DRDO Internship 2026 (Defence Research and Development Organisation)

Opportunity Overview

Internship Formats & Specialised Labs

DRDO internships are hosted directly across its 50+ specialised research laboratories located throughout India:

[Target Lab Identification] ➔ [Documentation & NOC Preparation] ➔ [Direct Submission to Lab HR/Director] ➔ [Lab Security Screening & Selection]

Internship Categories

Primary Participating Research Establishments

• CAIR (Bengaluru): Center for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (AI, ML, Autonomous Systems, Cyber Security)

• DLRL (Hyderabad): Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (Radar Systems, EW, Microwave Engineering)

• ADE (Bengaluru): Aeronautical Development Establishment (UAVs, Flight Systems, Flight Dynamics)

• RCI (Hyderabad): Research Centre Imarat (Missile Avionics, Navigation Systems, Control Systems)

• CEMILAC (Bengaluru): Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (Aeronautical Certification)

• DRDE (Gwalior): Defence Research & Development Establishment (Chemical & Biological Defence)

• DGRE (Chandigarh): Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (Terrain Assessment, Geoinformatics)

• DIPR (Delhi): Defence Institute of Psychological Research (Human Factors, Human Engineering)

Eligibility Criteria & Essential Requirements

1. Academic Enrollment: Must be currently enrolled in an accredited Indian university/college pursuing B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech, M.Sc., or PhD.

2. Academic Performance: Minimum CGPA of 7.5 (or equivalent percentage) is standard across most laboratories.

3. Mandatory Documentation:

   • No Objection Certificate (NOC): Official NOC issued by the candidate’s Head of Department (HOD) or Placement Cell covering the exact internship dates.

   • Letter of Recommendation (LOR): LOR from a university professor recommending the candidate for research work.

   • Internship Request Letter: Cover letter addressed directly to the Director or Head of Human Resources of the specific DRDO lab.

   • Academic Resume: Updated CV detailing domain projects, publications, and technical skill sets.

Step-by-Step Application Workflow

[Identify Target Lab & Scientist Domain] ➔ [Obtain College NOC & Professor LOR] ➔ [Draft Request Letter to Lab Director] ➔ [Email Application Packet to Lab HR]

1. Select Target Laboratory: Match your academic background (e.g., Computer Science, Avionics, Mechanical) with the core mandate of the specific DRDO establishment.

2. Prepare Document Packet: Combine the Request Letter, Resume, College NOC, and LOR into a clear PDF submission.

3. Submit Application: Send the complete packet via email to the Administrative / HR Officer or Training Coordinator of the chosen DRDO laboratory, or submit through individual lab portals when active.

4. Follow-Up & Security Verification: Follow up politely if no response is received within 2–3 weeks. Selected candidates undergo background/security clearance prior to lab entry.