DRDO CHESS Summer Internship 2026: Apply Online, Eligibility

Hey future innovators! 📡 Are you a bright, ambitious final-year student who’s ready to turn all those theory classes into real projects? Here’s a golden chance that might just launch your career into the big league!

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is back with its Paid Internship Program 2026 at CHESS — Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences, Hyderabad. This isn’t your regular college internship — it’s a full 6 months inside India’s frontline defence tech lab, where you’ll get your hands on high-end laser systems, optics, and more.

Seats? Just 20.
Stipend? ₹30,000 total (₹5,000 per month).
Application closes: 15th July 2026.
So, if you’ve ever dreamt about working alongside India’s top defence scientists — this is it!

Who’s Offering It?

Organization: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Lab: CHESS – Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences, Hyderabad
About CHESS: A top lab under DRDO that does serious R&D in Directed Energy Systems — think lasers, opto-electronics, advanced optical systems… cool, right?
Internship Duration: 6 Months
Location: CHESS, RCI Campus, Vignyanakancha Post, Hyderabad – 500069
Mode to Apply: Email only

Available Positions – Find Where You Fit!

Branch Code	Discipline	Seats
PH	Physics / Applied Optics	6
ME	Mechanical Engineering	6
EE	Electronics / Electrical / Communication	5
CS	Computer Science	3
Total		20

Note: DRDO might tweak seats if needed — so apply quick!

Do You Qualify? Check Before You Apply!

Education:

Must be in final year of B.E./B.Tech./M.E./M.Tech./M.Sc. in relevant field.
Your course must be from a recognized Indian University or AICTE/UGC approved.
Minimum 75% marks or CGPA 7.5/10 — strong academics is a must!

Age:

Less than 28 years.

Important:

You must get a referral letter from your Principal or Director — this letter should say you’re a top student worth recommending!

Important Dates – Don’t Miss Out!

Last date to apply: 15th July 2026
Results out: 22nd July 2026
Internship starts: 1st August 2026

Stipend & Perks – What You Get

Monthly pay: ₹5,000
Total for 6 months: ₹30,000
Paid in two parts — ₹15,000 after 3 months, rest ₹15,000 after finishing 6 months.

BUT, money aside — the real gain is the experience:
✅ Work on national-level defence projects.
✅ Learn from DRDO’s best scientists & engineers.
✅ Build a network of top minds in India’s defence sector.
✅ Get a certificate that will make your resume shine.
✅ Open doors for PSU jobs, DRDO jobs, top private defence & aerospace companies.

Note: You’ll have to manage your own stay, food & travel — but the experience is worth every bit!

How Selection Happens

There’s no written test — it’s pure merit:

1️⃣ Application Screening: They’ll check your marks, CGPA, eligibility.
2️⃣ Shortlisting: They’ll make a merit list — your Principal’s referral letter helps here!
3️⃣ Final Call: Selected students get email confirmation — no reply means not selected.
4️⃣ Joining: Bring all original docs — NOC from college, Police Verification, Aadhar Card, ID card, mark sheets, and sign undertakings as needed.

✍️ How To Apply – Easy Guide

1️⃣ Download the Form: Go to the official DRDO careers page.
2️⃣ Fill It: Carefully add all details — name, DOB, branch code, CGPA, contact info.
3️⃣ Get Docs:

Referral letter from Principal/Director.
Copy of latest mark sheet with CGPA/percentage.
Copy of Aadhar Card.

4️⃣ Scan Everything: Make a single PDF of your filled form + all docs.
5️⃣ Send It: Email it to [email protected] before 15th July 2026.

✅ No application fees — DRDO wants every deserving student to have equal chance!

Official Notification & Apply Link

Notification PDF: Download from official DRDO Careers page
Website: Visit official DRDO site for updates