If you’re a biotechnology student looking for real research exposure — and not just theoretical learning — the DRDO Internship 2025 (Biotech Labs) is an incredible opportunity. I looked into it thoroughly, and this is hands down one of the most respected internships for students who are passionate about biosciences, medical research, defence innovations, and applied life sciences.
The best part? You get to work inside high-security labs run by India’s premier defence R&D organisation — DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) — alongside experienced scientists and real projects.
About DRDO Biotechnology Internship
DRDO offers project-based student internships at its specialized biotech-related labs, including:
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INMAS (Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences) – Biomedical research
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DIPAS (Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences) – Human physiology
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DFRL (Defence Food Research Lab) – Food safety & biotech
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DRDE (Defence Research & Development Establishment) – Biodefence, toxicology, and microbiology
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LSRC (Life Sciences Research Centre) – High-altitude medicine, military physiology
These labs take interns for hands-on exposure to ongoing defence and biotech R&D projects, with the chance to assist in lab experiments, data analysis, report writing, and sometimes even co-authored research.
Internship Highlights 2025
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Start Date: Flexible (based on lab and project needs)
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Duration: 1 to 6 months
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Stipend: ₹10,000–₹15,000 (lab-dependent, not guaranteed)
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Mode: On-site only (strictly no WFH due to lab sensitivity)
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Sectors: Biotechnology, Biomedicine, Biosafety, Defence Life Sciences
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Location: Multiple DRDO labs across India (Delhi, Mysore, Gwalior, Leh, etc.)
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Open to: Indian students only
Who Can Apply?
DRDO’s biotech labs are open to students who meet the following criteria:
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Education Level:
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B.Tech/B.Sc. (3rd or 4th year)
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M.Sc./M.Tech (any year)
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PhD scholars in Life Sciences or Biotechnology
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Discipline:
Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Food Tech, Genetics, or Allied Life Sciences -
Academic Performance:
Minimum 60% marks or CGPA equivalent -
Other Conditions:
You must be enrolled in a recognized university and submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your college
Selection Process
There’s no central DRDO portal for internships. Each lab selects its own interns. Here’s the process:
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Identify the lab that matches your interest (e.g., INMAS for biomedical, DFRL for food biotech)
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Visit the DRDO official site: https://drdo.gov.in → Labs & Establishments
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Email your application directly to the Lab Director or HR section
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Attach your resume, cover letter/SOP, NOC, and academic transcripts
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If shortlisted, you’ll receive a confirmation via email
Internship Benefits
While it may be unpaid at some labs, the learning is unmatched:
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Certificate from DRDO after successful completion
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Mentorship from scientists and defence researchers
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Involvement in real government research projects
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Opportunity to work with high-end lab equipment and facilities
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Great experience for those planning to enter R&D, DRDO recruitment, UPSC, or PhD programs
Documents Required
To apply, prepare the following documents:
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Resume (with academic & project details)
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Statement of Purpose (SOP)
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Bonafide Certificate or NOC from college/university
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Government-issued ID (Aadhaar/Passport)
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Academic mark sheets
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Passport-size photo
How to Apply for DRDO Biotech Internship 2025
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Go to https://drdo.gov.in
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Click on “Labs & Establishments”
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Find biotech-focused labs like INMAS, DIPAS, DFRL, DRDE, etc.
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Note the lab’s email/contact and send your application at least 2–3 months in advance
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Follow up via email politely after 1–2 weeks if you don’t hear back
Subject Line Example:
Application for Internship – Biotechnology – [Your Name], [Your College]
Important Dates
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Application Window: Open throughout the year
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Best Time to Apply: Jan–Feb for summer internships, July–Aug for winter batches
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Start Date: Depends on project and lab availability
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Duration: Usually 1 to 6 months
Top Internships for Biotechnology Students 2025 List – Click Here
FAQs – DRDO Biotech Internship 2025
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Is this internship paid?
Some labs offer a stipend (₹10,000–₹15,000), but it’s not guaranteed. -
Do I need to go through a central portal?
No. Applications must be sent to individual DRDO labs. -
Is there an interview?
Usually no. Selection is based on resume, SOP, and academic performance. -
Can B.Sc. biotech students apply?
Yes, final-year B.Sc. students are eligible in many labs. -
Is this internship full-time and offline?
Yes, DRDO internships are strictly on-site and full-time. -
What is the selection rate?
Competitive — make sure your application is strong and tailored to the lab’s work.