If you’re an engineering or science student aiming to gain hands-on experience in advanced defence research, here’s your opportunity. The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad, has opened applications for its Paid Internship Programme 2025.
This article covers everything you need to know—eligibility criteria, application process, deadlines, stipend structure, selection procedure, and other important guidelines—in a detailed, easy-to-understand format.
About the Internship Programme
Research Centre Imarat (RCI) is a premier DRDO lab focusing on advanced avionics for missile and defence systems. The internship aims to give final-year students from engineering and science disciplines an opportunity to work on live defence R&D projects.
Internship Highlights:
- Internship Mode: Hybrid
- Duration: Minimum 6 months
- Location: RCI, Hyderabad – 500069
- Monthly Stipend: ₹5,000
- Total Internships Available: 160
- Last Date to Apply: 11 July 2025
- Start Date: 01 August 2025
Eligibility Criteria
For Undergraduate Internships (Category A):
- Final-year B.Tech students (VII or VIII semester).
- Full-time students from AICTE/UGC-recognized institutions.
- Must be from one of the following branches:
| Branch Code | Discipline |
|---|---|
| CS | CSE / AI / ML / Cyber Security |
| EC | ECE / EIE |
| ME | Mechanical Engineering |
| EE | Electrical Engineering |
| CE | Materials / Chemical Engineering |
| AE | Aeronautical Engineering |
| SE | Safety Engineering |
For Postgraduate Internships (Category B):
- 2nd-year M.Tech / M.Sc students.
- Must belong to one of these disciplines:
| Branch Code | Discipline |
|---|---|
| CS | Computer Science & Engineering |
| EC | Electronics & Communication |
| ME | Mechanical Engineering |
| EE | Electrical Engineering |
| PE | Power Engineering |
| PH | Physics |
| CH | Chemistry |
| VL | VLSI / Embedded Systems |
| RF | RF Engineering / Radar |
| SA | Structural Analysis |
| IR | IR Seekers |
| LA | Lasers |
| MH | Mechatronics / MEMS |
| RE | Robotics Engineering |
| SE | System Engineering |
| TE | Thermal Engineering |
Selection Process
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Minimum 75% aggregate or ≥7.5 CGPA.
- Age: Below 28 years.
- Nominations must be made by the Principal or HOD.
- Selection will be based on:
- Academic performance
- Online interview (if required)
- Document verification
- Only shortlisted candidates will be informed via email.
- Merit-based selection only – No correspondence for rejected applications.
Application Process
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Download and Fill the Application Form (Page 4,5,6,7) : https://drdo.gov.in/drdo/sites/default/files/career-vacancy-documents/AdvtRCI27062025.pdf
- Attach Supporting Documents:
- Bonafide Certificate
- Referral letter from Principal/HOD
- Aadhar Card copy
- Mark sheets (all semesters)
- Police verification certificate
- Undertakings (Official Secrets Act & IT Rules)
- Send via Speed Post:
- Clearly mention on the envelope:
_“Application for Paid Internship – Branch Code: ___” - Address to:
The Director
Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO
Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad – 500069
- Clearly mention on the envelope:
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Submit Application | 11 July 2025 |
| Intimation to Selected Candidates | 4th Week of July 2025 |
| Internship Start Date | 01 August 2025 |
Stipend Details
- Amount: ₹5,000 per month
- Condition: Must be physically present for minimum 15 working days each month.
- Payment Method: Direct bank transfer.
- Disbursement:
- 1st Installment after 3 months
- 2nd Installment after 6 months
- Note: Internships beyond 6 months (only for PG students) will be unpaid.
Accommodation & Other Facilities
- Boarding/Lodging: Not provided
- Transport/Travel: Not reimbursed
Required Documents at the Time of Joining
- Request letter from college
- Bonafide certificate
- NOC from institution
- Police verification certificate
- Undertakings (Official Secrets Act & IT Rules)
- Aadhar card (Original)
- College ID card
- Three passport-size photographs
- Previous semester mark sheets (or confirmation letter from the college)
- Bank account details
- Any other documents as informed
Completion Certificate
- Issued only after:
- Minimum 6 months duration
- Project submission and evaluation
- Adherence to attendance and conduct policies
- Students leaving midway will not receive certificate or stipend.
Important Guidelines & Conditions
- Internship will follow RCI’s internal policies and conduct rules.
- Any misconduct will result in immediate termination.
- Internship does not guarantee future employment at DRDO.
- DRDO reserves full rights to alter or withdraw the internship scheme at any stage.
Format for College Letter
Include details such as:
- Student’s name, course, ID number, contact details
- Faculty and HOD contact details
- Institution details and AICTE/DTE codes
- Assurance of student’s physical presence for at least 15 working days per month
A full sample letter is available in the official notification.