DRDO Paid Internship 2026: ₹30,000 Stipend, Eligibility, Vacancies, Last Date & Complete Application Process

If you are a final-year engineering student looking for a prestigious internship opportunity in India’s defense research sector, then the DRDO Paid Internship 2026 could be the perfect opportunity for you. The Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL), Dehradun, a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has officially invited applications from eligible students for its six-month paid internship program. Selected candidates will not only gain hands-on experience in advanced defense technologies but will also receive a stipend of ₹30,000 during the internship period.

This internship offers engineering students a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies such as software-defined radios, satellite communication systems, surveillance technologies, and data link systems used in modern defense applications.

DRDO Paid Internship 2026 Highlights

About DEAL, DRDO

The Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL) is one of DRDO’s leading research laboratories. It focuses on developing advanced communication and surveillance technologies for the Indian Armed Forces. The laboratory is actively involved in research areas such as:

• Software Defined Radios (SDR)
• Satellite Communication Systems
• Tactical Data Links
• Communication Networks
• Surveillance Technologies
• Secure Defence Communication Systems

Students selected for this internship will get exposure to real-world defense projects and research environments that are rarely accessible through traditional academic programs.

DRDO Internship 2026 Vacancies

DEAL has announced internship opportunities for students from the following engineering disciplines:

Total Vacancies: 45

Since the number of seats is limited, students are advised to submit their applications as early as possible.

DRDO Paid Internship 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, candidates must carefully check the eligibility requirements.

For B.Tech/B.E. Students

Applicants must:

• Be pursuing a full-time B.Tech or B.E. degree.
• Have completed their 3rd year (6th semester) or be completing it by July 2026.

For M.Tech/M.Sc. Students

Candidates pursuing:

• Full-time M.Tech
• M.Sc. (Electronics)

must have completed their 1st year (2nd semester) or be completing it by July 2026.

Academic Requirements

To be eligible, students must also satisfy the following conditions:

• Minimum CGPA of 7.0 on a scale of 10
• Must be studying in an AICTE-approved college or university
• No backlog or failed subjects in the first five semesters of the degree program

Students who do not meet these academic requirements will not be considered for the internship.

Internship Duration

The internship duration is fixed for six months. Selected candidates will undergo training and project work at DEAL, DRDO, Dehradun.

The organization has clearly stated that students who fail to complete the entire internship period will not be eligible to receive the stipend or internship certificate.

DRDO Internship Stipend 2026

One of the biggest attractions of this internship is the paid stipend.

Selected interns will receive a total amount of ₹30,000, which will be paid in two installments:

First Installment

• ₹15,000 after successful completion of three months

Second Installment

• ₹15,000 after successful completion of six months

However, students must maintain a minimum attendance of 15 working days per month to remain eligible for the stipend payment.

Selection Process

The selection process for the DRDO Paid Internship 2026 is entirely merit-based.

Selection Criteria

• Academic performance
• CGPA/Percentage
• Eligibility fulfillment
• Recommendation from college authorities

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding further joining formalities and documentation requirements. The organization has also clarified that no communication regarding rejected applications will be entertained.

Documents Required

Students must attach the following documents along with the application form:

Mandatory Documents

• Recommendation Letter from Principal/HOD/Dean
• Updated Resume or Bio-data
• CGPA/Marksheet Copies
• Aadhaar Card Copy
• College Identity Card Copy
• Recent Passport Size Photograph

Applications submitted without the required documents may be rejected during scrutiny.

How to Apply for DRDO Paid Internship 2026

The application process is completely offline.

Step 1: Download the Application Form

Candidates need to download the prescribed application format from the DRDO Careers section.

Step 2: Fill the Form Carefully

Enter all required details including:

• Name
• Date of Birth
• Aadhaar Number
• Address
• Branch/Discipline
• College Details
• CGPA
• Contact Information

The application format is provided in the official notification.

Step 3: Attach Required Documents

Attach all mandatory documents listed above.

Step 4: Prepare the Envelope

Clearly write:

“Application for DRDO Paid Internship”

Also mention your branch or discipline on the envelope for easy segregation of applications.

Step 5: Send Through Speed Post

Applications should be sent to:

Director
Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL)
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO)
Ministry of Defence, Government of India
Post Box No. 54
Raipur Road, Dehradun
Uttarakhand – 248001

Important Note

Applications submitted through email will not be accepted under any circumstances. Only applications received through Speed Post or submitted physically will be considered.

Important Dates

Students should keep track of the following dates:

Documents Required at the Time of Joining

Selected students will be required to produce original documents at the time of joining, including:

• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from College
• Police Verification Certificate
• Undertaking regarding the Official Secrets Act, 1923
• IT Rules and Regulations Undertaking
• Bank Account Details
• Aadhaar Card
• College Identity Card
• Passport Size Photographs
• Original Semester Mark Sheets

Benefits of DRDO Internship

Participating in a DRDO internship offers numerous advantages:

1. Exposure to Defence Research

Students get the opportunity to work in one of India’s most prestigious defense research organizations.

2. Industry-Level Learning

Interns learn practical implementation of communication and surveillance technologies.

3. Strong Resume Value

Having DRDO on your resume significantly enhances career prospects for placements, higher studies, and government opportunities.

4. Networking Opportunities

Students interact with experienced scientists, engineers, and researchers.

5. Internship Certificate

Successful completion of the internship leads to an official DRDO internship certificate.

6. Paid Learning Opportunity

Unlike many internships, DRDO provides financial support through a ₹30,000 stipend.

Can AKTU Students Apply?

Yes. Students from AKTU-affiliated colleges can apply if:

• Their college is AICTE approved.
• They have a CGPA of 7.0 or above.
• They are in the eligible semester/year.
• They have no active backlogs.

For AKTU engineering students, this internship can be a valuable opportunity to gain practical research experience before graduation.

also read : BSNL JTO Recruitment 2026 Notification Out for 100 Posts – Salary Up to ₹40,500, Apply Online

Final Thoughts

The DRDO Paid Internship 2026 at DEAL, Dehradun, is one of the most prestigious internship opportunities available for engineering students in India. With a six-month training period, exposure to advanced defense technologies, a stipend of ₹30,000, and the chance to work alongside DRDO scientists, this internship can significantly strengthen a student’s career profile.

Interested candidates should ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and submit their applications before 30 June 2026. Since selection is based on merit and the number of seats is limited, early application is highly recommended.