Are you a final-year engineering student looking for a prestigious internship that will boost your career and open doors to India’s defense and research sector? The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced its DRDO Internship 2025, offering a monthly stipend of ₹30,000 to eligible students. This internship is a golden opportunity for young innovators and future technocrats to work on high-impact defense projects and gain hands-on experience under India’s top scientists.
In this article, we will cover every important aspect of the DRDO Internship 2025—eligibility criteria, application process, stipend, key dates, benefits, disciplines allowed, and expert tips to boost your chances of selection. Let’s dive in.
📌 What is DRDO?
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is India’s premier agency under the Ministry of Defence, responsible for research and development in the field of military technology. With over 50 laboratories and centers spread across India, DRDO works on cutting-edge technologies such as missiles, electronics, radar systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cyber security, artificial intelligence, and more.
DRDO’s internship programs aim to give students real-world experience in defense and strategic research projects. These internships act as a launchpad for careers in India’s defense and innovation ecosystem.
🎯 Overview of DRDO Internship 2025
-
Program Name: DRDO Internship Program 2025
-
Offered By: Ministry of Defence, Government of India
-
Internship Duration: Usually 2-3 months (can vary by center/project)
-
Stipend: ₹30,000 per month
-
Eligibility: BE/BTech Final Year Students
-
Mode: Offline/On-site at DRDO labs across India
-
Application Deadline: 10 July 2025
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for the DRDO Internship 2025, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria:
✔️ Academic Qualification:
-
Must be a final-year student of a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology (BE/BTech).
-
Minimum CGPA of 7.5 or 70% marks in previous semesters is preferred.
✔️ Branches/Disciplines Accepted:
Internships are typically available for the following engineering disciplines:
-
Mechanical Engineering
-
Electrical Engineering
-
Electronics & Communication
-
Computer Science
-
Aerospace Engineering
-
Information Technology
-
Robotics and AI
-
Instrumentation Engineering
-
Materials Science and related fields
✔️ Nationality:
-
Only Indian nationals can apply.
📋 Documents Required
To apply for the internship, you will need the following documents:
-
Resume/CV
-
College ID proof
-
Bonafide certificate from your institution
-
Passport-size photograph
-
Academic transcripts (mark sheets)
-
Cover letter (explaining why you want to intern at DRDO)
📝 How to Apply for DRDO Internship 2025
Follow these steps to submit your application:
Step 1: Visit the Official DRDO Website
Go to the DRDO official portal and navigate to the Internship section under the “Careers” tab.
Step 2: Check Openings
Look for ongoing internship opportunities under different labs such as DRDL, RCI, ADE, CAIR, etc. Each lab might have different requirements and application procedures.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
Download or fill the internship form. Some labs may require you to email your documents to a specific address.
Step 4: Submit Documents
Ensure all documents are in PDF format and attach them with your application.
Step 5: Wait for Confirmation
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email or phone for further steps, such as interviews or lab assignment confirmation.
🧑💻 Internship Locations – Where You Can Be Posted
DRDO has multiple laboratories across India. Based on your academic background, you may be assigned to one of these prominent centers:
DRDO Lab | Location | Specialization |
---|---|---|
DRDL (Defence Research & Development Lab) | Hyderabad | Missile Systems |
RCI (Research Centre Imarat) | Hyderabad | Avionics & Radar |
ADE (Aeronautical Development Establishment) | Bengaluru | UAVs, Flight Tech |
CAIR (Centre for AI & Robotics) | Bengaluru | AI, Cybersecurity |
GTRE (Gas Turbine Research Establishment) | Bengaluru | Propulsion Systems |
DEAL (Defence Electronics Application Lab) | Dehradun | Communication Tech |
DRDE (Defence Research Development Establishment) | Gwalior | Chemical/Bio Research |
💼 Internship Benefits
🔹 ₹30,000 Monthly Stipend
One of the highest stipends offered for student internships in the government sector.
🔹 Real-world Project Experience
Interns work on actual defense projects and contribute to national security innovations.
🔹 Mentorship by DRDO Scientists
Interns get guided by top researchers and engineers in India’s defense ecosystem.
🔹 Hands-on Lab Exposure
Gain direct exposure to sophisticated tools, simulation software, research methodology, and prototype development.
🔹 Certificate of Completion
DRDO issues an official internship certificate, which adds great value to your resume.
🔹 Career Boost
Performing well in this internship can open doors to future opportunities like DRDO JRF (Junior Research Fellowship), job offers in defense startups, and DRDO recruitment.
🕒 Important Dates
Event | Date |
---|---|
Internship Announcement | June 2025 |
Last Date to Apply | 10 July 2025 |
Shortlisting Begins | Mid-July 2025 |
Internship Period | August – October 2025 (tentative) |
🧠 Expert Tips to Get Selected
-
Strong Resume: Highlight your technical projects, coding experience (especially in MATLAB, Python, C++), and relevant coursework.
-
Impressive Cover Letter: Clearly mention your interest in defense technology, your goals, and how this internship fits your career path.
-
Letters of Recommendation: A LOR from a faculty or project guide can boost your application.
-
Apply to Specific Labs: Customize your application to specific DRDO labs related to your discipline.
-
Brush Up Basics: Be ready for interviews or written tests—revise basics of electronics, mechanics, programming, or AI depending on your domain.
📣 Testimonials from Past Interns
“My internship at DRDO’s RCI Lab helped me understand how missile technology is designed and tested. It was my best learning experience.”
– Sakshi Patel, ECE Final Year, NIT Warangal
“Working with DRDO scientists made me more confident and inspired me to pursue higher studies in defense electronics.”
– Rohan Mehta, BE CSE, BITS Pilani
🔚 Conclusion
The DRDO Internship 2025 is not just an internship—it’s a career-defining opportunity to work with India’s best defense scientists on world-class innovations. With a ₹30,000 stipend, cutting-edge projects, and strong mentorship, this program stands out as one of the most prestigious internships available for Indian engineering students.
If you’re a final-year BE/BTech student passionate about technology, national security, and innovation, don’t miss the chance. Apply before July 10, 2025, and take a step toward a bright and impactful future.
🔗 Useful Links
-
🔸 Official Website: https://www.drdo.gov.in
-
🔸 Internship Notifications: DRDO Careers Page
-
🔸 Bonafide Certificate Sample: [Download Sample PDF]
-
🔸 DRDO Recruitment: https://rac.gov.in