Scheme of Internship of Students to DRDO Labs/Estts for Project Training
DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) offers engineering and science students the opportunity to train at its laboratories across India, gaining exposure to cutting-edge defence technology research. Internships run from 4 weeks to 6 months, and students work alongside DRDO scientists on real projects in unclassified research areas. Apply directly to the DRDO lab that matches your academic discipline — not DRDO headquarters.
About This Scheme
DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) offers engineering and science students the opportunity to train at its laboratories across India, gaining exposure to cutting-edge defence technology research. Internships run from 4 weeks to 6 months, and students work alongside DRDO scientists on real projects in unclassified research areas. Apply directly to the DRDO lab that matches your academic discipline — not DRDO headquarters.
Full official description
The scheme "Scheme of Internship of Students to DRDO Labs/Estts for Project Training" has been launched by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence. It aims to provide an opportunity and exposure to prospective graduates and postgraduates in Engineering and General Sciences to the research and development activities carried out by DRDO in state-of-the-art technology fields relevant to the defense sector.
Benefits
- Hands-on training in R&D activities at DRDO labs in defence-relevant technology fields.
- Opportunity to be associated with live DRDO projects.
- Internship duration: 4 weeks to 6 months (subject to Lab Director's approval).
- Note: No stipend or travel allowance is provided. DRDO is under no obligation to offer employment after the internship.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in Engineering or General Sciences are eligible.
- Access is restricted to unclassified areas of DRDO Labs/Establishments only.
- This scheme does not fall under the Apprentices Act, 1961 and carries no employment guarantee.
How to Apply
- Students who are interested can apply through their respective institutes or colleges by corresponding with concerned laboratories or establishments that align with their academic disciplines.
- Internship training will be permitted subject to available vacancies in labs and approval by the Lab Director.
Note: Students are requested to identify the lab as per subject discipline and may apply directly to the concerned lab and not to DRDO HQ, in this regard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the objective of this internship scheme?
The main objective is to provide prospective graduates and postgraduates exposure to DRDO’s state-of-the-art research and development activities in defence technologies.
Who is eligible to apply for this internship?
Students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in Engineering or General Sciences are eligible.
Is there any restriction on the type of labs the interns can access?
Yes, interns will be permitted access only to UNCLASSIFIED areas of DRDO Labs/Establishments.
What is the duration of the internship?
The internship duration generally ranges from 4 weeks to 6 months, depending on the course and at the discretion of the concerned Lab Director.
Can the internship duration be extended?
Any extension is subject to approval by the Lab Director and availability of resources.
How can a student apply for the DRDO internship?
Students can apply through their institutes or colleges by directly corresponding with the concerned DRDO laboratories or establishments aligned with their academic discipline.
Can students apply directly to DRDO HQ for internships?
No, students must apply directly to the relevant DRDO Lab/Estt and not to DRDO HQ.
Is there any financial compensation offered during the internship?
There is no mention of stipend or compensation. Additionally, DRDO shall not be liable for any compensation in case of personal injury during the internship.
Is the internship offered under the Apprentices Act, 1961
No, the Apprentices Act, 1961 does not apply to this internship scheme.
Does this internship guarantee a job at DRDO?
No, DRDO is under no obligation to offer employment after the completion of the internship.
What disciplines are accepted for this internship?
Students from Engineering and General Sciences disciplines are considered for internship opportunities.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Identity Proof – (Aadhaar Card, College ID, etc.)
- Passport-size Photograph
- Academic Certificates – Copies of mark sheets or transcripts from the latest completed semester
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) – Briefly explaining areas of interest
- Declaration Form – Stating compliance with DRDO rules and liability disclaimer
- Any other documents as required