DRDO Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) invites applications for a 6-month paid internship in 2026. Stipend ₹5,000/month. Apply by 23 March 2026.
The DRDO NSTL Internship 2026 is a rare, fully paid internship at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory — one of India's foremost defence research establishments under DRDO. Located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, NSTL is dedicated to the design and development of underwater weapon systems for the Indian Navy. The laboratory is inviting applications from B.E/B.Tech, M.Sc, and Diploma engineering students for a 6-month paid internship beginning 01 May 2026. The last date to apply is 23 March 2026 by 5:00 PM. With a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 and direct exposure to live defence projects, this internship is a career-defining experience for any technical student.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Technical / Research / Diploma Intern |
| Organisation | DRDO – Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam |
| Internship Duration | 6 Months (01 May 2026 onwards) |
| Monthly Stipend | ₹5,000/- |
| Application Start | 20 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 23 March 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Shortlisting Date | 10 April 2026 |
| Eligibility | B.E/B.Tech / M.Sc / Diploma in relevant technical disciplines |
| Application Fee | NIL – No Fee |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Released | 15/02/2026 |
| Application Window Opens | 20/02/2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 23/03/2026 (by 5:00 PM) |
| Shortlisting Announcement | 10/04/2026 |
| Internship Commencement | 01/05/2026 |
| Internship Concludes | 31/10/2026 (approx.) |
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹0/- (No Fee) |
| SC / ST / PH | ₹0/- (No Fee) |
| All Female Candidates | ₹0/- (No Fee) |
DRDO NSTL does not charge any application fee for its internship program. Do not pay money to any third-party website claiming to process DRDO applications — the official process is entirely free.
Candidates applying for DRDO NSTL Internship 2026 must be between 18 and 28 years of age as on the last date of application (23 March 2026).
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 Years |
| PwD (Govt. of India rules) | Up to 10 Years |
| Intern Type | Eligible Branches | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Intern | Mechanical, Electronics, Computer Science, Electrical | B.E / B.Tech with minimum 60% marks (final year / recently completed within 1 year) |
| Research Intern | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Environmental Science | M.Sc in relevant subject with strong academic record |
| Diploma Intern | Electrical, Instrumentation, Electronics | Diploma in Engineering from a recognized polytechnic |
Priority is given to students with a background in underwater acoustics, signal processing, structural mechanics, naval architecture, or propulsion systems — the core research areas at NSTL. Students must be either in their final year or must have completed their degree within the last 12 months. All internship placements are subject to successful security clearance from the Indian Navy and DRDO.
DRDO NSTL follows a straightforward two-stage selection process. Applications received before the deadline are screened based on academic performance and relevance of the engineering/science background to NSTL's ongoing research projects. Shortlisted candidates are announced on 10 April 2026 on the official DRDO website. Selected candidates may be required to appear for a brief technical interaction (in-person or virtual) before the final offer is made. Security verification is mandatory and could extend the joining timeline for some candidates.
Application for Internship 2026 – [Your Name] – [Branch]Interns at DRDO NSTL receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 for the 6-month duration. Beyond the stipend, the real return is the invaluable DRDO internship certificate — a credential that significantly elevates your profile for GATE/UPSC/PSU applications and campus placements. Interns work alongside senior scientists on live defence R&D projects, gaining practical exposure that no academic lab can replicate. Housing may be arranged at nominal charges within the campus depending on availability.
Q: What is the monthly stipend for DRDO NSTL Internship 2026?
A: The stipend is ₹5,000 per month for the entire 6-month duration of the internship.
Q: Can final year B.Tech students apply?
A: Yes. Final year students who will complete their degree before the internship start date (01 May 2026) are eligible to apply.
Q: Is there any application fee for DRDO NSTL?
A: No. There is absolutely no application fee. The entire process is free.
Q: Where exactly is the internship located?
A: The internship is at NSTL, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Candidates must be prepared to relocate for the duration.
Q: What is the last date to apply?
A: 23 March 2026 by 5:00 PM. Late applications will not be entertained under any circumstance.
Explore other central government technical opportunities at our DRDO Recruitment 2026 hub. If you're a GATE aspirant, check our PSU Jobs Through GATE 2026 page. Also bookmark Defence Engineering Jobs 2026 for ongoing and upcoming openings across DRDO, ISRO, and BARC.
A DRDO internship is not just a line on your resume — it is a window into India's most sophisticated scientific infrastructure. Apply before 23 March, send a compelling SOP, and take your first step into the world of defence technology!
DRDO CEPTAM 10 Answer Key 2026 for the 23 March 2nd and 3rd shifts is now available. Candidates can check their responses and raise objections online through the official portal.
UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) has announced 40 vacancies for Assistant Environmental Engineer (AEE) and Assistant Scientific Officer (ASO) for 2026. Eligible candidates can apply online starting February 15, 2026.
DRDO CEPTAM 11 Answer Key 2026 for the STA-B Tier 1 exam is now available. Candidates who appeared for the exam on 23 March 2026 can check their response sheets and raise objections using the direct link provided below.
Currency Note Press (CNP), Nashik has announced 534 vacancies for various posts including Junior Technician, Supervisor, and Welfare Officer. Apply online from 20 April 2026.
DRDO CEPTAM 10 Answer Key 2026 for the 23 March 2nd and 3rd shifts is now available. Candidates can check their responses and raise objections online through the official portal.
DRDO CEPTAM 11 Answer Key 2026 for the STA-B Tier 1 exam is now available. Candidates who appeared for the exam on 23 March 2026 can check their response sheets and raise objections using the direct link provided below.
This guide is highly recommended for complete syllabus coverage.
