If you have been scouring the internet for an internship that offers more than just a digital certificate, you have likely realized how competitive the landscape is in 2026. Many students find themselves trapped in a cycle of “unpaid virtual gigs” that don’t always carry weight on a resume. However, the Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), a premier laboratory under the DRDO in Hyderabad, has just released a notification that changes the game.
This isn’t your typical work-from-home role. This is a paid, merit-based, 6-month on-site internship at a laboratory specializing in high-end technologies like Lasers, Optics, and Opto-Electronics. If you are a final-year student, this is your chance to get a “Sarkari” stamp of excellence on your profile along with a total stipend of ₹30,000.
Branch-Wise Vacancy: Where do you fit?
Before you get your paperwork ready, you need to see if your discipline is on the list. CHESS has opened 20 specific seats for the 2026 cycle. Unlike general hiring, these are segregated by Branch Codes, and you must mention yours clearly on your application envelope.
| Branch Code | Discipline | Vacancies |
| PH | Physics / Applied Optics |
05
|
| ME | Mechanical Engineering |
05
|
| EE | Electronics / Instrumentation / Electrical / ECE |
05
|
| CS | Computer Science |
03
|
| CE | Chemical Engineering |
02
|
The Academic Bar: Are You Eligible?
DRDO labs are highly selective, and CHESS is no exception. They are looking for “meritorious” students, which in this case means you cannot have a “just-pass” record.
- Educational Status: You must be in your final year of a full-time UG or PG degree in Engineering or Science.
- The 75% Rule: You must have a strong academic track record with 75% marks or above, or a 7.5 CGPA on a 10-point scale
- Age Limit: You must be below 28 years of age.
- Nationality: This opportunity is strictly for Indian Citizens.
The Stipend Truth: How the ₹30,000 is Paid
I often see students get confused about the payment schedule for DRDO internships. It is not a monthly salary. Instead, the stipend is structured as a “Project Completion” incentive.
- First Installment: You receive ₹15,000 after you successfully complete the first 3 months of the internship.
- Second Installment: You receive the remaining ₹15,000 after you complete the full 6-month term.
- The Attendance Clause: To be eligible for the payment, you must be physically present for at least 15 working days every month.
Non-Completion Warning: If you leave before the 6-month mark, you are not eligible for the stipend or the completion certificate.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Offline
This is where most students make a mistake. There is no online application link for the CHESS internship. You must submit a physical application via Speed Post.
1. The Documentation Kit
You need to download the official “Appendix A” format from the DRDO website. Along with the filled form, attach self-attsted copies of:
Your Aadhaar Card and College Identity Card.
All previous semester marksheets.
The Mandatory Referral: A formal request or referral letter from your College Principal or Director. Without this, your application is dead on arrival.
2. Labeling the Envelope
On the top of your envelope, you must write: “Application for Paid Internship” followed by your “Branch Code” (e.g., PH, ME, EE, CS, or CE).
3. The Mailing Address
Send your completed packet to:
DIRECTOR,
CENTRE FOR HIGH ENERGY SYSTEMS & SCIENCES (CHESS)
DRDO, RCI CAMPUS, PO: VIGNYANA KANCHA,
HYDERABAD – 500069
Pro-Tip: The “HOD Sponsorship” Strategy
In my experience managing government schemes and student portals, the biggest hurdle is the Referral Letter. Do not wait until the last week to ask your HOD or Principal for this letter. Government labs like CHESS expect the letter to be on the Official College Letterhead.
Note: Ensure your HOD explicitly mentions in the letter that the college has “No Objection” to you being physically present at the lab for at least 15 days a month. This specific wording shows CHESS that your college is fully supportive of the internship requirements.
Important Dates for Your Calendar
Application Deadline: Your packet must reach Hyderabad by May 11, 2026.
Selection Notification: Shortlisted students will be notified by May 20, 2026.
Internship Start Date: The training begins on June 03, 2026.
Common Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does CHESS provide a hostel or food?
A: No. You must bear all costs for lodging, boarding, transport, and medical expenses yourself. Hyderabad (especially near the RCI Campus) can be expensive, so plan your budget for those 6 months accordingly.
Q: Is there an interview for selection?
A: The notification states that selection is based entirely on merit. This usually means your Class 10, 12, and B.Tech/M.Sc marks are the deciding factor. However, they may conduct an interaction or interview if the number of high-merit applicants is very large.
Q: Do I need a police verification? A: Yes. If you are selected, you must provide a Police Verification Certificate from your local police station at the time of joining. You will also have to sign an undertaking for the Official Secrets Act, 1923.
The bottom line is that these 20 seats will fill up quickly with the top 1% of students. If you have the marks and the drive to work in a high-security DRDO lab, get your HOD’s signature tomorrow and head to the post office.
Facing issues with the application format? Leave a comment below, and I will help you troubleshoot!