DRDE Paid Intern Recruitment 2026 – 8 Posts, ₹5,000 Monthly Stipend, Apply by 14 Nov

Overview

The Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior — a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Ministry of Defence — has invited applications for its Paid Internship Scheme 2026. A total of 8 paid intern positions are on offer for students of Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences and Engineering, with a monthly stipend of Rs. 5,000. 🧪

The internship will run for a minimum period of six months, tentatively commencing from 01 January 2027, and gives selected students hands-on exposure to defence R&D work at DRDE, Gwalior. Applications must reach the establishment by speed post or email on or before 14 November 2026.

• Overview
• Vacancy Details
• Eligibility Criteria
• Important Dates
• Application Fee
• How to Apply
• Important Links

Vacancy Details

Advertisement No. DRDE/HRD/Paid Intern/2026/03 announces 8 Paid Intern positions distributed across three subject groups as follows:

Vacancies may change as per organisational requirements, and unfilled vacancies in one subject may be merged with another.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for the DRDE Paid Internship 2026 must satisfy the following conditions:

• Biological Sciences: M.Sc. (3rd / 4th semester) or equivalent in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Immunology or equivalent discipline.
• Chemical Sciences: M.Sc. (3rd / 4th semester) or equivalent in Chemistry (Organic / Inorganic / Analytical) or equivalent discipline.
• Engineering: B.E. / B.Tech (7th / 8th semester) in Electronics, Mechanical, Information Technology or Computer Science.
• Minimum 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA from an AICTE / UGC approved college or university.
• A recent referral / sponsorship letter from the candidate’s college or university is mandatory.
• Age limit: Candidates must be below 28 years of age as on 14 November 2026.
• Candidates must also be willing to give an undertaking regarding the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923 and IT rules applicable to the Ministry of Defence.

Selection will be done through shortlisting based on educational qualifications and fulfilment of the eligibility criteria. If required, shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a telephonic or video-conferencing interaction.

Important Dates

Application Fee

The official notification does not prescribe any application fee for the Paid Internship Scheme.

Stipend

Selected interns will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 5,000. The total amount of Rs. 30,000 for the six-month tenure is paid in two instalments: Rs. 15,000 after the first 3 months and Rs. 15,000 after completion of 6 months. A completion certificate is issued after the internship ends.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the DRDE Paid Internship 2026:

1. Download the application form (Annexure ‘A’) from the official notification and fill it completely, affixing a recent passport-size photograph.
2. Prepare a PDF set of the filled form along with the required documents: referral / sponsorship letter from your college or university, curriculum vitae, and copies of mark sheets / certificates.
3. Send the application by speed post to: The Director, Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Jhansi Road, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh – 474002.
4. Alternatively, email the PDF application to director.drde@gov.in and hrd.drde@gov.in.
5. Ensure the application reaches DRDE by 14 November 2026. Incomplete applications or those received after the due date will be rejected.

Read the official notification carefully before applying, and verify eligibility (age, qualification, marks) against the advertisement.

Important Links

• DRDO Official Website
• DRDE Paid Intern Vacancy 2026 – Source Article
• Email Application – director.drde@gov.in
• Email Application – hrd.drde@gov.in