if you’re a science or engineering student in India, getting “DRDO” on your CV is like a golden ticket. It’s the kind of credential that makes HR managers stop scrolling.
Right now, the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL)—a heavy-hitter under the Ministry of Defence—has just opened up its 2026 Paid Internship Scheme. And yes, it comes with a monthly stipend of ₹5,000.
If you’ve been looking for an internship that actually teaches you something beyond filing paperwork, this is it.
What is TBRL DRDO
Think of TBRL as the “explosive” heart of Indian defense research. Based out of Panchkula (Range Ramgarh), these guys are the experts in ballistics and high-impact engineering. We’re talking about the science behind national security.
Why should you actually care? Because this isn’t a “shadowing” program where you just watch. You’ll be dropped into a high-stakes R&D environment. Whether you’re planning to go for your Masters or looking to land a top-tier PSU job, a completion certificate from a DRDO lab like TBRL is a massive flex. It proves you’ve worked on projects that actually matter.
Who Can Apply? (Vacancies)
TBRL has announced a total of 37 seats across various disciplines:
Category A: Undergraduate Engineering (B.E. / B.Tech)
Open to students currently in their 6th semester or beyond.
| Engineering Branch | Vacancies |
| Electronics & Communication (ECE) | 09 |
| Mechanical Engineering (MEE) | 08 |
| Computer Science (CSE) | 07 |
| Civil Engineering (CIE) | 04 |
| Aerospace / Aeronautical (AER) | 03 |
| Electrical Engineering (ELE) | 02 |
| Chemical Engineering (CHE) | 01 |
| Instrumentation (INE) | 01 |
| Total UG Seats | 35 |
Category B: Postgraduate Science (M.Sc.)
Open to 2nd-year students.
-
M.Sc. Chemistry: 02 Seats
Eligibility Criteria: Check Before You Apply
To keep the selection quality high, TBRL has strict eligibility standards:
-
Academic Record: Minimum 75% marks (if your university uses CGPA, convert it to a percentage using their official formula).
-
No Backlogs: You must have a clean academic record. Active backlogs result in immediate disqualification.
-
Age Limit: Must be under 28 years old as of June 30, 2026.
-
Institution: You must be enrolled in a full-time course at an AICTE or UGC-approved college.
-
Course Requirement: The internship must be a mandatory part of your degree curriculum.
-
Nationality: Indian Citizens only.
Stipend & Logistics
The financial support is structured as a total stipend of ₹30,000 for the 6-month duration.
-
Payout: Paid in two installments of ₹15,000 (the first after 3 months, the second upon completion).
-
Attendance: You must maintain at least 15 working days of attendance per month to be eligible for payment.
-
Accommodation: TBRL does not provide housing or transport. You will need to manage your own stay and commute in the Chandigarh/Panchkula area.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Since this is a defense laboratory, the application process is traditional (offline). Follow these steps carefully:
-
Download the Form: Visit drdo.gov.in and find the TBRL Internship advertisement.
-
Fill it Out: Use capital letters only and attach a recent passport-size photo.
-
Get Official Approval: Attach a Request Letter signed by your Principal, HOD, or Training & Placement Officer (TPO). Use the specific format provided in the DRDO advertisement.
-
Gather Documents: Attach copies of all semester marksheets, your College ID, and a copy of your Aadhaar card.
-
The Envelope: Write “Application for Paid Internship: Starting July 2026” followed by your Branch Code clearly on the envelope.
-
Post It: Send your application to:
The Director, TBRL, DRDO
Sector-30, Chandigarh – 160030
(Attention: HRD Division)
Deadline: Your application must reach them by 25 May 2026.
Selection & Selection Timeline
Selection is based purely on academic merit (cumulative marks). If there is a tie, the older candidate will be preferred. TBRL may also conduct a short telephonic or online interview if necessary.
-
Final Notification: Selected students will be informed via email only by the 3rd or 4th week of June.
-
Start Date: Tentatively 1 July 2026.
The Bottom Line
With only 37 seats available nationwide, the competition will be tough. However, the prestige of working with DRDO is unmatched. If you meet the 75% criteria and have no backlogs, don’t wait until the deadline—get your HOD’s signature and mail your application this week!
For more updates on Government and PSU internships, keep an eye on theinternship.in.