The Defence Research and Development Organisation has officially announced the DRDO DG (Aero) Paid Internship 2026-27 notification for engineering and science students across India. This internship program, conducted under the Director General (Aeronautical Systems), offers an outstanding opportunity for final-year UG and PG students to gain practical exposure in India’s premier defence research laboratories.
The internship program includes 200 paid internship positions across DRDO’s top aeronautical labs such as ADE, ADRDE, CABS, CEMILAC, and GTRE. Students selected for the internship will work on advanced defence technologies, including fighter aircraft systems, UAVs, airborne surveillance systems, aero-engines, military certification technologies, and aerial delivery mechanisms.
One of the biggest attractions of this internship is the Rs 30,000 stipend for six months, along with valuable experience working directly with DRDO scientists. The internship can significantly boost career prospects for students interested in aerospace engineering, defence research, mechanical engineering, electronics, AI, and advanced scientific research.
Applications for the DRDO DG (Aero) Internship 2026 will begin from 26 May 2026, and the last date to submit applications is 5 June 2026.
If you are an engineering student looking for a prestigious government internship opportunity in India, this article provides complete details including eligibility, stipend, lab-wise vacancies, selection process, documents required, application procedure, important dates, and official website links.
DRDO DG (Aero) Paid Internship 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | DRDO – DG (Aeronautical Systems) |
| Internship Name | DRDO DG (Aero) Paid Internship Scheme 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 200 |
| Internship Duration | 6 Months |
| Stipend | Rs 30,000 |
| Eligible Candidates | Final-Year UG & PG Students |
| Application Mode | Email Application |
| Application Start Date | 26 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 5 June 2026 |
| Official Website | DRDO Official Website |
About DRDO DG (Aeronautical Systems) Internship
The Defence Research and Development Organisation internship initiative is designed to provide talented engineering and science students with practical experience in advanced defence research projects. DRDO’s Aeronautical Systems cluster is responsible for developing cutting-edge aerospace and defence technologies for India.
Selected interns will get an opportunity to work in highly specialized research environments where technologies related to:
- Fighter aircraft
- UAVs and drones
- Airborne radar systems
- Defence electronics
- Aero-engines
- Military certification systems
- Aerial delivery systems
are designed and tested.
This internship is considered one of the most prestigious internship opportunities for engineering students because DRDO is India’s leading defence R&D organization under the Ministry of Defence.
DRDO DG (Aero) Paid Internship 2026 Vacancy Details
A total of 200 internship positions have been distributed among five major DRDO aeronautical laboratories.
Lab-Wise Vacancy Distribution
| Laboratory | Location | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| ADE – Aeronautical Development Establishment | Bangalore | 69 |
| ADRDE – Aerial Delivery Research & Development Establishment | Agra | 20 |
| CABS – Centre for Airborne Systems | Bangalore | 60 |
| CEMILAC + RCMAs | Bangalore + 6 Cities | 20 |
| GTRE – Gas Turbine Research Establishment | Bangalore | 31 |
Discipline-Wise Internship Opportunities
Each DRDO laboratory offers internships for specific engineering and science branches depending on its area of research.
ADE Internship Vacancies
- CSE / IT – 21
- Mechanical Engineering – 15
- ECE – 15
- Aeronautical Engineering – 12
CABS Internship Vacancies
- CSE / IT – 25
- ECE – 20
- EEE – 10
GTRE Internship Vacancies
- Mechanical Engineering – 10
- Aeronautical Engineering – 9
ADRDE Internship Vacancies
- Mechanical Engineering – 6
- CSE / IT – 4
- ECE – 4
CEMILAC Internship Vacancies
- EEE – 5
Additional branches include:
- Instrumentation Engineering
- Metallurgy
- Material Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Data Science
- Textile / Polymer Science
- Defence Technologies
Eligibility Criteria for DRDO DG (Aero) Paid Internship 2026
Candidates must satisfy all eligibility conditions before applying.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must be:
- Final-year Undergraduate (UG) students OR
- Final-year Postgraduate (PG) students
Eligible Streams
- Engineering
- Science
Minimum CGPA Requirement
Candidates must have:
- Minimum 6.5 CGPA out of 10
Semester Marksheet Requirements
UG Students
- Semester 6 marksheet mandatory
PG Students
- Semester 2 marksheet mandatory
Nationality
- Only Indian nationals can apply
Eligible Engineering Branches
Students from the following branches are eligible:
- Computer Science Engineering (CSE)
- Information Technology (IT)
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE)
- Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE)
- Instrumentation Engineering
- Metallurgy
- Material Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Data Science
- Textile / Polymer Science
- Defence Technology
DRDO DG (Aero) Paid Internship 2026 Stipend Details
The stipend offered under the DRDO DG (Aero) Paid Internship Scheme is fixed across all laboratories.
| Stipend Installment | Amount |
|---|---|
| After 3 Months | Rs 15,000 |
| After 6 Months | Rs 15,000 |
| Total Stipend | Rs 30,000 |
Important Points
- No HRA or accommodation
- No TA/DA benefits
- No medical reimbursement
- Internship does not guarantee permanent employment
Although the stipend amount is moderate, the value of DRDO internship experience on a student’s resume is extremely high.
Internship Locations
Selected interns may be posted at:
- Bangalore
- Agra
- Hyderabad
- Nasik
- Lucknow
- Chandigarh
- Kanpur
- Pune
depending on the laboratory and RCMA unit.
DRDO DG (Aero) Paid Internship 2026 Selection Process
There is no written examination for this internship program.
Selection Stages
1. Application Submission
Candidates must submit applications through email to the respective DRDO laboratory.
2. Merit-Based Shortlisting
Selection is based on:
- CGPA
- Academic performance
- Branch suitability
- Availability of vacancies
3. Offer Letter
Shortlisted candidates will receive email communication from the respective DRDO laboratory.
4. Document Verification
Candidates must verify original documents at the time of joining.
5. Police Verification
Since DRDO is a defence organization, police verification is compulsory.
Documents Required for DRDO DG (Aero) Paid Internship 2026
Candidates must prepare the following documents in PDF format before applying:
- Filled Application Form
- Resume / CV
- College Permission Letter
- Aadhaar Card Copy
- Semester Marksheets
- Passport Size Photograph
- Supporting Certificates
Incomplete applications may be rejected.
How to Apply for DRDO DG (Aero) Paid Internship 2026
There is no online application portal for this internship. Applications must be sent through email.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1
Visit the official DRDO website:
DRDO Official Portal
Step 2
Download:
- Internship Notification
- Application Form
Step 3
Read the official notification carefully and identify the suitable laboratory.
Step 4
Fill the application form properly.
Step 5
Get signatures from:
- Student
- HOD or Principal
Step 6
Prepare all documents in PDF format.
Step 7
Send the application through email to the respective laboratory email ID mentioned in the notification.
Step 8
Save copies of:
- Application form
- Sent email
- Attached documents
Candidates applying to multiple labs must send separate applications to each lab.
DRDO DG (Aero) Paid Internship 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 26 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 5 June 2026 |
| Shortlisting Process | After 5 June 2026 |
| Internship Duration | 6 Months |
DRDO DG (Aero) Paid Internship 2026 Application Fee
There is no application fee for any category.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General | No Fee |
| OBC | No Fee |
| SC/ST | No Fee |
| EWS | No Fee |
| PwBD | No Fee |
| Female Candidates | No Fee |
Benefits of DRDO Internship for Engineering Students
The DRDO DG (Aero) Internship is highly beneficial for students aiming for careers in:
- Aerospace Industry
- Defence Research
- PSUs
- ISRO
- HAL
- DRDO Scientist Recruitment
- Higher Studies & Research
Key Advantages
Hands-On Experience
Students work on live defence projects.
Research Exposure
Opportunity to learn advanced defence technologies.
Strong Resume Value
A DRDO internship significantly improves placement opportunities.
Networking
Students interact with scientists, researchers, and defence professionals.
Future Career Opportunities
Useful for:
- GATE-based recruitment
- PSU jobs
- Research careers
- Government technical positions
DRDO DG (Aero) Paid Internship 2026 Essential Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official DRDO Website | Visit DRDO Website |
| Apply Online | Link |
| DRDO Internship Notification | DRDO Internship Notification PDF |
FAQs – DRDO DG (Aero) Paid Internship 2026
What is the last date to apply for DRDO DG (Aero) Paid Internship 2026?
The last date to apply is 5 June 2026.
How many vacancies are available?
A total of 200 internship positions are available.
What is the internship duration?
The internship duration is six months.
What stipend will interns receive?
Selected interns will receive Rs 30,000 in two installments.
Is there any application fee?
No. The application process is completely free.
Is there any written exam?
No written examination is conducted. Selection is merit-based.
Can students apply to multiple labs?
Yes. Separate email applications must be sent for each laboratory.
Who can apply for the DRDO Internship 2026?
Final-year UG and PG students from engineering and science disciplines with minimum 6.5 CGPA can apply.
