DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 Notification Out for 160 Vacancies

DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 Notification has been released for eligible Engineering and Science students looking to gain practical experience in one of India’s premier defence research laboratories. Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad has invited applications for a six-month paid internship programme, offering students an opportunity to work in a professional research environment while enhancing their technical knowledge and industry exposure.

Candidates searching for a DRDO Paid Internship 2026, Engineering internship in Hyderabad, DRDO internship for final year B.Tech students, or paid internship for M.Tech and M.Sc students should not miss this opportunity.

DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 Overview

Research Centre Imarat (RCI), functioning under the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), has announced its paid internship programme for the year 2026. According to the official notification, eligible final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students will undergo internship training at the Hyderabad laboratory for a minimum period of six months. During the internship, selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend and practical exposure to research activities in their respective disciplines.

Undergraduate (B.Tech VII & VIII Semester)

CSE | Artificial Intelligence (AI) | Machine Learning (ML) | Cyber Security | Electronics | Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE) | Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering (EIE) | Mechanical Engineering | Electrical Engineering | Materials Engineering | Chemical Engineering | Aeronautical Engineering | Safety Engineering

Postgraduate (Second Year M.Tech / M.Sc)

Computer Science Engineering | Electronics & Communication Engineering | Mechanical Engineering | Electrical Engineering | Power Engineering | Physics | Chemistry | VLSI | Embedded Systems | RF Systems | RF Engineering | RADAR | Structural Analysis | IR Seekers | LASERS | Mechatronics | MEMS | Robotics Engineering | Systems Engineering | Thermal Engineering

DRDO RCI Internship 2026 Vacancy Details

The official notification announces a total of 160 paid internship vacancies for eligible undergraduate and postgraduate Engineering and Science students. The notification does not provide branch-wise vacancy distribution. Selection will be made based on merit and organizational requirements.

The internship programme provides students with an opportunity to gain practical experience inside one of India’s leading defence research laboratories. Since branch-wise vacancies have not been published, eligible candidates from all notified disciplines should submit their applications before the closing date.

DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 Salary and Stipend Details

Selected students will receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 during the internship period. As mentioned in the notification, interns must remain physically present in the laboratory for at least 15 working days every month to become eligible for the stipend. The amount will be transferred directly to the student’s bank account after successful completion of the prescribed stages.

Important Links for DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026

The following links will help candidates access the official notification, career portal, and important updates related to the DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 recruitment process.

DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Final Year Engineering and Science Students

Candidates applying for the DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 must satisfy all eligibility requirements mentioned in the official notification. The internship is available only for eligible Indian citizens pursuing full-time undergraduate or postgraduate courses in the specified disciplines. Before submitting the application, candidates should carefully verify their educational qualification, academic performance, age limit, and other mandatory conditions to avoid rejection during the screening process.

Applicants should also ensure that they are studying in a recognized institution approved by the appropriate authorities and possess an excellent academic record. The Principal or Head of Department must issue the referral letter required for submitting the application.

Educational Qualification

Minimum Academic Requirement

• Minimum 75% marks or equivalent CGPA.
• Good academic record.
• Institution should be approved by AICTE/UGC.

Nationality

• Only Indian Citizens are eligible to apply.

Age Limit

Other Eligibility Conditions

• Only final-year students are eligible.
• The internship is conducted offline at RCI, Hyderabad.
• The internship duration will be a minimum of six months.
• A referral letter from the Principal/HOD is mandatory.
• Applications received after the last date or submitted with incomplete documents will be rejected.

DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 Selection Process Based on Academic Merit

DRDO RCI Internship Selection Process is designed to shortlist students with excellent academic performance and the required educational background. The official notification does not mention any written examination. Instead, candidates will be assessed through academic merit and document verification, with an online interaction wherever applicable.

Applicants should submit complete and accurate information because incomplete applications or incorrect details may lead to rejection during the initial screening stage.

Stage 1: Application Screening

All applications received before the closing date will be scrutinized to verify eligibility, educational qualification, academic record, and supporting documents. Applications received after the prescribed deadline or without the required documents will not be considered.

Stage 2: Merit-Based Shortlisting

Eligible candidates will be shortlisted primarily based on their academic performance. The notification specifies that students should possess a minimum of 75% marks or equivalent CGPA from an AICTE/UGC-approved institution.

Stage 3: Online Interview or Interaction

According to the official notification, shortlisted candidates may be called for an online interview or interaction, depending upon the requirements of DRDO RCI.

Stage 4: Document Verification

Candidates shortlisted for the internship must produce original documents during verification. The notification mentions the following documents.

• Aadhaar Card
• College Identity Card
• Original Mark Sheets or College Certificate
• Original Referral Letter issued by the Principal/HOD
• Passport Size Photographs
• Bank Account Details for stipend payment
• Police Verification (at the time of joining, if selected)
• Any additional documents required by DRDO RCI

Stage 5: Final Selection

Final selection will be based entirely on academic merit, successful completion of document verification, and any online interaction conducted by the organization. Selected candidates will receive joining instructions through the email address provided in their application form.

DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 Important Dates

Candidates should complete their application process well before the closing date to avoid postal delays. The official notification provides the following important dates for the internship programme.

Candidates should ensure that the completed application form, attested mark sheets, Aadhaar Card copy, College Identity Card copy, and the original referral letter issued by the Principal or Head of Department reach Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad before 20 June 2026. Applications received after the prescribed date or submitted with incomplete documents will not be accepted. Shortlisted candidates are expected to receive communication during the second week of July 2026, while the internship programme is scheduled to begin from 03 August 2026.

How to Apply for DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 Through Offline Application Process

Candidates interested in the DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 must submit their applications in the prescribed format before the last date. According to the official notification, applications will be accepted only through offline mode. Candidates should carefully fill out the Bio-data Form, attach all required documents, and send the application through Speed Post or Courier to the address mentioned in the notification.

Before dispatching the application, applicants should verify that all details are correct and every mandatory document has been enclosed. Incomplete applications, incorrect information, or applications received after the closing date will be rejected without further communication.

Step-by-Step DRDO RCI Internship 2026 Application Process

1. Download the prescribed Bio-data/Application Form from the official notification.
2. Fill in all personal, educational, and internship-related details carefully.
3. Mention the preferred internship area and provide the required brief write-up.
4. Obtain the original referral letter signed by the Principal or Head of Department.
5. Attach all mandatory supporting documents.
6. Write “Application for Paid Internship” and the appropriate Branch Code on the top of the envelope.
7. Send the completed application through Speed Post or Courier before 20 June 2026.

Postal Address

Documents Required Along with the Application Form

The following documents should be enclosed with the duly filled application form.

• Duly filled Bio-data/Application Form
• Attested copies of mark sheets certified by the Principal/HOD
• Copy of College Identity Card
• Copy of Aadhaar Card
• Original Referral Letter issued by the Principal or HOD

Documents Required at the Time of Joining

Candidates selected for the internship must produce the following original documents during the joining process.

• Original Aadhaar Card
• Original College Identity Card
• Original mark sheets or a certificate issued by the college confirming possession of original documents
• Three passport-size photographs
• Bank account details for stipend payment
• Undertaking for compliance with the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923
• Undertaking regarding compliance with Ministry of Defence IT Rules and Regulations
• Police Verification from hometown/place of residence (if selected)
• Any additional documents required by DRDO RCI at the time of joining

About DRDO Research Centre Imarat (RCI)

Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad is one of the premier laboratories functioning under the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO). As mentioned in the official notification, RCI serves as the modern avionics hub of DRDO and develops advanced avionics systems for India’s missile and defence programmes. The laboratory contributes significantly to indigenous defence technologies by carrying out research, development, design, testing, and integration of advanced systems required for national security.

Conclusion

The DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 is an excellent opportunity for eligible final-year Engineering and Science students to gain practical experience in one of India’s leading defence research laboratories. With 160 internship vacancies, a monthly stipend of ₹5,000, and exposure to advanced research projects, the programme offers valuable technical learning that can support future academic and professional growth.