DRDO DG Aero Internship 2026: Apply Online for 200 Paid Intern Vacancies

Are you a passionate engineering student or fresh graduate dreaming of working on cutting-edge defence technologies? The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has unveiled a spectacular opportunity for young innovators! Under the prestigious Directorate General of Aeronautics (DG Aero), DRDO has announced an official notification to recruit 200 Paid Interns for the year 2026.

Working as an intern at DRDO is not just a resume booster; it is a chance to rub shoulders with some of the finest scientific minds in the country and contribute to national security projects. This internship provides invaluable hands-on experience in advanced aerospace and aeronautical systems, setting a formidable foundation for a future career in research and development.

With 200 coveted spots available, competition will be fierce. Interested and eligible candidates must seize this opportunity and submit their applications through the official portal before the deadline on June 15, 2026. Read this comprehensive guide to discover everything you need to know about the eligibility criteria, stipend details, job profile, and application process.

About the Recruiter

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is the premier R&D wing of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Established in 1958, DRDO's mission is to empower India with state-of-the-art indigenous defence technologies and systems.

Directorate General of Aeronautics (DG Aero) is a highly specialized cluster within DRDO that focuses on the design, development, and testing of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), aero-engines, and airborne early warning systems. Labs under this division have been instrumental in iconic projects like the LCA Tejas and the Netra AEW&C. Interning under DG Aero means you are stepping into the heart of India's aerospace innovation.

Posts and Breakdown: Qualification, Age, & Salary Overview

Before applying, it is crucial to ensure you meet the specific parameters set by DRDO for this internship program.

• Total Vacancies: 200 Posts

• Target Role: Paid Intern (DG Aero Division)

Educational Qualifications

• For B.E./B.Tech Candidates: Applicants must possess or be in the final year of a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Technology in relevant disciplines such as Aeronautical, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electronics & Communication, or Computer Science from a recognized university.

• For M.E./M.Tech Candidates: Post-graduates in the above-mentioned specialized aerospace and engineering disciplines are also highly encouraged to apply.

• Note: Candidates with a valid GATE score or excellent academic track records will have a significant advantage during the shortlisting phase.

Age Limit (As of Notification Date)

• Maximum Age: The upper age limit is generally capped at 28 years for unreserved candidates.

• Age Relaxation: Standard relaxations apply as per Government of India rules (up to 3 years for OBC, 5 years for SC/ST, and 10 years for PwBD candidates).

Salary / Stipend Structure

As a Paid Intern at DRDO, candidates will receive a respectable monthly stipend to support them during their research tenure.

• B.E./B.Tech Interns: Will receive a consolidated monthly stipend of approximately ₹ 9,000/-.

• M.E./M.Tech Interns: Will receive a consolidated monthly stipend of approximately ₹ 12,000/-.

• Other Perks: Interns will gain unparalleled access to DRDO's world-class laboratories, testing facilities, and technical libraries. Mentorship from senior scientists is the biggest non-monetary perk of this program.

Detailed Overview of the Job Profile

Interns at DRDO's DG Aero are not tasked with mere administrative work; they are integrated into active R&D projects. Your day-to-day responsibilities may include:

• Research & Analysis: Assisting senior scientists in literature reviews, feasibility studies, and mathematical modeling for new aeronautical concepts.

• Simulation & Design: Utilizing advanced CAD, CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), and structural analysis software to design and test aerospace components.

• Experimental Testing: Participating in wind tunnel testing, propulsion system evaluations, and avionics hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations.

• Data Processing: Collecting, compiling, and analyzing complex data sets from flight trials or lab experiments to generate technical reports.

Important Dates

Mark your calendars to ensure your application reaches DRDO well before the closing date.

How to Apply

The application process for the DRDO Internship is strictly online. Follow these structured steps to ensure a flawless submission:

1. Visit the Official Website: Navigate to the DRDO official website at www.drdo.gov.in or the specific RAC (Recruitment and Assessment Centre) portal.

2. Find the Notification: Go to the "Careers" or "What's New" section and click on the link for “Engagement of Paid Interns under DG Aero - 2026”.

3. Registration: Create a new user account by providing your valid Email ID and mobile number.

4. Complete the Profile: Log in and fill out your personal details, academic history, CGPA/percentage, and GATE score (if applicable).

5. Upload Documents: Securely upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, degree certificates, mark sheets, and category certificate (if claiming age relaxation).

6. Submit Application: Review all entered details meticulously. Since there is typically no application fee for internships, click on "Final Submit".

7. Print Acknowledgement: Download and print the final application confirmation page for future reference during the interview stage.

Selection Process

Because of the high volume of applications, DRDO employs a strict, merit-based screening process:

1. Shortlisting of Applications: Initial screening is done based on academic merit (percentage of marks in B.E./B.Tech/M.Tech) and/or GATE scores.

2. Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for a personal interview (often conducted virtually or at a specific DG Aero lab). The interview will test core technical concepts and the candidate's passion for R&D.

3. Document Verification: Final selection is contingent upon the successful verification of all original academic and identity documents.

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many internship positions are available at DRDO DG Aero in 2026? DRDO has announced a total of 200 Paid Intern vacancies specifically under the Directorate General of Aeronautics (DG Aero) division.

2. What is the final date to submit the internship application? The last date to apply online for this internship program is June 15, 2026.

3. Are final-year engineering students eligible to apply? Yes, final-year B.E./B.Tech and M.E./M.Tech students are usually eligible to apply, provided they can furnish their final mark sheets by the time of joining or within the timeframe specified in the notification.

4. What is the monthly stipend for DRDO interns? Generally, B.Tech interns receive ₹9,000 per month, while M.Tech interns receive ₹12,000 per month as per standard government apprenticeship/internship norms.

5. Is a GATE score mandatory for this internship? While a GATE score is not always strictly mandatory for interns, possessing a valid and high GATE score provides a massive advantage during the initial shortlisting phase.

6. Will this internship lead to a permanent job at DRDO? No, this is purely a temporary internship program for skill development and academic research. It does not guarantee permanent employment or a Pre-Placement Offer (PPO) at DRDO.

7. Where will the selected interns be posted? Interns will be posted at various specialized laboratories under the DG Aero cluster, which are primarily located in cities like Bengaluru (e.g., ADE, CABS, GTRE) and others, depending on project requirements.

8. Is there an application fee to apply for the DRDO internship? Typically, DRDO does not charge any application fee for internship and apprenticeship programs. Please verify this in the final PDF notification.

9. How will I know if I am shortlisted for the interview? Shortlisted candidates will be notified via the email ID provided during registration, and the list of shortlisted candidates is also published on the DRDO/RAC official website.

10. What kind of projects will I work on? Interns will assist scientists with ongoing R&D projects related to aerodynamics, UAVs, gas turbine engines, aircraft structures, and avionics systems.