The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is one of India’s most esteemed institutions, known for its contributions to defense technology and research. Every year, DRDO offers internships to students who wish to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research and innovation. This article provides a comprehensive guide to DRDO Internship 2025, covering eligibility, application process, stipend, deadlines, and other essential details.
Why Choose a DRDO Internship? #
A DRDO internship provides aspiring engineers and researchers with:
- Exposure to advanced defense research.
- A chance to work with top scientists and engineers.
- Practical experience in real-world defense projects.
- A boost to resume and future job prospects.
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.
Checkout the full guide on How to Apply for DRDO Internship.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) #
1. What is the DRDO internship application form?
The DRDO internship application form is available on the official DRDO website and respective lab portals. It includes personal details, academic qualifications, and a statement of purpose.
2. Who can apply for a DRDO internship?
Students pursuing BE/BTech/BSc/ME/MTech/MSc in engineering, sciences, or relevant fields with 60%+ marks can apply.
3. How to apply for a DRDO internship?
- Visit the official DRDO website.
- Check for internship notifications.
- Submit the completed application form along with required documents.
- Prepare for the interview if shortlisted.
4. What is the stipend for DRDO interns?
DRDO interns receive a stipend between ₹8,000 and ₹12,000 per month.
5. When is the DRDO internship deadline?
The deadline varies by DRDO lab but generally falls between March and April 2025.
6. What are the benefits of a DRDO internship?
- Exposure to cutting-edge defense research.
- Hands-on experience with real-world defense projects.
- Stipend and certificate upon completion.
- Enhanced career opportunities in research, engineering, and defense.
7. Can Computer Science students apply for DRDO internships?
Yes, DRDO offers internships for Computer Science Engineering (CSE) students in AI, cybersecurity, software development, and defense tech.
8. How to get selected for a DRDO internship?
- Meet eligibility criteria.
- Choose the right DRDO lab.
- Submit a strong application.
- Prepare well for the interview.
A DRDO internship is a prestigious opportunity for students looking to gain practical experience in defense research and development. By following the correct application process, preparing well, and staying updated on deadlines, you can significantly increase your chances of securing this internship.
Start your preparations early, craft a strong application, and take the first step toward a rewarding career in defense research and engineering!
