Explore internship, apprenticeship, and fellowship opportunities at DRDO labs across India. This guide covers eligibility, application processes, and stipends for various programs.
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.
| Program Type | Lab/Location | Typical Stipend | Duration | Key Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | DGRE, Chandigarh | ₹37,000/month + HRA | 2 years (extendable) | ME/M.Tech (CS/IT), B.Tech with GATE/NET, M.Tech (Structural), B.Tech with GATE |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | DYSL-AI, Bengaluru | ₹37,000/month + HRA (total ₹48,100) | Not specified | BE/BTech with NET/GATE, ME/MTech, MSc Basic Science with NET |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | SSPL, Delhi | Up to ₹67,000/month | Not specified | Physics, Electronics candidates |
| Internship | DYSL-QT, Pune | ₹5,000/month | 6 months | UG/PG Engineering (7th/8th sem B.Tech, 3rd/4th sem M.Tech), MSc Physics (3rd/4th sem or 2nd year) |
| Apprenticeship | SSPL, Delhi | ₹12,300 for ITI, others as per norms | 12 months | ITI (Fitter, Electronics, Electrician, COPA), Diploma (Electrical/Mechanical/Electronics/CS), BSc/BTech (Physics, Chemistry, Electronics, Mech), BA/BCom |
| Internship | NPOL, Kochi | ₹30,000/month | 6 months | Final-year Engineering/Science students |
| Internship | RCI, Hyderabad | ₹5,000/month | Not specified | Final-year Engineering/Science students |
| Internship | ARDE, Pune | ₹5,000/month | 6 months | Engineering students |
| Internship | HEMRL, Pune | ₹5,000/month | Not specified | Engineering/Science students |
| Internship | ITR, Chandipur | ₹5,000/month | 6 months | Engineering/MSc Physics students |
| Apprenticeship | DESIDOC, Delhi | Up to ₹12,300/month | Not specified | Graduate/Diploma/ITI candidates |
| Apprenticeship | ACEM, Nasik | Up to ₹12,300/month | Not specified | Graduate/Diploma candidates |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | CVRDE, Chennai | ₹37,000/month | Not specified | Engineering disciplines |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | SAG, Delhi | ₹37,000/month + HRA | Not specified | Engineering/Science disciplines |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | CFEES, Delhi | ₹37,000/month | Not specified | Not specified |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | DLJ, Jodhpur | Up to ₹67,000/month | Not specified | Research Associate/JRF openings |
| Internship | DMRL, Hyderabad | ₹5,000/month | Not specified | UG/PG students |
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) offers Junior Research Fellowships. These fellowships provide a ₹37,000 monthly stipend. Explore DRDO CVRDE JRF 2026.
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.
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.
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 are for current undergraduate and postgraduate students, providing practical exposure to research environments.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 are typically for ITI, Diploma, and Graduate passouts, offering structured training and a stipend.
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.
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.
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.
The application process varies by program and lab, but generally follows these steps:
| Program/Lab | Type | Application Deadline | Interview/Walk-In Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| DRDO DYSL-AI JRF | JRF | 2026-08-14 | Not specified |
| DRDO DYSL-QT Internship | Internship | 2026-08-20 | Not specified |
| DRDO SSPL Apprentice | Apprenticeship | 2026-08-21 | Not specified |
| DRDO DGRE JRF | JRF | 2026-09-16 | 2026-09-15 to 2026-09-16 |
| DRDO SSPL JRF | JRF | 2026-09-09 | Interviews from 2026-09-01 |
| DRDO DESIDOC Apprenticeship | Apprenticeship | Next cycle expected around July | Not specified |
| DRDO ARDE Internship | Internship | Next cycle expected around July | Not specified |
| DRDO HEMRL Internship | Internship | Next cycle expected around July | Not specified |
| DRDO CVRDE JRF | JRF | Next cycle expected around July | Not specified |
| DRDO DMRL Internship | Internship | Next cycle expected around July | Not specified |
| DRDO ACEM Apprentice | Apprenticeship | Next cycle expected around July | Not specified |
| DRDO DLJ JRF | JRF | Next cycle expected around July | Not specified |
| DRDO ITR Paid Internship | Internship | Next cycle expected around June | Not specified |
| DRDO NPOL Internship | Internship | Next cycle expected around June | Not specified |
| DRDO RCI Paid Internship | Internship | Next cycle expected around June | Not specified |
| DRDO SAG JRF | JRF | Next cycle expected around August | Not specified |
| DRDO CFEES JRF | JRF | Next cycle expected around August | Not specified |
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Haris KhanDRDO offers internships for current students, apprenticeships for ITI, Diploma, and Graduate passouts, and Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) for postgraduate students.
Stipends for internships typically range from ₹5,000 per month, while JRF positions can offer ₹37,000 to ₹67,000 per month, often with HRA.
Eligibility for JRF programs generally requires a postgraduate degree (ME/MTech) or a graduate degree (BE/BTech) with NET/GATE qualification, often with an age limit of 28 years.
The application process varies, but usually involves downloading a form, gathering documents, and submitting them via post, email, or a walk-in interview. Apprenticeships often require prior online registration.
Yes, all mentioned DRDO internships, apprenticeships, and fellowships are paid programs, with stipends varying based on the program type and lab.
DRDO programs, especially apprenticeships, often state that they do not guarantee permanent employment after the training period. However, the experience can be valuable for future applications in PSUs or research organizations.
You typically need academic transcripts, degree certificates, caste certificates (if applicable), ID proof, passport photos, a referral letter from your college (for internships), and an NOC if currently employed.