Defence Research & Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior has opened applications for 8 paid internship seats under Advertisement DRDE/HRD/Paid Intern/2026/03, published by DRDO on 18 October 2026. The six-month programme is intended for students pursuing advanced undergraduate or postgraduate study who want research exposure in a Defence Research and Development Organisation laboratory. The current seat distribution is 3 in Biological Sciences, 3 in Chemical Sciences and 2 in Engineering. Selected interns receive a fixed stipend of ₹5,000 per month during the internship period. Candidates should have a strong academic record of at least 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA, be below 28 years of age as on 14 November 2026, and obtain a recent referral or sponsorship letter from their college or university. Eligible disciplines include Biotechnology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Immunology, Chemistry and selected engineering branches such as Electronics, Mechanical, Information Technology and Computer Science. Applications must reach DRDE by 14 November 2026 using the prescribed form and supporting documents. Shortlisting is based on academic eligibility and document scrutiny, with telephonic or video interaction if required. The opportunity is especially relevant for final-year students seeking structured exposure to defence-oriented research and laboratory work.
Internship Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Defence Research & Development Establishment (DRDE), DRDO |
| Location | Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh |
| Advertisement No. | DRDE/HRD/Paid Intern/2026/03 |
| Official Published Date | 18 October 2026 |
| Total Seats | 8 |
| Programme | Paid Internship Scheme of DRDO |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Stipend | ₹5,000 per month |
| Application Mode | Prescribed application with supporting documents |
| Last Date | 14 November 2026 |
| Age | Below 28 years as on 14 November 2026 |
| Selection | Academic shortlisting/document scrutiny; interaction if required |
Seat Details
| Subject Code | Discipline | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Biological Sciences | 3 |
| 02 | Chemical Sciences | 3 |
| 03 | Engineering | 2 |
| Total | 8 |
The seat arithmetic is 3 + 3 + 2 = 8.
Educational Qualification
Biological Sciences
Candidates should be pursuing M.Sc. or equivalent in the 3rd/4th semester, or B.Tech in the 7th/8th semester, in relevant Biological Science disciplines such as:
- Biotechnology;
- Microbiology;
- Pharmacology;
- Toxicology; or
- Immunology.
Chemical Sciences
Candidates should be pursuing M.Sc. or equivalent in the 3rd/4th semester in Chemistry, including relevant specialisations such as Organic, Inorganic or Analytical Chemistry.
Engineering
Candidates should be pursuing B.E./B.Tech in the 7th/8th semester in an eligible engineering discipline such as:
- Electronics;
- Mechanical Engineering;
- Information Technology; or
- Computer Science.
Use the Regal Naukri Eligibility Pre-check to compare your current semester and discipline with the internship requirements before preparing the application.
Academic Record Requirement
Candidates should have a strong academic record with at least:
75% marks or 7.5 CGPA and above
from an AICTE/UGC-recognised college or university, as reported in the current advertisement-based eligibility details.
A recent referral/sponsorship letter from the candidate’s college or university is also required.
Age Limit
Candidates should be below 28 years of age as on 14 November 2026.
The internship is designed for current students, so candidates should also satisfy the semester/course-stage requirements applicable to their subject code.
Stipend and Internship Duration
Selected interns receive:
₹5,000 per month
for a six-month paid internship.
The internship is a training/research exposure opportunity and does not create a right to regular employment in DRDO or DRDE.
Selection Process
The current advertisement-based selection framework includes:
- verification of the prescribed academic qualification and minimum marks/CGPA;
- scrutiny of the college/university referral or sponsorship letter;
- shortlisting of eligible candidates; and
- telephonic or video-conference interaction if DRDE considers it necessary.
Only shortlisted candidates are expected to receive further communication regarding internship selection or joining.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| DRDO publication/start date | 18 October 2026 |
| Last date for application | 14 November 2026 |
| Internship joining / further schedule | To be communicated to selected candidates |
Candidates should complete institutional sponsorship formalities early because the college/university letter is part of the application documentation.
How to Apply for DRDO DRDE Paid Internship 2026
- Open the official DRDO Vacancies page and locate DRDE, Gwalior invites applications for paid internship scheme of DRDO under Advertisement DRDE/HRD/Paid Intern/2026/03.
- Open the advertisement/application attachment from the DRDO listing and select the correct subject code.
- Confirm your current course, semester, discipline and academic percentage/CGPA using the Regal Naukri Eligibility Pre-check.
- Obtain the required recent referral/sponsorship letter on your college or university letterhead, signed by the competent authority.
- Prepare mark sheets, identity records, academic certificates and the sponsorship letter using the Government Job Document Checklist.
- Fill the prescribed DRDE application form carefully and attach the recent photograph and supporting records required in the notice.
- Current advertisement-based instructions allow submission to DRDE using the contact/submission mode specified in the official application document, including the stated DRDE email/Speed Post route.
- Where using email, keep the completed signed form and supporting documents legible and consistently named. Where using post, dispatch early enough to meet the closing date.
- Ensure the application reaches DRDE by 14 November 2026. Use the Application Deadline Planner to set an earlier personal completion date.
- Before submission, review Regal Naukri’s Documents Required for Government Jobs guide so that academic, identity and institutional records are complete and consistent.
Documents to Keep Ready
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Prescribed DRDE application form | Main application |
| Recent passport-size photograph | Application identification |
| College/university sponsorship or referral letter | Mandatory institutional recommendation |
| Latest semester mark sheets | Academic eligibility |
| Earlier academic mark sheets/certificates | Qualification record |
| Detailed resume / CV | Academic and technical profile |
| Aadhaar / identity proof | Candidate verification |
| PAN, where requested | Administrative record |
| Bank details, where requested | Stipend processing after selection |
| Other supporting certificates | Subject/technical credentials |
Important Candidate Instructions
- This is a paid internship, not a regular DRDO recruitment post.
- Applicants must be current students in the prescribed semester/course stage.
- The academic threshold of 75% or 7.5 CGPA is important for shortlisting.
- A college/university sponsorship or referral letter should be obtained before the deadline.
- Apply only under the subject code matching your actual course and discipline.
- Keep copies of the complete submitted application and all attachments.
- Only shortlisted candidates should expect further interaction/selection communication.
- Use only DRDO’s official vacancy listing and attachment for any later corrigendum or change.
Important Links
| Link | Purpose |
|---|---|
| DRDO Current Vacancies | Official listing for Advertisement DRDE/HRD/Paid Intern/2026/03 |
| DRDO Media / Current Attachments | Official page exposing the current DRDE advertisement and application attachment |
| DRDO Official Website | Organisation website and later updates |
| Government Job Document Checklist | Prepare supporting documents |
FAQ
How many paid internship seats are available at DRDE Gwalior?
There are 8 seats: 3 Biological Sciences, 3 Chemical Sciences and 2 Engineering.
What is the last date to apply?
Applications close on 14 November 2026.
What is the monthly stipend?
Selected interns receive ₹5,000 per month.
How long is the internship?
The paid internship duration is six months.
What academic score is required?
Candidates should have at least 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA.
What is the age limit?
Candidates should be below 28 years as on 14 November 2026.
Is a college sponsorship letter required?
Yes. A recent referral or sponsorship letter from the candidate’s college or university is part of the current application requirements.
Does this internship guarantee a DRDO job?
No. The internship provides research/training exposure and does not create a right to regular employment.