DRDO NSTL Internship 2026 brings an outstanding opportunity for dedicated engineering and science students looking to gain practical, hands-on experience with one of India’s premier defence establishments. The Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), a vital wing of the Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) located in Visakhapatnam, is actively inviting applications from brilliant young minds for a specialized 6-month paid internship program focusing on underwater technologies. Whether you are currently navigating your final year of a B.E./B.Tech degree or completing the second year of your M.Sc program, this initiative is crafted to provide you with invaluable industry exposure, a monthly stipend, and a prestigious platform to kickstart your professional journey in defence research. By participating, candidates will not only refine their technical skills but also contribute meaningfully to projects serving the Indian Navy, making this an unmissable chance for aspiring engineers and scientists nationwide.
No specific age relaxation mentioned in the official advertisement
DRDO NSTL Internship 2026 Vacancy Details
Detail
Official Information
Total Posts
35 Vacancies
Post Name
Paid Intern (Engineering & Science Disciplines)
Advertisement No.
NSTL/HRD/INT/2026/2
DRDO NSTL Internship 2026 Eligibility Details
Qualification Type
Eligibility Criteria
B.E. / B.Tech Students
Must be in the final year of their engineering degree in relevant disciplines (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, ECE, E&I, Naval Architecture, CS/IT). Must have a minimum CGPA of 7.5 in all previous semesters.
M.Sc Students
Must be in the 2nd year (3rd or 4th Semester) of their post-graduate degree in Physics or Chemistry. Should have a minimum of 75% marks in the 1st year exams.
Institution Requirement
Must be enrolled in a full-time course from an AICTE/UGC approved College/University. Equivalent qualifications will not be considered.
Category-Wise Vacancy Details
Category
Vacancy Count
General / Unreserved
Not specified (Selection is purely on a merit basis across all categories)
OBC / SC / ST / EWS
Not specified (Refer to discipline-wise vacancies)
Note: The official notification does not divide the 35 vacancies by caste/reservation category, but rather by academic disciplines (e.g., CS: 08, ME: 05, etc.).
State-Wise Vacancy Details
State / Region
Eligibility & Location Details
Eligible States
All India Candidates are eligible to apply (Must be an Indian National).
Job/Internship Location
All selected interns will be posted at NSTL, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Important Documents Required
Document Type
Details
Application Form
Scanned copy of the duly filled prescribed application form.
Academic Records
Copy of the mark sheets of the last semesters/year reflecting CGPA/Percentage.
Identity Proof
Clear copy of the Aadhar card.
College Reference
Reference / Request letter from the college Principal/HOD on institutional letterhead.
Bio-Data
A brief Bio-data (under 300 words) highlighting personal achievements.
DRDO NSTL Internship 2026 Syllabus Overview
Subject / Topic
Details
Syllabus
There is no written examination syllabus specified. The selection relies heavily on your academic background, core engineering/science fundamentals of your respective discipline, and practical knowledge.
Interview Focus
Technical concepts related to underwater technologies, academic projects, and general engineering/science aptitude.
Exam Pattern
Stage
Description
Written Exam
No written exam will be conducted.
Interaction / Interview
Online or offline interview/interaction will be conducted if required by the selection committee.
Evaluation Base
Entirely based on academic merit (CGPA/Percentage) and the subsequent interview.
Selection Process
Stage
Process Details
Stage 1: Shortlisting
Initial screening of applications based on minimum CGPA (7.5 for B.Tech) and marks (75% for M.Sc) and correct documentation.
Stage 2: Merit & Interview
Selection of students will be made strictly on a merit basis and an online/offline interview or interaction as deemed necessary.
Stage 3: Document Verification
Final selected candidates must present original mark sheets, NOC, Aadhar, and college ID at the time of joining.
DRDO NSTL Internship 2026 Salary Details
Installment
Stipend Amount
Conditions
Monthly Rate
Rs. 5,000/- per month
Candidate must be present for a minimum of 15 working days per month.
First Installment
Rs. 15,000/- (Approx)
Paid directly to the bank account after the successful completion of the first 03 months of the internship.
Second Installment
Rs. 15,000/- (Approx)
Paid directly to the bank account after the successful completion of the full 06 months of the internship.
How to Apply
Step
Action Required
Step 1
Download and print the official application form and the reference letter format attached to the notification.
Step 2
Fill out the application form carefully with accurate personal, educational, and contact details. Affix a recent passport-size photograph.
Step 3
Obtain the Reference/Request letter signed and stamped by your College Principal or HOD on the official college letterhead.
Step 4
Write a brief Bio-data (less than 300 words) highlighting your academic and professional achievements.
Step 5
Scan all required documents (Filled Form, Marksheets, Aadhar, Bio-data, and College Reference Letter) into clear digital formats.
Step 6
Draft an email with the exact subject line: ‘Application for paid internship with branch code [Your Code] for which the candidate is applying’.
Step 7
Attach all scanned documents and send the email to [email protected] before 23rd March 2026, 17:00 Hrs. Do not send any hard copies.
What is the eligibility for the DRDO NSTL Internship 2026?
Final-year B.E./B.Tech students with a minimum 7.5 CGPA and 2nd-year M.Sc (Physics/Chemistry) students with 75% marks from AICTE/UGC-approved colleges are eligible to apply.
How can I apply for the DRDO NSTL 6-month paid internship?
Eligible candidates must email their scanned application form, college reference letter, Aadhar card, and bio-data to [email protected] before the deadline of 23rd March 2026.
What is the monthly stipend for DRDO NSTL interns?
Selected interns receive a stipend of Rs. 5,000 per month, totaling Rs. 30,000 for the 6-month duration, provided they maintain a minimum of 15 working days per month.
Is there an application fee for the DRDO NSTL Internship?
No, there is no application fee for any category (General, OBC, SC, ST, or EWS) to apply for this internship program at Visakhapatnam.
What is the age limit for the DRDO NSTL Internship 2026?
Candidates must be below 25 years of age as of 1st May 2026 to be eligible for the paid internship program at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory.
What is the selection process for this DRDO internship?
Selection is based on academic merit (CGPA/Percentage) followed by a technical interview or interaction focusing on core engineering and science fundamentals.
When will the DRDO NSTL Internship 2026 start?
The 6-month internship is scheduled to begin on 1st May 2026, with selected candidates being notified by the second week of April 2026.
