DRDO DRDE Paid Internship Recruitment 2026: Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior, a premier research laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has released an official notification inviting applications from eligible Indian citizens for its 6-month Paid Internship Scheme starting from January 1, 2027. If you are currently pursuing your regular graduate or postgraduate degree in science or engineering and want real-world exposure to defence research, this is a great chance to work alongside leading scientists while receiving a monthly financial stipend.
DRDO DRDE Paid Internship Recruitment Overview
| Details | Information |
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), DRDO |
| Recruitment Name | Paid Internship Scheme of DRDO |
| Advertisement No. | DRDE/HRD/Paid Intern/2026/03 |
| Total Vacancies | 08 Posts |
| Job Location | DRDE, Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) |
| Application Mode | Offline (Speed Post) or Email |
| Selection Process | Academic Shortlisting (Minimum 75% marks / 7.5 CGPA) followed by Interaction (Telephonic / Video Conferencing, if required) |
| Monthly Stipend | Rs 5,000/- per month (Paid in two equal installments of Rs 15,000/- after 3 and 6 months) |
| Official Website | www.drdo.gov.in |
| Last Date | 14th November 2026 |
Also read: Indian Army TES 57 Recruitment 2026 – Vacancy, Eligibility, Apply Online
Vacancy Details of DRDO DRDE Paid Internship Recruitment
DRDE Gwalior has announced 8 vacancies across three core disciplines. Unfilled vacancies may be merged across subjects depending on laboratory needs.
| Subject Code | Subject | Total Vacancies |
| 01 | Biological Sciences | 03 |
| 02 | Chemical Sciences | 03 |
| 03 | Engineering | 02 |
| Total | 08 |
Eligibility Criteria for DRDO DRDE Paid Internship Recruitment
Candidates must meet the following qualification and age conditions as outlined in the official advertisement.
Educational Qualification
- Biological Sciences (Code 01): Candidates must be currently pursuing M.Sc. or equivalent (3rd/4th Semester) or B.Tech (7th/8th Semester) in Biological Sciences (Biotechnology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Toxicology, or Immunology).
- Chemical Sciences (Code 02): Candidates must be pursuing M.Sc. or equivalent (3rd/4th Semester) in Chemistry (Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, or Analytical Chemistry).
- Engineering (Code 03): Candidates must be pursuing B.E. / B.Tech (7th/8th Semester) in Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Information Technology, or Computer Sciences.
- Academic Marks: Minimum 75% marks or $\ge 7.5\text{ CGPA}$ from an AICTE/UGC approved college or university.

Age Limit
Candidates must be below 28 years of age as of November 14, 2026. Relaxation rules are not mentioned in the official notification.
Other Requirements
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Must provide a fresh sponsorship or referral letter from the college or university signed by the Principal or Head of Department.
- Selected interns must submit an undertaking to comply with the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923, and Ministry of Defence IT Rules.
DRDO DRDE Paid Internship Recruitment Important Dates
| Event | Tentative Date |
| Notification Date | 15th October 2026 |
| Application Start Date | Open from Notification Date |
| Last Date to Apply | 14th November 2026 |
| Intimation to Selected Students | 01st December 2026 |
| Date of Start for Internship | 01st January 2027 |
| Admit Card Date | Not Mentioned in the Official Notification |
| Result Date | Not Mentioned in the Official Notification |
How to Apply for DRDO DRDE Paid Internship Recruitment
Eligible students can submit their applications either through speed post or via email. Follow these steps carefully:
- Download the prescribed application form (Annexure-A) from the official notification.
- Fill out all details in block letters and paste a recent self-attested passport-size photograph.
- Obtain the official referral/sponsorship letter printed on your college letterhead, signed and sealed by your Principal or HOD.
- Prepare your detailed resume and collect self-attested copies of mark sheets, identity proof, and bank details.
- Send the complete application set either:
- By Speed Post: To Director, DRDE, DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Jhansi Road, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Pin Code – 474002.
- By Email: Send scanned copies to
director.drde@gov.inandhrd.drde@gov.in.
- Ensure your submission reaches DRDE on or before November 14, 2026. Late or incomplete forms will be rejected.
DRDO DRDE Paid Internship Recruitment Important Links
| Link | Details |
| Official Notification & Form | Get Details |
| Official Website | Get Details |
FAQs on DRDO DRDE Paid Internship Recruitment
What is the stipend amount for DRDE Gwalior interns?
Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 5,000/-, disbursed in two installments of Rs 15,000/- after 3 months and Rs 15,000/- upon completing the full 6-month term.
Does DRDE provide hostel accommodation or travel allowance?
No. The establishment does not provide boarding, lodging, or TA/DA. Interns have to arrange their own stay.
Are personal electronic gadgets permitted inside the DRDE campus?
No. Electronic items such as smartphones, laptops, USB drives, or similar gadgets are strictly prohibited inside the DRDE Gwalior campus.
Can completing this internship guarantee a permanent job in DRDO?
No. The internship award does not confer any right or preference for permanent absorption in DRDO.
