ACEM DRDO Paid Internship 2026 – Overview and Quick Snapshot

For engineering students looking for a defence-sector internship with a government stipend, the ACEM DRDO paid internship 2026 eligibility and stipend details are now officially out. Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM), a DRDO facility under the Ministry of Defence located at Ambe Hill, Ojhar, Nasik, has invited applications for 5 internship positions across Chemical, Mechanical, Aerospace, AI&DS, and Computer Engineering disciplines. The internship runs for 6 months starting 1st July 2026. Only students currently pursuing 7th or 8th semester of B.E./B.Tech or 1st/2nd year of M.Tech with a minimum 8.5 CGPA are eligible – a notably high academic bar compared to most internship programmes.

Based on official notification by ACEM, DRDO (Advt. No. ACEM/HRD/PDINTERN/2026/II). Verified: May 2026.

Quick Eligibility Check

Unlike most government internships that accept 60% aggregate, ACEM specifically requires first class with distinction (above 85% marks or 8.5 CGPA) – making this a merit-first programme, not a general application drive.

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Important Dates

Since applications must reach ACEM by speed post, students in cities farther from Nasik should dispatch their application at least 5–6 working days before 15th June to account for postal transit time.

Vacancy and Branch-wise Analysis

The AI&DS branch is the only one allocated 2 seats, giving students from AI/ML, Data Science, and Systems Engineering the highest single-branch intake. Rocket Propulsion and Aero Engineering share 1 seat despite being ACEM’s core domain – making the AE seat the most competitive relative to the applicant pool size. No reservation-based category breakdown is specified in the notification; all 5 positions appear merit-based with selection entirely at the committee’s discretion. Expected competition level is HIGH based on similar DRDO lab internship drives in 2024–25, where 8.5+ CGPA filter typically yields a 1-in-40 to 1-in-60 selection ratio for AI/CS branches among applicants from Maharashtra engineering colleges. AE and CE candidates historically face slightly lower competition due to the niche discipline pool.

Note The notification explicitly states vacancy counts are indicative and may increase or decrease at ACEM’s absolute discretion.

Stipend and In-Hand Calculation

The ₹5,000 monthly stipend is paid in two installments: the first after 3 months of training (contingent on satisfactory performance and a minimum of 15 working days physical attendance per month), and the second upon successful completion of the full 6-month tenure including project evaluation and report submission. If a student leaves before completing 3 months, no payment is made. Compared to CSIR laboratory internships at a similar level, which typically offer ₹8,000–₹12,000 per month, this stipend is lower – however, ACEM’s association with DRDO’s strategic missile programmes offers a unique research credential that carries weight in defence-sector placements and M.Tech/Ph.D. applications. No city-wise HRA variation applies as all interns are posted at a single location: ACEM, Nasik.

Application Fee

No application fee is mentioned in the official notification. This internship programme appears to be free to apply. Candidates are advised to verify this detail from the official notice, as no fee-related clause appears anywhere in the advertisement.

Age Limit

Age calculation example: If the last application date is 15th June 2026, a candidate born on or after 16th June 1998 satisfies the “below 28 years” condition. No OBC/SC/ST or PwD age relaxation is stated in the notification – candidates are advised to check official clarification if they fall under a reserved category.

Eligibility Criteria

Final year students currently in 7th/8th semester are explicitly eligible as long as their course is ongoing. Equivalent qualifications (such as diploma + lateral entry) are not mentioned in the notification – candidates in such programmes should seek official clarification before applying. The most common eligibility mistake for this post type is applying without checking semester-wise CGPA: even one semester below 8.5 may disqualify a candidate under clause 3(f).

Selection Process

Stage 1: Application Screening

ACEM’s selection committee will screen applications based on academic merit, with a hard minimum of 8.5 CGPA across all previous semesters. A recommendation letter from the Principal or Director of the applicant’s institution is mandatory – without it, the application is invalid regardless of CGPA.

Stage 2: Merit / Interview / Interaction

Shortlisted students will be notified individually about joining procedures. The selection committee retains authority to conduct an interview or interaction round; this is not confirmed as mandatory for all disciplines but may apply based on the number of applicants. Rejected candidates will not receive any communication.

Stage 3: Document Verification at Joining

Selected students must report with original mark sheets, Aadhar card, police verification acknowledgement, medical fitness certificate, and signed undertakings before the internship begins on 1st July 2026.

Your first 7 days after applying:

1. Confirm your Principal/Director has signed the recommendation letter on college letterhead before dispatching – unsigned letters disqualify applications.
2. Attach attested photocopies of all semester mark sheets showing 8.5+ CGPA alongside the application.
3. Write the Branch Code (CE / ME / AE / AI&DS / CS) clearly on the outer envelope as instructed in the notification.
4. Send via speed post (not courier or ordinary post) to the General Manager, ACEM, Ambe Hills, Ojhar, Nashik – 422207, with “Kind Attn: HRD Division” noted on the envelope.
5. Retain the speed post receipt with tracking number as proof of timely dispatch before 15th June 2026.

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Syllabus / Project Work

How to Apply for ACEM DRDO Paid Internship 2026

1. Download the prescribed application format from the official notification (pages 4–5).
2. Fill in all mandatory fields: name, date of birth, Aadhar number, college details, discipline, branch code, semester/year, and CGPA.
3. Attach a passport-size photograph (4.5 × 3.5 cm) in the space provided on the application form.
4. Get the recommendation-cum-NOC letter printed on college letterhead and signed by the Principal or Director – this document is mandatory and must accompany your application.
5. Attach attested photocopies of all previous semester mark sheets clearly showing CGPA on a 10-point scale.
6. Attach a self-attested copy of your Aadhar card.
7. Prepare a brief bio-data of under 300 words highlighting achievements, awards, or professional memberships.
8. Send the complete set by speed post to: The General Manager, ACEM, Ambe Hills, Ojhar, Nashik – 422207 (Attn: HRD Division), mentioning “Application for Paid Internship” and the branch code on the envelope – to reach on or before 15th June 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions – ACEM DRDO Paid Internship 2026

What is the monthly stipend for ACEM DRDO internship 2026, and when is it paid?

The declared stipend is ₹5,000 per month as stated in the official notification. Payment is made in two installments – the first after successful completion of 3 months with satisfactory attendance (minimum 15 working days per month), and the second after full 6-month completion including project evaluation. No allowances or HRA are admissible additionally.

What is the last date to apply, and how should the application be sent?

As per the notification, the last date to apply is 15th June 2026. Applications must be sent exclusively by speed post to the General Manager, ACEM, Ambe Hills, Ojhar, Nashik – 422207 with “Kind Attn: HRD Division” noted on the envelope. No online application portal exists for this recruitment.

How many internship seats are available and in which branches?

A total of 5 seats are available across 5 branches: Chemical Engineering (1), Mechanical/Armament (1), Aero/Rocket Propulsion (1), AI&DS/Data Science (2), and Computer Engineering/IT (1). The notification states these numbers are indicative and may change at ACEM’s discretion.

What is the minimum CGPA required, and is percentage marks also accepted?

Candidates must have a minimum 8.5 CGPA on a 10-point scale maintained continuously across all previous semesters, equivalent to above 85% marks with first class distinction. Both CGPA and percentage format are referenced in the notification; attested mark sheets in both formats should be submitted for clarity.

What is the age limit for ACEM DRDO internship 2026?

Candidates must be below 28 years of age as on the date of application. A student born on or after 16th June 1998 satisfies this condition for the 15th June 2026 deadline. No category-wise age relaxation is mentioned in the official notification.

Does ACEM DRDO provide accommodation or transport for interns?

No boarding or lodging expenses are admissible as per the notification. Selected interns can avail subsidised lunch, tea, and snacks at the ACEM canteen on the campus. Candidates are expected to arrange their own accommodation near Ojhar, Nasik.

Will completion of this internship lead to a job offer at DRDO?

The notification explicitly states that ACEM/DRDO has no obligation to offer employment to interns, and interns cannot claim any right to employment on the basis of internship completion. The programme is purely for training and academic exposure, with a completion certificate issued upon successful project evaluation.

Is a recommendation letter from a faculty member acceptable, or must it be from the Principal?

According to the notification, the request letter must be from the Principal or Director of the institution only. A letter from a faculty member, HOD, or department coordinator is not acceptable. The letter must be on official college letterhead and confirm that the student will be physically present for a minimum 15 working days per month.