drdo internship 2025:The DRDO Internship is a prestigious opportunity offered by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to students and recent graduates interested in research and development in the defence and aerospace sectors. This article provides details about the eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, and more to help you secure an internship with DRDO.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is offering internship opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students in engineering and general sciences. This initiative is designed to provide students with hands-on experience and exposure to cutting-edge defence technology research.
DRDO Internship 2025
DRDO Internship: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) offers internships to students in various fields such as engineering, technology, and defence research. This initiative is a great opportunity for young minds to gain hands-on experience and contribute to the country’s defence and technological advancements.
The DRDO internship program allows students to work in various areas crucial to the defence sector, gaining valuable insight into real-time projects and advanced research that contribute to India’s defence capabilities. Interns will have the chance to participate in research and development (R&D) activities at DRDO’s laboratories and facilities.
DRDO Internship Key Highlights
| Key Features | Details |
| Internship Name | DRDO Internship Program or Scheme of Internship of Students to DRDO Labs/Estts |
| Objective | To provide research and development exposure to graduates and post graduates |
| Internship Duration | 4 weeks to 6 months (depends on the project and course type) |
| Target Audience | Students and recent graduates in technical and scientific fields |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | www.drdo.gov.in |
| Stipend | Paid internship (stipend varies as per the project) |
| Documents Required | Academic transcripts, ID proof, recommendation letter, etc. |
Key Features of the DRDO Internship Program
- Fields of Internship: Available in areas related to defence technologies, engineering, and general sciences.
- Project Work: Interns will join ongoing R&D projects, gaining practical experience in defence technology.
- Application Process: Students must apply through their colleges or universities, which will coordinate with the relevant DRDO lab or establishment based on the student’s field of study.
- Approval and Vacancy: Selection depends on lab availability and approval from the concerned Lab Director.
- Training Duration: Internships typically last between 4 weeks and 6 months, based on the course type and at the discretion of the Lab Director.
- Unclassified Access: Interns will only have access to unclassified areas to ensure national security standards are upheld.
- No Employment Guarantee: Completion of the internship does not guarantee employment with DRDO.
- Liability: DRDO is not responsible for personal injuries or accidents during the internship.
Types of DRDO Internships
DRDO offers multiple internship programs tailored to students’ academic schedules and interests.
1. DRDO Summer Internship
- Duration: 6 to 8 weeks
- Timeline: May to June
- Focus: Short-term research projects
2. DRDO Project Internship
- Duration: 3 to 6 months
- Ideal for: Students looking for in-depth research involvement
- Focus: Specialized defense research projects
3. DRDO Semester Internship
- Duration: 3 to 4 months
- Timeline: Conducted during semester breaks
- Focus: Academic projects aligned with DRDO research areas
Eligibility Criteria for DRDO Internship 2025
To be eligible for the DRDO internship, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Nationality:
- Must be an Indian citizen.
Age Limit:
- Candidates must be between 19 and 28 years old.
Academic Requirements:
- Minimum 60% marks in all semesters.
- Must be pursuing a Bachelor’s (BE/BTech/BSc) or Master’s (ME/MTech/MSc) degree in relevant fields.
- Strong technical knowledge in the chosen field of internship.
How to Apply for DRDO Internship 2025?
Follow these steps to apply for a DRDO internship:
Step 1: Select a DRDO Lab
DRDO has 50+ labs across India specializing in different areas of research. Visit the official DRDO website to find a lab that matches your academic background.
Step 2: Check for Internship Vacancies
Internship notifications are posted on the DRDO website and other job portals. You can also directly contact the respective lab for vacancy details.
Step 3: Prepare Application Documents
Ensure you have the following:
- Cover Letter: Highlighting your skills and interest in DRDO.
- Resume: Updated with academic achievements and projects.
- Academic Transcripts: Copies of semester results.
- Recommendation Letters: (If available) from professors or industry professionals.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
- Submit your application online or via email, as mentioned in the notification.
- Ensure all required documents are included before the deadline.
Step 5: Attend the Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview (virtual or in-person). The interview assesses your technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and motivation for interning at DRDO.
DRDO Internship Stipend
DRDO provides a stipend ranging from ₹8,000 to ₹12,000 per month, depending on the type of internship and qualifications of the candidate.
DRDO Internship Certificate
Upon successful completion, interns receive an official DRDO Internship Certificate, which adds immense value to resumes and job applications.
Important Deadlines for DRDO Internship 2025
- Application Start Date: February 2025
- Application Deadline: Varies by DRDO lab (typically March-April 2025)
- Internship Commencement: May 2025 (for summer internships), rolling basis for project and semester internships
DRDO Labs List
| Laboratory Name | Location | Website | Research Areas | Eligible Disciplines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) | Hyderabad, Telangana | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/defence-research-development-laboratory-drdl | Missile Systems, Navigation Systems, Avionics | Aerospace, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering |
| Research Centre Imarat (RCI) | Hyderabad, Telangana | https://drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/research-centre-imarat-rci | Avionics, Control Systems, Imaging Systems | Electronics, Computer Science, Control Systems |
| Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) | Hyderabad, Telangana | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/advanced-systems-laboratory-asl | Missile Technology, Propulsion Systems | Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering |
| Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL) | Hyderabad, Telangana | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/defence-electronics-research-laboratory-dlrl | Electronic Warfare, Signal Processing | Electronics, Communication Engineering |
| Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE) | Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/defence-research-development-establishment-drde | NBC Defence, Life Sciences | Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology |
| Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh | https://drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/defence-materials-and-stores-research-and-development-establishment-dmsrde | Materials Science, Textiles | Materials Science, Textile Engineering |
| Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) | Pune, Maharashtra | https://diat.ac.in | Advanced Technology, Defense Systems | Multiple Engineering Disciplines |
| Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) | Pune, Maharashtra | https://drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/armament-research-development-establishment-arde | Armaments, Ammunition | Mechanical, Metallurgy Engineering |
| High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) | Pune, Maharashtra | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/high-energy-materials-research-laboratory-hemrl | Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics | Chemical Engineering, Chemistry |
| Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR) | Delhi | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/defence-institute-psychological-research-dipr | Psychological Research, Human Behavior | Psychology, Behavioral Sciences |
| Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS) | Delhi | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/defence-institute-physiology-allied-sciences-dipas | Physiology, Biomedical Sciences | Life Sciences, Biomedical Engineering |
| Defence Laboratory (DL) | Jodhpur, Rajasthan | https://drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/defence-laboratory-dlj | Electronic Systems, Desert Technology | Electronics, Environmental Science |
| Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) | Mysuru, Karnataka | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/defence-food-research-laboratory-dfrl | Food Processing, Preservation | Food Technology, Nutrition Science |
| Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) | Kochi, Kerala | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/naval-physical-oceanographic-laboratory-npol | Sonar Systems, Oceanography | Electronics, Ocean Engineering |
| Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) | Ambernath, Maharashtra | https://drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/naval-materials-research-laboratory-nmrl | Naval Materials, Corrosion Science | Materials Science, Metallurgy |
| Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS) | Bengaluru, Karnataka | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/centre-air-borne-system-cabs | Airborne Early Warning Systems | Aerospace, Electronics Engineering |
| Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) | Bengaluru, Karnataka | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/gas-turbine-research-establishment-gtre | Gas Turbines, Propulsion Systems | Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering |
| Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) | Bengaluru, Karnataka | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/electronics-radar-development-establishment-lrde | Radar Systems, Signal Processing | Electronics, Communication Engineering |
| Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL) | Bengaluru, Karnataka | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/defence-bio-engineering-electro-medical-laboratory-debel | Life Support Systems, Biomedical Equipment | Biomedical Engineering, Electronics |
| Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/combat-vehicles-research-development-estt-cvrde | Combat Vehicles, Military Engineering | Mechanical, Automotive Engineering |
| Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) | Ahmednagar, Maharashtra | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/vehicles-research-and-development-establishment-vrde | Military Vehicles, Mobility Systems | Mechanical, Automotive Engineering |
| Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) | Chandigarh | https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs-and-establishments/terminal-ballistics-research-laboratory-tbrl | Ballistics, Impact Dynamics | Mechanical Engineering, Physics |
| Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research (DIBER) | Haldwani, Uttarakhand | https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/organisations/ministry-and-departments/defence-research-and-development-organisation-drdo-govt-india/defence-institute-bio-energy-research-diber | Bio-Energy, Environmental Science | Biotechnology, Environmental Science |
| Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) | Chandigarh | https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/allstinstitutions/snow-avalanche-study-establishment-rd-centre-0 | Snow Science, Avalanche Research | Earth Sciences, Civil Engineering |
Tips to Secure a DRDO Internship
- Start Early: Applications open months in advance, so prepare early.
- Network with DRDO Professionals: Attend seminars and workshops to increase chances.
- Customize Your Application: Tailor your resume and cover letter for DRDO’s research areas.
- Stay Updated: Keep track of DRDO’s latest developments in defense technology.
- Prepare for the Interview: Be ready to discuss your academic projects and research interests.