DRDO CHESS Paid Internship 2026: Apply Now for 20 Engineer/Science Posts

The Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), has announced a Paid Internship 2026 program. This opportunity is specifically for final year meritorious students pursuing UG/PG in Engineering or Science disciplines. Selected candidates will work on high-end projects in Lasers, Optics, and Opto-Electronics at the Hyderabad campus.

DRDO CHESS Recruitment 2026 Overview

DRDO CHESS Paid Internship Notification 2026 Summary
DRDO CHESS Paid Internship for UG/PG Students 2026 Advertisement No.:- CHESS/HRD/PDINTERN/2026/01
Recruitment AuthorityCentre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), DRDO
Post NamePaid Internship (Engineering/Science)
Total Vacancies20 Posts
Job LocationCHESS, Hyderabad (Telangana)
Start Date to Apply27 April 2026
Last Date to Apply11 May 2026
QualificationFinal Year B.E/B.Tech/M.E/M.Tech/M.Sc
Age LimitBelow 28 Years
Selection ProcessMerit Based (Academic Performance)
SalaryRs. 5,000 Per Month (Total Rs. 30,000)
Application Fees General / OBC / EWS: NIL
SC / ST / PWD: NIL
No fee is applicable for this internship.
Application ModeOffline via Speed Post
Official NotificationDownload PDF
Official Websitedrdo.gov.in
👉 View Careers Page

Important Date

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

Age Limit

  • Minimum Age: Not Specified
  • Maximum Age: 28 Years
  • Age Relaxation:
    • As per DRDO and Government of India Norms for reserved categories.
  • Note: Kindly Read Full Official Notification Before Apply.

Application Fees

  • For All Categories: No Fee/-

Qualification

  • Physics / Applied Optics: Pursuing Final Year Post Graduate/Science Students in relevant field.
  • Mechanical Engineering: Pursuing Final Year B.E/B.Tech/M.E/M.Tech.
  • Electronics / EE / ECE: Pursuing Final Year B.E/B.Tech/M.E/M.Tech in Electronics, Instrumentation, Electrical, or Communication Engineering.
  • Computer Science: Pursuing Final Year B.E/B.Tech/M.E/M.Tech in CS.
  • Chemical Engineering: Pursuing Final Year B.E/B.Tech in Chemical Engineering.

Full Eligibility

Candidates must be Indian Citizens and should have a stellar academic record with at least 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA in their current degree program from UGC/AICTE recognized institutions.

Eligibility Criteria for DRDO CHESS Internship
Criteria Requirement Details
Academic Percentage Minimum 75% or 7.5 CGPA on a 10-point scale
Current Status Must be a Final Year student (UG or PG)
Referral Mandatory Referral letter from Principal/Director of the Institute
Attendance Must maintain minimum 15 days attendance per month

Salary (Stipend) Structure

Selected interns will receive a fixed monthly stipend based on their attendance and successful completion of the 6-month internship tenure at CHESS Hyderabad.

Stipend Details for Paid Internship
Duration Stipend Amount Payment Schedule
Total Duration (6 Months) Rs. 30,000 (Total) Paid in two installments
First Installment Rs. 15,000 After completion of 03 months
Second Installment Rs. 15,000 After completion of 06 months
  • Interns are eligible for stipend only if they complete the full 6 months.
  • A minimum of 15 days attendance per month is mandatory.
  • Lodging, boarding, and transport expenses must be borne by the student.

Selection Process

The selection is strictly merit-based, evaluating the academic performance and the suitability of the applicant's profile for defence research projects.

  • Academic Merit: Screening based on CGPA/Percentage (Min 7.5/75%).
  • Document Verification: Review of referral letters and academic records.
  • Final List: Notification to selected candidates via email/website.
  • Indemnity Bond: Submission of necessary undertakings and police verification.

Post / Category Wise Vacancy

There are a total of 20 vacancies distributed across various engineering and science branches for the 2026 internship batch.

Vacancy Breakdown by Discipline
Branch Code Branch / Discipline Number of Vacancies
PH Physics / Applied Optics 05
ME Mechanical Engineering 05
EE Electronics / Instrumentation / Electrical / ECE 05
CS Computer Science 03
CE Chemical Engineering 02
Total Vacancies 20

Job Profile & Responsibility

Interns at CHESS will assist scientists in high-priority defense projects. The role involves R&D in advanced technologies like high-power lasers and opto-mechanical systems.

  • Engagement in Design and Development of optical and mechanical components.
  • Assisting in experimental setups for high-energy system testing.
  • Learning about Official Secrets Act and maintaining data confidentiality in defense research.
  • Mandatory physical presence for at least 15 working days a month at the RCI Campus.

How To Apply

The application process is Offline. Candidates must send their duly filled application forms along with required documents to the CHESS Director by the deadline.

  • Download the prescribed application format from the DRDO website.
  • Fill in the details and affix a latest passport size photograph.
  • Attach the Referral Letter from your College Principal/HOD.
  • Include marksheet copies (CGPA proof) and Aadhar Card copy.
  • Mention "Application for Paid Internship" and your "Branch Code" on the envelope.
  • Send it via Speed Post to: DIRECTOR, CHESS, DRDO, RCI CAMPUS, PO: VIGNYANA KANCHA, HYDERABAD-500069.

Important Links


FAQs

What is the last date to apply for DRDO CHESS Internship 2026?

The last date for receipt of the offline application at CHESS, Hyderabad is 11 May 2026.

Is there any application fee for this DRDO internship?

No, there is no application fee for any candidate applying for this internship.

What is the total stipend offered?

Interns will receive a total of Rs. 30,000, paid in two installments of Rs. 15,000 each after 3 and 6 months respectively.

Who is eligible for this paid internship?

Final year students pursuing UG or PG in Physics, Mechanical, CS, Chemical, or Electronics Engineering with at least 75% marks are eligible.

Can I apply online for this position?

No, the application must be sent offline via Speed Post only in the prescribed format provided by DRDO.

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