DRDO Announces Paid Research Internships at Gwalior for Science and Engineering Students

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced a new paid internship programme at its Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE) in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The initiative offers postgraduate science students and undergraduate engineering students an opportunity to gain practical experience in a specialised defence research environment.

The official notification, bearing advertisement number DRDE/HRD/Paid Intern/2026/03, was issued on 15 October 2026 and published on DRDO’s recruitment portal on 18 October 2026. Applications are open until 14 November 2026, and the six-month internship programme is scheduled to begin on 1 January 2027.

The programme offers eight internship positions across biological sciences, chemical sciences and engineering. Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000, providing financial support while they participate in research-related activities at the establishment.

Eight Internship Opportunities Across Three Disciplines

DRDE has announced three internship positions in biological sciences, three in chemical sciences and two in engineering. The programme is intended for students pursuing relevant graduate or postgraduate courses at institutions approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

The biological sciences category covers students pursuing an M.Sc. or equivalent qualification in their third or fourth semester, or a B.Tech degree in their seventh or eighth semester. Eligible specialisations include biotechnology, microbiology, pharmacology, toxicology and immunology.

The chemical sciences category is open to students pursuing an M.Sc. or equivalent qualification in their third or fourth semester. Relevant disciplines include organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry and analytical chemistry.

Engineering positions are available to students pursuing B.E. or B.Tech degrees in their seventh or eighth semester. Eligible disciplines include electronics engineering, mechanical engineering, information technology and computer science.

The establishment has indicated that the number of positions may change according to organisational requirements. Vacancies remaining unfilled in one discipline may also be allocated to another eligible subject area.

Six-Month Internship with Financial Support

The internship will run for a minimum of six months, beginning on 1 January 2027. Selected students will receive a fixed stipend of ₹5,000 per month, amounting to ₹30,000 over the complete internship period.

According to the official notification, DRDE will disburse the stipend in two equal instalments. Students will receive ₹15,000 after successfully completing the first three months and the remaining ₹15,000 after completing six months.

Participants must submit a progress report after three months and a final project report at the conclusion of their internship. DRDE will issue a completion certificate following successful completion of the programme and submission of the required report.

The establishment will not provide accommodation, boarding expenses or travel allowances. Selected students must make their own arrangements for accommodation and transportation during the internship.

Academic Eligibility and Selection Process

DRDE has established academic eligibility requirements to identify students with strong educational records and an interest in defence research.

Applicants must have secured at least 75% marks or a CGPA of 7.5 in their academic programme. Candidates must also be younger than 28 years as of 14 November 2026.

A recent referral or sponsorship letter from the applicant’s college or university is mandatory. This document must confirm the student’s academic status and institutional support for undertaking the internship.

The selection process will involve shortlisting candidates based on their educational qualifications and fulfilment of the prescribed eligibility conditions. DRDE may conduct interactions through telephone or video conferencing where necessary.

Only shortlisted applicants will receive further communication concerning interviews or internship offers. Successful candidates must report to the establishment according to the instructions provided in their offer letters.

Research Exposure at DRDE Gwalior

The Defence Research and Development Establishment in Gwalior is one of DRDO’s specialised research laboratories. Its scientific activities include research related to protection against chemical and biological threats, with applications in defence preparedness and personnel protection.

The establishment’s work involves scientific disciplines such as microbiology, toxicology, chemistry and related areas of biological research. These fields contribute to the development of technologies that support defence preparedness in challenging operational environments.

Students selected for the internship will gain experience within a defence research organisation where scientific investigation, laboratory procedures and technical documentation form part of the research environment.

Engineering students may also benefit from exposure to the technical infrastructure and multidisciplinary activities associated with advanced research establishments.

The programme provides an opportunity for participants to connect their academic knowledge with research practices while gaining an understanding of the professional requirements of a national defence laboratory.

How Students Can Apply for the DRDO Internship

Eligible students must submit their applications in the prescribed format provided with the official advertisement. The application form is available through DRDO’s recruitment portal along with the detailed notification.

Applicants must include a completed application form with a recent passport-sized photograph, a referral or sponsorship letter from their college or university, a detailed resume and self-attested copies of their academic qualifications and mark sheets.

The notification also requires relevant identification documents, including Aadhaar and PAN details, along with bank account information for stipend payments.

Candidates can submit their applications by Speed Post to the Director, Defence Research and Development Establishment, DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Jhansi Road, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh – 474002.

Alternatively, applications may be submitted through the official email addresses director.drde@gov.in and hrd.drde@gov.in.

All applications must reach the establishment by 14 November 2026. DRDE has indicated that incomplete applications and submissions received after the deadline will be rejected.

Important Dates for Applicants

The official advertisement was issued on 15 October 2026 and published on DRDO’s recruitment portal on 18 October 2026. The last date for receiving completed applications is 14 November 2026.

According to the tentative schedule, DRDE expects to inform selected students by 1 December 2026. The internship programme is scheduled to commence on 1 January 2027.

Applicants should refer to the official notification for detailed instructions and monitor the DRDO recruitment portal for any subsequent announcements concerning the selection process.

Strengthening India’s Future Defence Research Workforce

DRDO’s paid internship programme at Gwalior provides an opportunity for promising science and engineering students to gain experience within India’s defence research ecosystem.

The initiative supports the development of research skills among young graduates and postgraduates while encouraging greater academic engagement with national defence technology programmes.

By offering internships across biological sciences, chemical sciences and engineering, DRDE is bringing together students from disciplines that contribute to specialised defence research.

Such programmes can help strengthen the connection between Indian universities and defence research institutions, encouraging students to pursue advanced scientific and technological careers.

The six-month internship represents another opportunity for India’s emerging scientific talent to contribute to the wider research ecosystem supporting the country’s technological development and defence self-reliance.

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References

1. Defence Research and Development Organisation – Official Paid Internship Notification

Advertisement number: DRDE/HRD/Paid Intern/2026/03
Advertisement date: 15 October 2026
Publication date: 18 October 2026
Application deadline: 14 November 2026

The official six-page advertisement contains complete information on available positions, academic eligibility, stipends, application requirements, selection procedures and internship conditions.

DRDO Official Advertisement and Application Form (PDF)

2. DRDO – Official Recruitment Portal

The DRDO recruitment portal confirms the advertisement details, publication date and application period.

DRDO Official Vacancies Portal

3. DRDO – DRDE Gwalior Internship Announcement

The official announcement provides access to the notification and application form.

DRDE Gwalior Paid Internship Announcement

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