DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 Notification Out for Engineering & Science UG/PG Students

DRDO RCI Internship 2026

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has invited applications for the DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 at the famous Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad. This internship program is an opportunity for Engineering and Science undergraduate and post-graduate students to get a practical exposure of advanced defence technologies, missile systems, avionics, artificial intelligence, embedded systems, radar technologies and latest research projects.

The Research Centre Imarat Internship 2026 is one of the most coveted government internship programmes in India and offers students the opportunity to gain industry-relevant experience under the mentorship of seasoned DRDO scientists and engineers.

DRDO Paid Internship 2026 Notification

DRDO Paid Internship 2026 Notification Released by DRDO's premier laboratory in Hyderabad, Research Centre Imarat (RCI) under Advertisement No. RCI/HRD/PDINTERN/2026/01

The internship programme is aimed at providing practical training and research exposure to meritorious students pursuing Engineering and Science courses from recognised institutions. The successful candidates will have an opportunity to work on live research projects and gain insights into technologies that go into making India's defence capabilities.

Research Centre Imarat (RCI) Hyderabad Internship

The Research Centre Imarat is one of the premier laboratories of DRDO and has a significant role to play in the development of missile guidance systems, avionics, navigation systems, embedded electronics, radar technologies, control systems and strategic defence applications.

The DRDO Internship Hyderabad programme offers students a chance to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world research through participation in ongoing projects and interaction with experienced scientists.

DRDO Internship for Engineering Students

The Research Centre Imarat is one of the leading laboratories of DRDO and contributes significantly to the development of missile guidance systems, avionics, navigation systems, embedded electronics, radar technologies, control systems and strategic defence applications.

The DRDO Internship Hyderabad programme provides students an opportunity to fill the gap between classroom education and practical research by working on active projects and alongside experienced scientists.

DRDO Internship for Science Students

The Research Centre Imarat is one of the premier laboratories of DRDO and makes significant contribution towards the development of missile guidance systems, avionics, navigation systems, embedded electronics, radar technologies, control systems and strategic defence applications.

The DRDO Internship Hyderabad programme allows students to bridge the gap between classroom education and practical research by working on active projects with experienced scientists.

Internship Opportunities at RCI Hyderabad

Depending on the current research needs of the laboratory, the internship opportunities are available in different engineering and science disciplines. Students will be allotted appropriate divisions as per their field of study and availability of projects.

The internship will be done at the state-of-the-art facilities of Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad.

B.Tech Internship at DRDO

Internships are available in a variety of engineering and science disciplines depending on the laboratory’s current research needs. To the students will be assigned appropriate divisions according to their field of study and availability of projects.

The internship would be carried out at the state of art facilities of Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad.

M.Tech Internship at DRDO

Applications are open for the internship program for second year postgraduate engineering students pursuing M.Tech programs.

M.Tech interns can undertake advanced research activities in areas such as missile systems, embedded technologies, communication systems, radar engineering, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and emerging defence technologies.

M.Sc Internship at DRDO

The internship is also open to students studying second year M.Sc in eligible science disciplines.

The internship offers students the chance to develop practical research skills while working with experts in strategic scientific and technological development.

DRDO Internship Stipend Details

One of the major attractions of the DRDO Paid Internship 2026 is the financial support provided to selected candidates.

Provided the participant has successfully participated and complied with the guidelines of internship prescribed by DRDO.

Internship Duration

The internship will last a minimum of six months. During this period, interns will be involved in research projects, technical assignments, laboratory activities and project reviews under the guidance of DRDO scientists.

The longer term enables students to gain meaningful practical experience and to contribute effectively to ongoing projects.

Internship Location

The internship will be conducted at:

Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
Hyderabad, Telangana

The facility has state-of-the-art research laboratories and infrastructure for development of strategic defence technologies.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must be pursuing courses from AICTE, UGC, or Government-recognized institutions.

Eligible candidates include:

• B.Tech students in VII or VIII Semester 

• Second-Year M.Tech students 

• Second-Year M.Sc students 

Applicants must possess a strong academic record as specified in the official notification.

Eligible Branches and Disciplines

Engineering Disciplines

The internship is open for students from different streams of engineering including but not limited to:

• Computer Science Engineering 

• Artificial Intelligence 

• Machine Learning 

• Cyber Security 

• Electronics and Communication Engineering 

• Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering 

• Mechanical Engineering 

• Electrical Engineering 

• Materials Engineering 

• Chemical Engineering 

• Aeronautical Engineering 

• Safety Engineering 

Postgraduate Specializations

There are also opportunities in specialised fields such as:

• VLSI and Embedded Systems 

• RF Engineering 

• Radar Technology 

• Power Engineering 

• Structural Analysis 

• Robotics Engineering 

• Systems Engineering 

• Thermal Engineering 

• Mechatronics 

• MEMS 

• Lasers 

• Physics 

• Chemistry 

Age Limit

The official notification states that the applicants should be below 28 years of age as on the prescribed cut-off date.

Candidates should meet the age criteria and other eligibility criteria before applying.

Selection Process

The selection process is designed to find students who are academically strong and research-oriented.

CGPA Based Shortlisting

The first filter for applications will be academic achievement. Shortlisting criteria will be excellent academic records and relevant qualifications for further assessment of candidates.

Interview Process

Shortlisted candidates may be called for interview/ interaction with DRDO scientists and technical experts.

The assessment typically covers:

• Academic performance 

• Technical knowledge 

• Research aptitude 

• Project experience 

• Communication skills 

Final selection will be based on the merit, availability and suitability of internship positions.

Documents Required

Candidates should be ready with the following documents while applying:

• Recent Passport Size Photograph 

• Aadhaar Card or Valid Identity Proof 

• Bonafide Certificate from Institution 

• Academic Mark Sheets 

• Semester-wise Grade Sheets 

• CGPA Certificate (if applicable) 

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae 

• Recommendation Letter (if required) 

• Other supporting documents specified in the notification 

Application Process

Interested students have to apply in the prescribed format along with the supporting documents as mentioned in the official notification.

Applications received after the above deadline may not be considered for selection.

How to Apply for DRDO Internship

Candidates can apply through the below steps:-

1. Go to the official DRDO website. 

2. Obtain RCI Internship 2026 Notification & Application form. 

3. Carefully check the eligibility criteria. 

4. Fill out the application form carefully. 

5. Upload the required documents. 

6. Submit the application as per the instructions mentioned in the notification. 

7. Awaiting RCI to short list and advise further. 

Internship Benefits

Benefits of DRDO RCI Internship: Students who are looking to make a career in research, engineering and defence technology will find a lot of benefits from the DRDO RCI Internship.

Interns receive:

• Exposure to the latest defence technologies 

• Practical project experience 

-Evidence based learning 

• Mentorship by DRDO scientists 

• Access to cutting edge lab infrastructure 

• Technical skills relevant to industry 

• Better employability and career prospects 

The internship also offers a unique opportunity to understand India’s defence research ecosystem.

Certificate After Internship

Students who successfully complete the internship program are awarded internship completion certificate by Research Centre Imarat, DRDO.

The certificate is valuable evidence of research and technical experience and can enhance applications for higher education, research opportunities, and jobs. 

Important Dates

DRDO Internship Salary

DRDO Internship stipend of ₹5,000 per month is provided for eligible interns. Selected candidates can get a stipend of up to ₹30,000 during the internship period considering the minimum six-month period.

While the primary aim of the internship is to get exposure to research and develop skills, the stipend also offers students additional financial support during their training.

Conclusion

DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 – This is a wonderful opportunity to do an internship in one of the most prestigious defence research organisations of India for Engineering and Science students. The Research Centre Imarat Internship provides you with hands-on experience with state-of-the-art technologies, mentoring by leading scientists and participation in real-life research projects which will immensely enhance your technical skills and career prospects. Students interested in defence research, innovation and emerging technologies must read the official notification carefully and fill their applications before the deadline to avail of this valuable opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026?

It is a paid internship program offered by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, for eligible Engineering and Science UG/PG students.

Who can apply for the DRDO Internship 2026?

B.Tech students in VII and VIII Semester, second-year M.Tech students, and second-year M.Sc students from eligible disciplines can apply.

What is the stipend offered under the internship?

Selected interns receive a stipend of ₹5,000 per month.

What is the duration of the internship?

The internship duration is a minimum of six months.

Where will the internship be conducted?

The internship will be conducted at Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad.

Will interns receive a certificate?

Yes, students who successfully complete the internship will receive an internship completion certificate from DRDO RCI.