DRDO HEMRL Paid Internship 2026 – 40 Vacancies for Engineering & Science Students Apply Now

Publish Date: 24 June 2026

The High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has officially released a notification for its Paid Internship Programme 2026. A total of 40 vacancies is available across eight engineering and science disciplines for final year undergraduate and postgraduate students. The internship is based at HEMRL, Sutarwadi, Pune – 411021 and will run for a minimum period of six months starting 1st August 2026. Applications must be submitted offline via Speed Post within 10 days from the date of advertisement (19th June 2026). If you are a final year engineering or science PG student with a strong academic record, this is one of the most credible internship opportunities available in India’s defence research sector.

Students looking for research exposure in the defence sector can consider this internship opportunity. Since HEMRL is one of DRDO’s leading laboratories working on advanced materials, propellants, explosives, and defence technologies, selected interns will gain practical exposure to real-world research and development projects under experienced scientists and researchers.

About HEMRL – High Energy Materials Research Laboratory

HEMRL is one of the specialized laboratories of DRDO, functioning under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. It is located at Sutarwadi, Pune, Maharashtra, and is primarily engaged in basic and applied research in the field of high energy materials. The laboratory conducts research and development in the formulation, design, and development of propellants, high explosives, pyrotechnics, polymeric materials, liner insulators, and other advanced materials.

HEMRL’s research areas include studying the physiochemical and combustion characteristics of materials, investigation of detonation phenomena, and the development of new material systems for defence applications. An internship at HEMRL gives students direct exposure to defence-grade R&D work, which is otherwise inaccessible through standard academic programmes.

Recruitment Overview

Branch-wise Vacancy Details

HEMRL has announced 40 internship positions distributed across eight engineering and science disciplines. All positions are based at HEMRL, Sutarwadi, Pune. The monthly stipend of ₹5,000 and internship duration of six months is uniform across all branches.

The number of positions mentioned above are indicative and may increase or decrease at the absolute discretion of HEMRL management.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Candidates must be currently pursuing final year of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Engineering, or a postgraduate degree in Science (Physics or Chemistry only), from a recognized Indian university or institute on a full-time basis.

• UG Engineering students: Must be in the 7th or 8th Semester
• PG Engineering students: Must be in the final year
• PG Science students (Physics/Chemistry): Must be in the final year
• B.Sc (4-year programme) in Chemistry: Also eligible

Academic Performance

• Minimum 70% marks or 7.5 CGPA on a scale of 10 required
• A consistently good academic track record is mandatory
• The Principal or Director of the institute should provide a referral letter only for highly deserving and meritorious students

Age Limit

Other Conditions

• Applicant must be an Indian citizen
• Students who have already completed a Paid Internship at any other DRDO laboratory are not eligible

Stipend and Benefits

Stipend will not be paid if the student fails to complete a minimum of 15 working days of physical attendance per month at HEMRL. No payment will be made for a tenure of less than 03 months.

Application Fee

No application fee has been mentioned in the official notification. The application process for DRDO HEMRL Paid Internship 2026 appears to be free of charge. Candidates should verify this from the official notification before applying.

Selection Process

The selection for DRDO HEMRL Paid Internship 2026 is entirely merit-based. There is no written examination or interview. The selection procedure involves the following stages:

1. Academic Performance: Evaluation based on marks or CGPA achieved in the course
2. Achievements: Awards, professional memberships, and other academic or extracurricular accomplishments
3. Referral Letter: A letter from the Principal or Director of the college or institute, issued only for highly deserving and meritorious students
4. Merit List: Shortlisted students will be notified about joining procedures. No communication will be sent to rejected candidates.

The management reserves the right to change the vacancy positions or selection criteria at any point during the selection process without assigning any reason.

Important Dates

How to Apply – Step by Step

The application for DRDO HEMRL Paid Internship 2026 must be submitted offline via Speed Post only. Online applications are not accepted. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Download the official notification and prescribed application form from the official DRDO website at drdo.gov.in
2. Fill in the application form completely in the prescribed format. Ensure all fields including personal details, discipline, branch code, CGPA, and contact information are correctly filled
3. Obtain a Referral Letter from the Principal or Director of your college or institute on the college letterhead. This letter must confirm that you are a meritorious student and that the college has no objection to your participation in the internship
4. Attach a brief bio-data of less than 300 words highlighting your achievements, awards, and professional memberships if any
5. Attach a self-attested copy of your UG/PG marksheets showing your CGPA, and a copy of your Aadhaar Card
6. Write clearly on the top of the envelope: “Application for Paid Internship” followed by “Branch Code No. ……”
7. Send the complete application by Speed Post only to the address below. Applications sent by courier, hand delivery, or email will not be accepted:

The Director,
High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL),
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO),
Sutarwadi, Pune – 411021, Maharashtra
(Kind Attention: HRD Division)

Documents Required at the Time of Joining

If selected, candidates will be required to submit the following documents at the time of joining:

Why This Internship Is Important

An internship at a DRDO laboratory is among the most respected credentials an engineering or science student can carry. HEMRL specifically works on propellants, high explosives, and advanced materials for defence systems – areas that are entirely closed to the general public. Working here for six months gives students hands-on exposure to real defence R&D projects, access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, and direct mentorship from senior DRDO scientists. For students targeting careers in core engineering, defence research, public sector units, or even academic research, this internship adds significant weight to a resume. The completion certificate issued by DRDO/HEMRL is nationally recognized and trusted by academic institutions and employers alike.

Why Students Prefer DRDO Internships

DRDO internships are highly valued because they provide exposure to advanced research projects that are rarely available in regular academic environments. Students get an opportunity to work alongside experienced scientists, understand defence technology applications, and strengthen their technical knowledge. A DRDO internship certificate also adds credibility to a student’s profile when applying for higher studies, research positions, or engineering jobs.

Who Should Apply

This internship is most relevant for final year students from Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Chemistry disciplines, since these three branches together account for 30 out of the 40 available seats. Students from IITs, NITs, and AICTE-approved engineering colleges in Maharashtra and nearby states are geographically best positioned since the internship requires physical presence in Pune for at least 15 working days per month – which makes it difficult for students from distant states to sustain without arranging accommodation independently. Students with research publications, national-level competition awards, or professional memberships should highlight these prominently as the selection is merit-based and competitive. Freshers aiming for DRDO Scientist B or GATE-based PSU recruitment will benefit significantly from this work experience.

How to Improve Your Chances of Selection

Since selection is entirely merit-based, your CGPA carries the most weight. Make sure your marksheets clearly reflect a CGPA of 7.5 or above on a scale of 10. The referral letter from your Principal or Director is mandatory and must be genuine – HEMRL clearly states that it should be issued only to highly deserving students, so approach your institution with a strong academic profile. In your bio-data (under 300 words), prioritize quantifiable achievements: project titles, any patents filed, competition ranks, or paper presentations. Keep the language factual and direct – this is a government defence organization and straightforward professional writing is preferred over flowery language.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Sending the application by courier or ordinary post instead of Speed Post – such applications will be rejected
• Not mentioning “Application for Paid Internship” and the Branch Code clearly on the envelope
• Applying with a CGPA below 7.5 or marks below 70% – eligibility will be checked strictly
• Submitting an incomplete application form or missing the referral letter from your Principal/Director
• Applying after the last date – late applications are not entertained and no communication will follow
• Students who have previously completed a paid internship in any other DRDO laboratory applying again – they are not eligible
• Writing a bio-data longer than 300 words – the notification specifically states a brief bio-data under 300 words

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is the last date to apply for DRDO HEMRL Paid Internship 2026?
The last date to apply is within 10 days from the date of advertisement (19th June 2026), which means applications must reach HEMRL on or before 29th June 2026 via Speed Post.

Q2. How many vacancies are available in DRDO HEMRL Paid Internship 2026?
A total of 40 vacancies are available across eight disciplines – Aerospace Engineering (2), Chemical Engineering (10), Mechanical Engineering (10), Chemistry (10), Physics (2), Electrical Engineering (2), ECE (2), and Computer Engineering (2).

Q3. What is the stipend for this internship?
Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 per month for the six-month duration, paid in two installments. The first installment is paid after completion of three months of training.

Q4. Is boarding or lodging provided during the internship?
No. Boarding and lodging expenses are not admissible. However, selected candidates can access lunch, tea, and snacks at subsidised rates at the HEMRL canteen.

Q5. What is the minimum academic qualification required?
Candidates must be pursuing the final year of UG/PG Engineering or PG Science (Physics/Chemistry only) with a minimum of 70% marks or 7.5 CGPA on a scale of 10 from a recognized Indian university or institute.

Q6. Will I get a job at DRDO after completing this internship?
No. HEMRL/DRDO has no obligation to offer employment after the internship, and an intern cannot claim any right to employment based on the completion of this programme. It is a learning and exposure opportunity, not a recruitment process.

Q7. Can I apply if I already completed an internship at another DRDO lab?
No. Students who have already completed a Paid Internship at any other DRDO laboratory are not eligible for this internship.

Q8. When will the internship start?
The internship is scheduled to begin on 1st August 2026. Selected students will be notified about joining procedures by 15th July 2026.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on the official notification published by High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India (drdo.gov.in). AssamJobUpdate.com is not affiliated with DRDO, HEMRL, or the Ministry of Defence. All details including vacancy numbers, eligibility conditions, stipend, and important dates are subject to change as per the discretion of HEMRL management. Candidates are strongly advised to verify all information directly from the official notification before applying. Do not pay money to any individual or agency claiming to facilitate selection or joining for this internship.

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