DRDO's Pune Laboratory Announces Paid Internship Programme for Students
The High Energy Materials Research Laboratory in Pune, a key facility under India's Defence Research and Development Organisation, has officially opened applications for its paid internship programme. This initiative targets undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing engineering and science disciplines across the country.
Programme Details and Eligibility Criteria
The internship programme will commence on February 1, 2026, and continue for six months until July 2026. HEMRL has designated forty positions across eight different technical branches. Each selected intern will receive a monthly stipend of five thousand rupees.
Eligible candidates must meet specific academic requirements. Undergraduate engineering students should be in their seventh or eighth semester, while postgraduate engineering or science students must be in their first or second year of study. All applicants need to maintain a minimum academic score of sixty percent marks or a 6.5 CGPA from recognised Indian universities or institutes.
The laboratory has set an age limit of below twenty-eight years for all applicants. Students must submit comprehensive application packages including a detailed bio-data of at least three hundred words, complete academic records, and a formal recommendation letter from their institution's principal or director.
Available Positions and Application Process
HEMRL has distributed the forty internship positions across various engineering and science disciplines. Chemical Engineering and Chemistry branches lead with ten positions each, followed by Mechanical Engineering with another ten positions. Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, and Computer Engineering each offer two positions.
Interested students must send their applications through speed post to the Director of HEMRL at the Sutarwadi campus in Pune. The application envelope should clearly mention "Application for Paid Internship" along with the specific branch code. The selection committee will evaluate applications based on merit and notify shortlisted candidates by January 23, 2026.
Programme Requirements and Conditions
Selected interns must commit to completing at least fifteen working days every month to qualify for stipend payments. The laboratory will disburse the stipend in two instalments during the internship period. While HEMRL will not provide boarding or lodging facilities, interns can access subsidised meals at the laboratory canteen.
The programme requires successful completion of assigned research projects. Interns must submit comprehensive project reports and clear evaluation assessments. The laboratory explicitly states that internship completion does not guarantee subsequent employment with DRDO or any of its affiliated organisations.
This initiative represents a significant opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in advanced defence research. The programme offers practical exposure to cutting-edge technologies and methodologies in high-energy materials research, potentially shaping future careers in India's defence and scientific sectors.
