DRDO Paid Internship 2026 – Complete Overview

45 vacancies are now open under the DRDO Paid Internship Scheme 2026 at Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL), Dehradun. This is a 6-month training opportunity for meritorious engineering students in Electronics & Communication, Computer Science, and Mechanical Engineering. Selected candidates receive a total stipend of ₹30,000 in two installments, subject to attendance. The application process is completely offline – no email or online submission. Below is the instant snapshot.

Based on official notification by DEAL, DRDO. Verified: May 2026.

Quick Eligibility Check – Are You Eligible?

Expert note: Percentage to CGPA conversion must follow the standard AICTE formula. Attach a conversion certificate if your marksheet shows only percentage. Also, the recommendation letter from Head/Dean/Principal is mandatory – without it, your application will be rejected.

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Important Dates – DRDO Paid Internship 2026

Applications received after 30 June 2026 will be rejected – no extension. Send your application via Speed Post at least 10 days in advance to avoid postal delays.

Vacancy Breakdown – Discipline-wise

Total 45 internships are available across three broad disciplines. No category-wise reservation mentioned – selection is purely merit-based on CGPA.

Competition insight: With 45 seats and likely thousands of applicants from across India, the selection ratio will be very high. ECE and CSE have the most seats (20 each), but they also attract the maximum applications. Mechanical has only 5 seats – extremely competitive. Your CGPA (≥7.0) is the primary filter – higher CGPA improves your chances. No written exam or interview – merit list based on academic records and recommendation letter.

Stipend – ₹30,000 Total in Two Installments

Important conditions: The stipend is paid only if you complete the respective period with at least 15 working days of attendance per month. If you leave before 6 months, you get no stipend and no certificate. No additional allowances for lodging, boarding, transport, or medical – all such expenses are to be borne by the student.

Comparison: Compared to other DRDO labs (like LRDE, RCI) which offer similar stipends of ₹25,000-₹30,000, DEAL’s internship is on par. However, unlike some corporate internships that pay monthly, DEAL pays in two large installments – plan your finances accordingly.

Application Fee – No Fee

There is NO application fee for DRDO Paid Internship 2026. All eligible candidates can apply free of cost. However, you must bear the cost of sending the application by Speed Post.

Age Limit – Not Specified

The notification does not mention any age limit. As long as you are a currently enrolled engineering student (B.Tech 3rd year or M.Tech 1st year) and meet the academic criteria, you can apply.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria – Academic & Backlog Rules

Most common eligibility mistake: Students with a single backlog in the 5th semester are NOT eligible – even if the backlog is cleared later. The notification explicitly says “students who have got backlogs (failed) in any of the exams in the first 05 semesters are NOT eligible.”

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Selection Process – 100% Merit Based

Stage 1: Application Scrutiny

All applications received by Speed Post before 30 June 2026 are checked for completeness (recommendation letter, CGPA proof, no backlogs). Incomplete applications are rejected without communication.

Stage 2: Merit List Preparation

Shortlisting is based entirely on CGPA / academic performance. Higher CGPA candidates get preference. There is no written test or interview. Selected candidates will be intimated on 15 July 2026.

Stage 3: Joining Formalities

Selected students must submit original documents at joining: NOC from college, police verification acknowledgement, undertaking for Official Secrets Act, IT rules, bank details, Aadhar card, college ID, 3 passport photos, and all previous semester marksheets for verification.

Your first 7 days after applying:

1. Download the application format (Appendix-A) from drdo.gov.in/drdo/careers.
2. Fill the form neatly and paste a recent passport size photograph.
3. Get the recommendation letter signed by your Principal/HOD on college letterhead.
4. Attach copies of all semester marksheets (CGPA ≥7 proof) and Aadhar card, college ID.
5. Write a brief bio-data / resume as required.
6. Send by Speed Post to: DIRECTOR, DEAL, DRDO, Post Box No. 54, Raipur Road, Dehradun – 248001. Envelope superscribed “Application for DRDO Paid Internship – [Branch/Discipline]”.
7. Keep a photocopy of the application and postal receipt. Wait for intimation on 15 July 2026.

Document Checklist – Mandatory Attachments

Important Terms & Conditions for Interns

• Internship duration is fixed 6 months – cannot be shortened.
• Minimum 15 days attendance per month required for stipend eligibility.
• Students who do not complete 6 months get no stipend and no certificate.
• Lodging, boarding, transport, medical – all self-arranged and self-paid.
• Selected students must sign undertaking for Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923.
• Police verification from home town is mandatory; acknowledgement to be submitted at joining.
• NOC from college must state that the student will be relieved for 6 months and will attend minimum 15 days per month.

Frequently Asked Questions (DRDO Paid Internship 2026)

What is the total stipend for DRDO Paid Internship?

Total ₹30,000 – ₹15,000 after completing 3 months and another ₹15,000 after completing 6 months. Attendance of minimum 15 days per month is mandatory.

What is the last date to apply?

30 June 2026 is the last date for the application to reach DEAL, Dehradun by Speed Post. Applications received after this date are rejected.

How many vacancies are there?

Total 45 vacancies: Electronics & Communication – 20, Computer Science – 20, Mechanical Engineering – 5.

Can 3rd year B.Tech students apply?

Yes, if you have completed 3rd year / 6th semester (or will complete by July 2026) with CGPA ≥7.0 and no backlogs in first 5 semesters.

Is there any application fee?

No application fee. SC/ST/OBC/General all can apply free of cost. Only postal charges for sending the application.

What is the selection process?

100% merit-based on CGPA and academic record. No written test or interview. Merit list will be prepared by DEAL.

Can M.Sc students apply?

Yes, M.Sc (Electronics) students who have completed 1st year / 2nd semester with CGPA ≥7.0 are eligible.

Is police verification required?

Yes. Selected students must submit police verification acknowledgement from their home town at the time of joining.

When does the internship start?

Internship starts on 03 August 2026. Selected candidates will be intimated on 15 July 2026.