A total of 160 internship vacancies are available under the DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026, making it one of the largest government internship opportunities announced for Engineering and Science students this year. Conducted by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this internship program offers students a unique opportunity to gain practical exposure to advanced defence technologies and research projects.
The DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 is open to final-year B.Tech students and second-year M.Tech/M.Sc students from various engineering and science disciplines. Apart from receiving a monthly stipend, selected candidates will get hands-on experience working in one of India’s most advanced defence research establishments. Students interested in avionics, missile systems, artificial intelligence, embedded systems, robotics, electronics, and other emerging technologies should strongly consider this opportunity.
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DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 Recruitment Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) – Research Centre Imarat (RCI) |
| Post Name | Paid Intern |
| Total Vacancies | 160 |
| Job Location | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Job Type | Paid Internship |
| Advertisement No. | RCI/HRD/PDINTERN/2026/01 |
| Important Dates | Last Date: 20 June 2026 |
| Salary/Pay Scale | ₹5,000 Per Month |
| Qualification | Final Year B.Tech / Second Year M.Tech / M.Sc |
| Age Limit | Below 28 Years |
| Experience | Not Required |
| Application Fee | Not Mentioned |
| Selection Process | Merit Basis, CGPA, Interview/Interaction |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release Date | June 2026 |
| Application Start Date | Ongoing |
| Last Date to Apply | 20 June 2026 |
| Intimation to Selected Students | 2nd Week of July 2026 |
| Internship Start Date | 03 August 2026 |
Vacancy Details
The internship positions are distributed across undergraduate and postgraduate disciplines.
Undergraduate Internship (B.Tech VII & VIII Semester)
- Computer Science Engineering / AI / ML / Cyber Security
- Electronics / ECE / EIE
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Safety Engineering
Postgraduate Internship (M.Tech / M.Sc)
- Computer Science Engineering
- Electronics & Communication Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Power Engineering
- Physics
- Chemistry
- VLSI / Embedded Systems
- RF Engineering / Radar
- Structural Analysis
- IR Seekers
- Lasers
- Mechatronics / MEMS
- Robotics Engineering
- System Engineering
- Thermal Engineering
Total Vacancies
| Category | Vacancies |
| Undergraduate & Postgraduate Combined | 160 |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates applying for the DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 must be pursuing a full-time course from a recognized Indian University or Institute.
Eligible students include:
- Final Year B.Tech students (VII & VIII Semester)
- Second Year M.Tech students
- Second Year M.Sc students (Physics and Chemistry)
The course must belong to one of the eligible disciplines specified in the notification.
Academic Requirement
Applicants must have:
- Minimum 75% Marks; OR
- Equivalent CGPA
Students with excellent academic records will receive preference during selection.
Age Limit
Applicants must be:
- Below 28 Years
Nationality
- Indian Citizens only
Experience
No previous work experience is required.
Salary & Benefits
The DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 offers a monthly stipend along with practical research exposure in a premier defence laboratory.
| Component | Details |
| Monthly Stipend | ₹5,000 |
| Internship Duration | Minimum 6 Months |
| Location | RCI Hyderabad |
| Mode | Offline Internship |
Stipend Payment
The stipend will be paid in two installments:
- First installment after completion of 3 months
- Second installment after completion of 6 months
The amount will be directly credited to the student’s bank account.
Additional Benefits
Selected interns will receive:
- Hands-on defence research exposure
- Opportunity to work on advanced technology projects
- Interaction with DRDO scientists and engineers
- Practical industry-oriented learning
- Internship Completion Certificate
Students planning careers in aerospace, defence, electronics, AI, embedded systems, robotics, or advanced engineering research can benefit significantly from this internship.
Application Fee
The notification does not mention any application fee.
| Category | Fee |
| General | Not Mentioned |
| OBC | Not Mentioned |
| SC | Not Mentioned |
| ST | Not Mentioned |
| EWS | Not Mentioned |
| PwBD | Not Mentioned |
Payment Mode
Not Applicable.
Selection Process
Academic Merit Screening
Applications will first be evaluated based on academic performance. Candidates with strong academic records and at least 75% marks will receive preference.
CGPA Evaluation
The institute will review CGPA and academic achievements while shortlisting candidates.
Online Interview / Interaction
Depending on the requirement, shortlisted candidates may be called for an online interaction or interview.
Document Verification
All educational records, college recommendations, identity proof, and supporting documents will be verified before final selection.
Final Merit List
The final selection under the DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 will be completely merit-based.
Preparation Tip
Students should ensure that their academic records, project work, technical skills, and area of interest are clearly presented in the application form. Strong technical fundamentals can improve performance during interactions.
How to Apply – Step by Step
Step 1
Visit the official website https://drdo.gov.in
Step 2
Download the DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 notification and application form.
Step 3
Read the eligibility criteria carefully.
Step 4
Fill in the prescribed bio-data form with complete personal and academic details.
Step 5
Attach attested copies of mark sheets.
Step 6
Attach College ID Card, Aadhaar Card, and recommendation letter from Principal/HOD.
Step 7
Write “Application for Paid Internship” and the relevant Branch Code on the envelope.
Step 8
Send the completed application by Speed Post/Courier to:
Director
Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
Defence R&D Organisation
Vignyana Kancha
Hyderabad – 500069
Is This Internship Right for You?
The DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 is ideal for students who want practical exposure to advanced defence technologies while pursuing their degree. Engineering students from Computer Science, Electronics, Mechanical, Electrical, Aeronautical, Materials, and related disciplines will find this internship highly valuable. Similarly, postgraduate students specializing in VLSI, Radar Systems, Robotics, Thermal Engineering, Physics, and Chemistry can gain hands-on research experience.
Students seeking a purely remote internship should note that physical attendance is mandatory. Interns must remain present in the laboratory for at least 15 working days each month. Those unable to commit to the six-month duration may not benefit fully from the program.
A DRDO internship significantly enhances a student’s profile for higher studies, government research positions, and technology-driven careers. Candidates should focus on maintaining strong academics and preparing a professional application package.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the last date to apply for DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026?
The last date for submission of applications is 20 June 2026.
Q2. What is the stipend offered under DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026?
Selected interns will receive ₹5,000 per month.
Q3. What is the eligibility for DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026?
Final-year B.Tech students and second-year M.Tech/M.Sc students with at least 75% marks are eligible.
Q4. How can I apply for DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026?
Candidates must submit the prescribed application form along with supporting documents through Speed Post or Courier.
Q5. What is the selection process for DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026?
Selection is based on academic merit, CGPA, online interaction/interview, and document verification.
Q6. How many vacancies are available?
A total of 160 internship vacancies are available.
Q7. What is the age limit?
Applicants must be below 28 years of age.
Conclusion
The DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for talented Engineering and Science students to gain practical experience in one of India’s premier defence research laboratories. With 160 internship positions, a monthly stipend, advanced research exposure, and a valuable completion certificate, this internship can significantly strengthen a student’s career profile. Eligible candidates should submit their applications before 20 June 2026 and explore more opportunities through our Latest Government Jobs section