Are you an undergraduate or postgraduate student in engineering or general sciences looking for a transformative experience? The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is offering internship programs in 2025, providing you with an incredible opportunity to dive into the world of defense research and technology. This is your chance to work on live projects, gain hands-on experience, and learn from expert scientists and engineers.
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What is the DRDO Internship?
The DRDO internship program is designed to give students practical exposure to defense research. As an intern, you’ll be embedded within one of DRDO’s labs, contributing to ongoing projects and gaining valuable skills that can shape your future career. These internships follow specific DRDO guidelines, separate from the Apprentices Act, 1961, ensuring a focused and immersive experience.
Why Intern at DRDO?
- Hands-on Experience: Work on real projects, not just theoretical exercises.
- Expert Mentorship: Learn from seasoned scientists and engineers in your field.
- Cutting-Edge Research: Contribute to advancements in defense technology.
- Career Boost: Enhance your resume and open doors to future opportunities.
- Stipend & Certificate: Receive a monthly stipend and a valuable internship certificate upon completion.
Are You Eligible?
To be eligible for a DRDO internship, you typically need to meet the following criteria:
- Educational Background: Pursuing or holding an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in engineering or general sciences.
- Age Limit: Usually between 19 and 28 years old.
- Academic Performance: A consistent academic record, generally requiring 60%+ marks in your relevant degree.
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
Securing a DRDO internship requires careful planning and a well-prepared application. Here’s a breakdown of the application process:
- Identify a DRDO Lab: DRDO has over 50 labs across India, each specializing in different areas of defense research. Visit the official DRDO website and research the labs to find one that aligns with your academic background and interests.
- Check for Internship Openings: Visit the website of your chosen lab or contact their administration to inquire about internship opportunities. Keep an eye on the DRDO website and other job portals, as internship announcements are often published there.
- Craft Your Application: A compelling application is crucial. Make sure to include:
- Cover Letter: Clearly state your skills, academic background, and your motivation for applying to DRDO.
- Resume: Highlight your qualifications, technical skills, and any relevant projects you’ve worked on.
- Academic Transcripts: Provide copies of your academic records to showcase your performance.
- Recommendation Letters (Optional): If possible, include letters of recommendation from professors or professionals who can vouch for your abilities.
- Submit Your Application: Follow the specific application instructions provided by the DRDO lab.
- Prepare for the Interview: Shortlisted candidates might be invited for an interview, either in person or virtually. Be prepared to discuss your technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and your enthusiasm for the field.
Key Dates & Stipend
- Application Start Date: Expect applications to open around February 2025.
- Application Deadline: Deadlines will vary by DRDO lab, typically falling around March-April 2025.
- Internship Commencement: Internships usually begin in May 2025.
- Stipend: DRDO offers a stipend, generally ranging from ₹8,000 to ₹12,000 per month, depending on the type of internship and your qualifications.
A Glimpse at DRDO Labs and Their Focus
DRDO’s extensive network of labs covers a wide spectrum of defense research. Here are a few examples:
- Hyderabad: DRDL (Missile Systems), RCI (Avionics), ASL (Missile Technology), DLRL (Electronic Warfare).
- Gwalior: DRDE (NBC Defence).
- Kanpur: DMSRDE (Materials Science).
- Pune: DIAT (Advanced Technology), ARDE (Armaments), HEMRL (Propellants).
- Delhi: DIPR (Psychological Research), DIPAS (Physiology).
- Jodhpur: DL (Electronic Systems).
- Mysuru: DFRL (Food Processing).
- Kochi: NPOL (Sonar Systems).
- Ambernath: NMRL (Naval Materials).
- Bengaluru: CABS (Airborne Systems), GTRE (Gas Turbines), LRDE (Radar Systems), DEBEL (Life Support Systems).
- Chennai: CVRDE (Combat Vehicles).
- Ahmednagar: VRDE (Military Vehicles).
- Chandigarh: TBRL (Ballistics), SASE (Snow Science).
- Haldwani: DIBER (Bio-Energy).
This list provides just a snapshot of the diverse research happening across DRDO. Explore the DRDO website to find the lab that best matches your interests.
Important Points to Remember
- Selection depends on the availability of vacancies and approval from the Lab Director.
- Interns will have access to unclassified areas of DRDO labs.
- Completing an internship does not guarantee a job at DRDO.
- DRDO is not responsible for any injuries sustained during the internship.
- The internship duration typically ranges from 4 weeks to 6 months, based on your course requirements.
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Key Sources
| No. | Title | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DRDO Internship 2025: Check Eligibility, Steps To Apply And Other Details | NDTV |
| 2 | DRDO internship 2025: Kickstart your career in defence R&D tech, apply now | Business Standard |
| 3 | DRDO Internship 2025- Apply Online, Last Date, Application… | MGMCVashi |
| 4 | DRDO Internship 2025, Step By Step Guide, Apply Link, Eligibility, Stipend & Important Details | Adda247 |
| 5 | DRDO Internship 2025: How to apply, eligibility criteria, and other details here | India Today |
| 6 | DRDO Internship 2025: How to grab opportunity in defence tech for engineering, science students? | Indian Express |
| 7 | DRDO Internship 2025: How to apply for hands-on experience in Defence tech for engineering and science students | Times |