DRDE, Gwalior has released the official advertisement DRDE/HRD/Paid Intern/2025-02 dated 22 December 2025 for the Paid Internship Scheme of DRDO for 6 months. Indian students pursuing relevant Graduate/Postgraduate courses in Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, and Engineering streams can apply for this internship, which carries a stipend of Rs 5,000 per month (paid in two instalments). Applications can be submitted by Speed Post or Email to DRDE Gwalior up to 25 January 2026, and the internship will commence from 02 March 2026.
DRDE Paid Internship 2026 Notification
Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior, a premier laboratory of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), invites applications from Indian citizens for a 6‑month Paid Internship Scheme. The scheme is aimed at students pursuing Graduate/Postgraduate courses who wish to get aligned with defence R&D activities.
The official notification clearly specifies eligibility, subject-wise seats, stipend, application procedure, terms and conditions, and important dates for the internship.
DRDE Paid Internship 2026: Overview
The DRDE Paid Internship offers a hands‑on research experience in defence-related projects in Biological, Chemical and Engineering disciplines. Key details are given below:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), DRDO, Gwalior |
| Scheme Name | Paid Internship Scheme of DRDO – DRDE, Gwalior |
| Advertisement No. | DRDE/HRD/Paid Intern/2025-02 dated 22.12.2025 |
| Internship Type | Paid Internship (Research oriented) |
| Total Seats | 08 (subject-wise distribution given below) |
| Duration | Minimum 06 months |
| Monthly Stipend | Rs 5,000 per month (Rs 15,000 after 3 months + Rs 15,000 after 6 months) |
| Location | DRDE, DRDO, Jhansi Road, Gwalior – 474002, Madhya Pradesh |
| Mode of Application | By Speed Post or Email (PDF scan) |
| Email IDs for Application | [email protected], [email protected] |
| Official Website | www.drdo.gov.in |
| Last Date to Apply | 25 January 2026 |
| Intimation to Selected Students | 16 February 2026 (tentative) |
| Internship Start Date | 02 March 2026 (tentative) |
DRDE Paid Internship 2026 Vacancies
The DRDE Paid Internship Scheme has a total of 08 seats across three subject groups: Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences and Engineering. Vacancies may change as per organizational requirements.
DRDE Internship 2026 – Subject-wise Seats & Stipend
| Subject | Total Seats | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Sciences (Biotechnology / Microbiology / Pharmacology / Toxicology / Immunology or equivalent) | 03 | 06 months |
| Chemical Sciences (Chemistry / Organic / Inorganic / Analytical Chemistry or equivalent) | 03 | 06 months |
| Engineering (Electronics / Mechanical / Information Technology / Computer Science) | 02 | 06 months |
DRDE Paid Internship Stipend & Duration
- The internship duration is a minimum of 06 months from the date of joining.
- Selected interns will receive a consolidated stipend of Rs 5,000 per month.
- Stipend is paid in two equal instalments: Rs 15,000 after completion of first 3 months and Rs 15,000 after completion of 6 months.
No boarding, lodging or travel allowance will be provided, and interns must arrange their own accommodation at Gwalior.
DRDE Internship Eligibility 2026
DRDE has prescribed clear educational and age-related eligibility criteria. Candidates must also submit a referral/sponsorship letter from their current institute.
Educational Qualification
Biological Sciences (Code 01):
- Pursuing M.Sc. or equivalent in Biological Sciences/Biotechnology/Microbiology/Pharmacology/Toxicology/Immunology.
- Typically in 3rd/4th semester (as per notification).
Chemical Sciences (Code 02):
Pursuing M.Sc. or equivalent in Chemistry/Organic Chemistry/Inorganic Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry or equivalent.
Engineering (Code 03):
- Pursuing B.E./B.Tech. (7th/8th Semester) in Electronics/Mechanical/Information Technology/Computer Science or equivalent.
- Candidates must have a good academic record with 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA and above from AICTE/UGC approved colleges/universities.
Internship period should preferably be a part of the degree curriculum; details must be mentioned in the application.
Age Limit
- Upper age limit: Below 28 years as on 25 January 2026.
- Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply for this internship.
DRDE Internship Selection Procedure
The selection process is merit-based and depends on academic performance and fulfilment of eligibility criteria.
- DRDE will shortlist candidates based on:
- Academic record (marks/CGPA) from AICTE/UGC approved institutions.
- Valid referral/sponsorship letter from present college/university.
- Mere submission of application or fulfilment of minimum criteria does not guarantee selection for paid internship.
- If required, interaction/interview may be conducted telephonically or through video conferencing.
- Only shortlisted candidates will receive intimation and internship offer and must report to Lab Establishment as per the offer letter terms.
Interns must sign undertakings under the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923 and confirm adherence to IT Rules and Regulations applicable to the Ministry of Defence.
How to Apply for DRDE Paid Internship 2026
Applications can be submitted only through Speed Post or Email on or before 25 January 2026. A valid email ID and mobile number are essential for communication.
Step-by-step Application Process
| Step | Procedure |
|---|---|
| 1 | Download/read the DRDE Paid Internship Scheme notification and Application Form (Annexure-A). |
| 2 | Fill the Application Form for Paid Internship, affix a recent passport size photograph and sign the declaration. |
| 3 | Obtain a recent referral/sponsorship letter on college letterhead signed by Principal/HoD as per the prescribed format in the notification. |
| 4 | Prepare a detailed resume/CV mentioning academic details, projects and skills. |
| 5 | Attach self-attested copies of all academic certificates, mark sheets, ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN), and bank details. |
| 6 | Compile all documents: Application Form, Sponsorship Letter, Resume, Certificates, ID proofs, Bank details. |
| 7A | By Speed Post: Send the complete application to – “Director, DRDE, DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Jhansi Road, Gwalior – 474002 (M.P.)” with envelope superscribed “Application for Paid Internship Scheme of DRDO – DRDE”. |
| 7B | By Email: Scan all documents into a single PDF and email to [email protected] and [email protected] latest by 25 January 2026. |
| 8 | Keep copies of all documents and note the email/dispatch details for future reference. |
Incomplete or erroneous applications, or those received after the due date, will be summarily rejected and no further communication will be entertained.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Issue of Advertisement | 22 December 2025 |
| Last Date for Receipt of Application (Speed Post / Email) | 25 January 2026 |
| Intimation to Selected Students (Tentative) | 16 February 2026 |
| Internship Start Date (Tentative) | 02 March 2026 |
Also Read: HARSAC Internship 2025, Apply Online for 25 Positions with Stipend up to Rs. 36,000
FAQs
Q1. What is the duration of DRDE Paid Internship 2026?
Ans: The DRDE Paid Internship is for a minimum duration of 06 months from the date of joining.
Q2. What is the stipend for DRDE Paid Interns?
Ans: Selected interns will receive Rs 5,000 per month, paid as Rs 15,000 after 3 months and Rs 15,000 after completion of 6 months.
Q3. Who can apply for DRDE Paid Internship?
Ans: Indian students pursuing M.Sc. (Biological or Chemical Sciences) or B.E./B.Tech. (Electronics/Mechanical/IT/Computer Science) with 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA and above from AICTE/UGC approved institutes can apply.
Q4. Is there any age limit for DRDE Internship?
Ans: Yes, the upper age limit is below 28 years as on 25 January 2026.
