Apply for DRDO Programs

The application process varies by program and lab, but generally follows these steps:

1. Check Eligibility: Review the specific requirements for age, academic qualifications, and percentage/CGPA for the program you are interested in.
2. Download Application Form: Many DRDO programs require you to download a specific application form from the official DRDO website or the respective lab's page.
3. Gather Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, degree certificates, caste certificates (if applicable), ID proof, and passport-sized photographs. Ensure you have both originals and photocopies if applying via walk-in interview or post.
4. Prepare a Bio-data/CV: Some programs ask for a brief bio-data or CV, often with a word limit. Highlight relevant skills and projects.
5. Obtain Referral/NOC (if required): Internships often need a referral letter from your college principal. If you are currently employed, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer is usually mandatory for JRF positions.
6. Register Online (for Apprenticeships): For apprenticeships, candidates typically need to register on portals like Apprenticeship India Portal (for ITI) or NATS portal (for Diploma/Graduate).
7. Submit Application: Submission methods include sending hard copies via speed post to the specified lab address, emailing scanned documents, or attending a walk-in interview. Always note the application deadline.
8. Prepare for Interview: If the selection involves an interview (especially for JRFs and walk-ins), prepare for technical and scenario-based questions related to your field. Bring extra copies of all documents to walk-in interviews.

Deadlines for the 2026-27 Cycle