DRDO CHESS Paid Internship Recruitment 2026

DRDO is offering 20 Paid Internships at the Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad. If you are a final-year UG or PG student in Engineering or Science with at least 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA, you can apply by post. The last date to send your application is 11 May 2026. The monthly stipend is Rs. 5,000 per month for a 6-month internship.

DRDO CHESS Paid Internship Recruitment 2026 - 20 Posts

The Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad, a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Ministry of Defence, has invited applications from final-year meritorious students for paid internships. CHESS works in the field of Laser, Optics, Opto-Electronics and Opto-Mechanics. Only Indian citizens in the final year of their course can apply across 5 disciplines including Physics, Mechanical, Electronics, Computer Science, and Chemical Engineering.

Vacancy Breakdown by Discipline

• Physics / Applied Optics (PH): 5 posts
• Mechanical Engineering (ME): 5 posts
• Electronics / Instrumentation / Electrical / ECE (EE): 5 posts
• Computer Science (CS): 3 posts
• Chemical Engineering (CE): 2 posts

Note: The number of positions is indicative and may increase or decrease at the discretion of CHESS.

Who Can Apply?

• Citizenship: You must be an Indian citizen.
• Qualification: You must be pursuing a Graduate or Postgraduate course in Engineering or Science (full-time) from a recognised Indian University or Institute.
• Stage of Course: Only final-year students are eligible (VII/VIII semester B.Tech or 2nd year PG).
• Academic Track Record: You need 75% marks or above, OR CGPA of 7.5 or above on a scale of 10.
• College/University: Must be approved by AICTE/UGC.
• Referral Letter: A request or referral letter from your Principal / Director / HOD is mandatory.

Age Limit

• Maximum age: Below 28 years
• No specific age relaxation mentioned in the notification

Stipend

• Monthly stipend: Rs. 5,000 per month
• Total stipend: Rs. 30,000 for the full 6-month internship
• Paid in two instalments — Rs. 15,000 after 3 months and Rs. 15,000 after completing 6 months
• Stipend is subject to a minimum attendance of 15 days per month
• Lodging, boarding, transport, and medical expenses must be borne by the intern
• Only candidates who complete the full 6-month duration are eligible for the stipend

Selection Process

Selection is based purely on academic merit:

1. Merit Screening: Applications are screened based on academic marks (75%+ or CGPA 7.5+) and the institution's referral letter
2. Document Verification: Selected candidates must submit original documents at the time of joining including NOC, police verification, mark sheets, and Aadhaar
3. Indemnity Bond: Shortlisted candidates will be informed about the joining procedures and indemnity bond requirements

Selection is entirely on merit basis. No communication will be sent to rejected candidates.

How to Apply

1. Download the application form from the DRDO Careers page at drdo.gov.in/drdo/careers.
2. Fill in all the columns of the prescribed application format properly.
3. Attach the mandatory referral letter from your Principal / HOD on college letterhead.
4. Enclose UG/PG mark sheets reflecting CGPA or percentage, Aadhaar card copy, and college ID copy.
5. Send the duly filled application by Speed Post only.
6. Mention "Application for Paid Internship" and your Branch Code (PH/ME/EE/CS/CE) on top of the envelope.
7. Address the envelope to: Director, Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), DRDO, RCI Campus, PO: Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad-500069.
8. Application must reach by 11 May 2026.

Incomplete or erroneous applications and applications received after the due date will be rejected.

Important Dates

• Application Start Date: 27 April 2026
• Last Date for Receipt of Application: 11 May 2026
• Intimation to Selected Students: 20 May 2026
• Date of Start for Internship Training: 03 June 2026

• Work on assigned research projects in Laser, Optics, Opto-Electronics or Opto-Mechanics
• Assist scientists and engineers in design, simulation, and testing activities
• Prepare technical reports, project documentation, and presentations
• Follow safety protocols and security guidelines applicable to defence establishments
• Maintain a minimum attendance of 15 working days per month at CHESS Hyderabad
• Adhere to the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923 and Ministry of Defence IT rules
• Submit a final internship report and complete the full 6-month tenure