Planning to apply for DRDO internship this year? The Defence Research and Development Organisation offers some decent stipends for engineering students, ranging from ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 per month depending on your qualification level. Honestly yaar, it’s not bad for gaining experience in India’s premier defence research organization.
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DRDO Internship Stipend Breakdown 2026
The stipend structure varies based on your educational background and the specific laboratory you join. Here’s what you can expect:
- B.Tech/B.E. students: ₹8,000-₹10,000 per month
- M.Tech/M.E. students: ₹12,000-₹15,000 per month
- PhD scholars: ₹15,000-₹18,000 per month
- Diploma students: ₹6,000-₹8,000 per month
Matlab, the amount also depends on which DRDO lab you join. Labs in metros like Delhi, Bangalore, and Pune sometimes offer slightly higher stipends due to cost of living adjustments.
Top DRDO Labs Offering Internships
DRDO has over 50 laboratories across India, but some are more popular among interns. The Aeronautical Development Agency in Bangalore, Defence Research and Development Laboratory in Hyderabad, and Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad are among the most sought-after.
The Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in Bangalore is particularly hot right now, especially for computer science students. Arre bhai, with AI being the buzzword everywhere, this lab gets maximum applications.
- ADA Bangalore – Aerospace projects, ₹12,000-₹15,000 monthly
- DRDL Hyderabad – Missile technology, ₹10,000-₹14,000 monthly
- CAIR Bangalore – AI and robotics, ₹11,000-₹15,000 monthly
- DRDO Delhi – Multiple projects, ₹9,000-₹13,000 monthly
Eligibility and Application Process
You need to be enrolled in a recognized engineering college with minimum 60% marks to apply. The application window usually opens twice a year – once in January-February for summer internships and again in August-September for winter internships.
Applications are submitted online through the official DRDO website. You’ll need your mark sheets, college ID proof, and a statement of purpose explaining why you want to intern at DRDO.
- Minimum 60% aggregate marks required
- Must be in final or pre-final year of engineering
- Indian citizenship mandatory
- Duration: 6-8 weeks typically
What Makes DRDO Internship Worth It
Beyond the stipend, you get hands-on experience with cutting-edge defence technology. Many interns later get selected for DRDO Scientist posts through GATE or direct recruitment drives.
The certificate from DRDO carries significant weight in your resume, especially if you’re planning a career in defence PSUs like HAL, BEL, or BHEL. Plus, you get to work on real defence projects that directly impact national security.
Mujhe lagta hai, even if the stipend isn’t as high as private sector internships, the learning experience and future opportunities make it totally worth applying. Just make sure to apply early because seats fill up fast, especially in popular labs like those in Bangalore and Hyderabad.