DRDO Opens Applications for Six-Month Paid R&D Internship for Engineering and Science Students

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has officially announced its Paid internship Programme 2025 for talented and motivated undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students in engineering and science disciplines. The internship will be offered at two of DRDO’s leading laboratories—the Scientific Analysis Group (SAG) in Delhi and the Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur (DLJ)—providing students with rare, real-world experience in advanced defence research. Interested candidates can apply through the official website: drdo.gov.in.

INTERNSHIP FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• Duration: Six months of hands-on training in high-end research and technology development environments.
• Stipend:
  • DLJ: ₹5,000 per month.
  • SAG: ₹30,000 for the full six-month duration, disbursed in two instalments—₹15,000 after 3 months and ₹15,000 after 6 months.
• Certificate: A DRDO-issued completion certificate will be awarded to students who meet the required performance and attendance criteria, significantly boosting their resume and career profile.

This internship offers six months of intensive exposure to cutting-edge research, enabling students to work with state-of-the-art scientific tools, defence technologies, and real mission-driven projects.

While DLJ provides a monthly stipend of ₹5,000, SAG disburses ₹30,000 in two instalments. Candidates completing the internship successfully will receive a recognized DRDO certificate, a valuable asset for future academic or professional pursuits.

DIRECT LINKS:

DIRECT LINK TO VIEW THE PAID INTERNSHIP NOTICE FOR DRDO DLJ

DIRECT LINK TO VIEW THE PAID INTERNSHIP NOTICE FOR DRDO SAG

WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY

• This programme offers more than an ordinary internship—it is a gateway into real defence research at India’s premier technology organisation.
• Opportunity to work on active research projects crucial to national security and advanced scientific innovation.
• Direct mentorship from experienced DRDO scientists and engineers working on mission-critical technologies.
• Skill development in laboratory procedures, data analysis, research methodology, technical documentation, and professional work ethics.
• Exposure that helps build strong networks within the defence, engineering, and research communities.
• The highly regarded DRDO certificate enhances your chances for future academic admissions, research fellowships, and industry jobs.
• Though the internship does not guarantee employment at DRDO, the experience is highly valued across sectors.

The programme offers practical experience that can shape your entire career trajectory—whether in defence R&D, high-tech engineering, or advanced scientific research.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To qualify for the DLJ and SAG internships, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be an Indian citizen.
• Must be in the final year of a full-time UG or PG programme:
  • B.E./B.Tech (Engineering)
  • M.E./M.Tech (Technology)
  • M.Sc (Science)
• Must have a strong academic record, typically:
  • Minimum 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA from an AICTE/UGC-recognised institute
• Certain labs such as SAG may require a higher academic threshold—85% or 8.5 CGPA for specific fields.
• Students must have no active backlogs.
• Additional documentation such as a No Objection Certificate (NOC), police verification, and college recommendations may be required based on individual lab notifications.

The eligibility framework ensures that only committed, high-performing students are selected for this competitive research opportunity.

INTERNSHIP LOCATIONS

Selected applicants will be placed in the DRDO laboratories that issued the internship notification:

• Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur (DLJ): Specialising in multispectral camouflage, desert sciences, sensor technologies, and allied research areas.
• Scientific Analysis Group (SAG), Delhi: Engaged in advanced analytical and scientific research involving computing, cryptology, mathematics, physics, and engineering.

(Note: This notification is specifically for DLJ and SAG. Other DRDO laboratories may release separate internship notices periodically.)

IMPORTANT DATES

• Last date to apply for DLJ: December 23, 2025
• Last date to apply for SAG: December 19, 2025

Applicants must ensure timely submission, as late applications are not accepted.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process will be based on:

• Academic excellence (CGPA or percentage)
• Merit-based shortlisting
• Interview or interaction (if required by the respective lab)
• Verification of academic and identity documents before the final selection

This internship provides unparalleled exposure to real-world defence research, allowing students to deepen their technical capabilities and build a robust foundation for future careers in research, engineering, defence technology, or academia. By working directly with DRDO scientists on live projects, interns gain insights that few other programmes in India can match.