Paid Internship Opportunity at DRDO’s CHESS Laboratory
Students eager to combine academic learning with hands-on professional experience now have a compelling avenue to explore. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its premier facility—the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) in Hyderabad—has opened applications for its paid internship programme for 2026. This initiative offers a rare chance for bright engineering and science students to train within a nationally significant research environment while earning a stipend.
The programme is particularly suited for those aiming to build careers in public sector undertakings, pursue advanced higher education, or step into cutting-edge technological domains. Interns will gain direct exposure to defence-related research, which can substantially strengthen their professional profiles and practical understanding of complex scientific applications.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Candidates must be currently enrolled in a graduate or postgraduate programme in engineering or science at a university or institution recognised by AICTE or UGC. Importantly, applicants should be in the final year of their course at the time of applying. Academic performance is a key criterion—students must have secured at least 75 percent marks or a CGPA of 7.5 on a 10-point scale in their previous semester.
Additionally, the maximum age limit for applicants is set at 28 years. This ensures that the opportunity is accessible to early-career students who are still completing their formal education while seeking meaningful industry exposure.
Duration and Financial Benefits
The internship spans a total of six months and will be conducted in offline mode at the CHESS facility in Hyderabad. This in-person format allows participants to immerse themselves fully in the research atmosphere, interact with experienced scientists, and work on real-world projects that complement their academic knowledge.
Selected interns who successfully complete the full duration will receive a certificate of completion. In terms of financial support, each intern will be entitled to a total stipend of ₹30,000, disbursed in two equal instalments. However, to qualify for the stipend, attendance is mandatory—students must be present for at least 15 days every month throughout the training period.
How to Submit Your Application
Interested candidates are required to apply using the designated format only. The first step involves downloading the official application form from the DRDO careers portal. After filling out the form carefully, applicants must attach all necessary supporting documents as per the checklist provided.
The completed application package must be sent via speed post. It is essential to write “Application for Paid Internship” clearly on the envelope, along with the relevant branch code. This helps streamline the sorting and review process, ensuring that applications reach the correct department without delay.
- Download the prescribed application form from the official DRDO careers webpage.
- Fill in all details accurately and attach the required documents.
- Send the complete application through speed post with the subject line and branch code mentioned on the envelope.
Important Dates to Remember
Applicants must note that the deadline for submitting applications is 11 May 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by 20 May 2026, and the internship programme is scheduled to commence on 3 June 2026. Given the structured timeline, students are advised to prepare their applications well in advance to avoid last-minute complications.
This internship represents more than just a stipend—it is a gateway to understanding how theoretical concepts are applied in high-stakes defence research. For students who are serious about building a strong foundation in their respective fields, this is an opportunity worth seizing.
