DRDO opens applications for 2025 internship program

The Defence Research and Development Organisation has opened applications for its Paid Internship Programme 2025, offering engineering and science students an opportunity to train inside two of its major laboratories.

The initiative, announced by the Defence Laboratory Jodhpur and the Scientific Analysis Group, invites eligible candidates to apply online through drdo.gov.in.

The internship provides six months of hands-on exposure to research and technology development.

DLJ will offer a monthly stipend of ₹5000, while SAG will pay a total of ₹30000 for the six-month period, released in two installments of ₹15000 each after three and six months.

DRDO will issue completion certificates to students who meet performance and attendance requirements.

The organization notes that the experience enables participants to work directly on projects linked to national security and advanced technologies.

The program provides mentorship from DRDO scientists and engineers, training in laboratory procedures, data analysis, and project execution, as well as opportunities for professional networking.

Although the internship does not guarantee future employment, the DRDO certificate is widely recognized by employers and academic institutions.

Applicants must be Indian citizens in the final year of a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate program that includes BE, BTech, ME, MTech, or MSc degrees from AICTE- or UGC-approved institutions.

A strong academic record is required, with a minimum of 75% or a 7.5 CGPA in most cases. Some labs, including SAG, may seek higher scores depending on the discipline.

Candidates must not have any active backlogs and will need to meet the documentation and age requirements specified in the official notifications.

Students selected for the program will be posted at either of the two labs that issued the internship announcements.

DLJ, located in Jodhpur, works on research involving multispectral camouflage, desert sciences, and related technologies.

SAG in Delhi focuses on scientific and analytical research that spans computing, physics, mathematics, and engineering.

The last date to apply for the DLJ internship is Dec 23. SAG will accept applications until Dec 19. DRDO has said that late submissions will not be considered.

Candidates will be chosen through a merit-based shortlisting process that evaluates academic scores.

Some applicants may be called for an interaction or interview, after which document verification will be conducted before final offers are issued.

The internship is positioned as a high-value opportunity for students seeking to deepen their technical expertise, gain professional experience, and build a foundation for careers in defense research, advanced engineering, or scientific study.