DRDO internship 2025

The Research and Development Establishment (Engineers), or R&DE(E), under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has opened applications for its highly esteemed paid internship program for engineering students. This initiative, housed at the R&DE(E) campus in Dighi, Pune, aims to provide real-world exposure and hands-on experience to students pursuing undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) degrees in core and emerging engineering disciplines. R&DE(E) is a pioneering laboratory under DRDO engaged in the development of cutting-edge defense technologies and systems for the Indian Armed Forces. Its interdisciplinary work spans research, design, development, testing, evaluation, and transfer of technology, with continuous engagement with Defence Public Sector Units (DPSUs), private industry, and academic institutions. This internship opportunity is exclusively offered to students currently pursuing full-time engineering degrees: those in their 7th or 8th semesters of undergraduate studies or in the second year of their M.Tech programs. A total of 40 positions are available across four key engineering domains—Mechanical Engineering (10 positions), Material Science/Polymer Engineering (5), Electrical/Electronics/Instrumentation Engineering (15), and Computer Science/Artificial Intelligence (10). Each intern will receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000. The duration of the internship is 6 months for undergraduate students and 11 months for postgraduate students. However, the stipend will only be disbursed for the first six months for M.Tech candidates. The eligibility criteria are merit-based and rigorous, ensuring that only the most deserving candidates are selected. Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 7.5 on a 10-point scale or equivalent marks (≥75%) from AICTE or UGC-approved institutions. In addition to academic excellence, students must provide a brief bio-data (under 300 words) highlighting their achievements, along with any awards or professional memberships. Applications must be endorsed by the principal or director of the applicant’s institution, ensuring only high-performing and committed candidates are recommended. The selection process is entirely merit-based, and only shortlisted candidates will be notified via email by 25 July 2025. The internship program will officially commence on 1 August 2025. Applicants must submit their application in the prescribed format—available on the DRDO careers website—within 10 days from the date of the advertisement. Scanned copies of completed applications, along with all supporting documents, must be emailed to both [email protected] and [email protected]. The subject line of the email must include the branch code of the applicant for ease of processing.

It is important to note that no accommodation or lodging will be provided as part of the internship. However, interns can avail themselves of subsidized meals and refreshments from the R&DE(E) canteen. The stipend will be paid in two installments, with the first installment released after the completion of the initial three months. The continuation of the stipend is contingent upon satisfactory performance and maintaining a physical attendance of at least 10 working days per month.

Upon successful completion of the internship—including acceptance of the project work by the designated guide and submission of the final report—students will receive an official Certificate of Completion. However, it is clearly stated that participation in this internship does not imply or guarantee any form of employment with DRDO. Students who fail to complete the full duration of the internship will not be issued a certificate.

Selected candidates must comply with several formalities at the time of joining. These include submission of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their college, police verification acknowledgment, a medical fitness certificate from a registered MBBS doctor, Aadhaar card (original and copy), college ID, three passport-sized photographs, and all previous semester mark sheets for verification. Students will also need to submit a duly filled undertaking and indemnity bond, as well as adhere to the Indian Official Secrets Act and IT rules applicable to the Ministry of Defence.

The management reserves the right to amend the number of internship positions or modify the selection criteria without prior notice. Any incomplete, incorrect, or late application will be outrightly rejected without further communication.This internship offers students a unique opportunity to participate in meaningful projects that directly contribute to national defense capabilities. It serves as a platform for young engineers to interact with scientists, gain experience in high-end research, and understand the demands of working in a prestigious defense R&D environment. By bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, this program plays a critical role in preparing future engineers for specialized careers, especially in sectors vital to national security.

Overall, the DRDO R&DE(E) Paid Internship Scheme for 2025 is a golden opportunity for dedicated and capable engineering students to engage in impactful, challenging, and enriching project work. It not only adds immense value to their academic profile but also provides a rare window into India’s top-tier defense research infrastructure.