CHESS DRDO Internship 2026: 20 UG/PG Posts, Apply by May 11

The Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), a premier Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) facility in Hyderabad, has announced an exciting opportunity for final year UG/PG Engineering and Science students. CHESS DRDO is inviting applications for 20 paid internship positions across various disciplines, offering a valuable chance to gain practical exposure in defence-related applications. Eligible and meritorious Indian citizens can apply in the prescribed format by 11th May, 2026.

Quick Overview

Vacancy Details

CHESS DRDO is recruiting for 20 paid internship positions across the following engineering and science disciplines:

Note: The number of positions mentioned above are indicative and may increase or decrease at the absolute discretion of the establishment.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• Candidates must be pursuing Graduate / Post Graduate in Engineering / Science.
• The course must be a full-time course from a recognized Indian University / Institute.
• Only final year students are eligible to apply.
• Applicants should have a good academic track record with 75% & above marks or ≥ 7.5 CGPA on a scale of 10 (copy to be enclosed) from AICTE/UGC approved College/Universities.

Age Limit

Note: Age relaxation details are not mentioned in the official notification.

Experience

No prior experience is required as this is an internship program for students.

Application Fee

The official notification does not specify any application fee for the CHESS DRDO Paid Internship 2026. Candidates are advised to refer to the application form or official website for any updates regarding fees, if applicable.

Important Dates

Selection Process

The selection for the CHESS DRDO Paid Internship will be based entirely on merit. Here’s an overview of the process:

1. Academic Merit: Candidates must have a strong academic record, with 75% marks or above, or a minimum CGPA of 7.5 on a 10-point scale from an AICTE/UGC approved institution.
2. Referral Letter: A request/referral letter from the Principal/Director of the institution, specifically for highly deserving meritorious students, is mandatory.
3. Shortlisting: Based on academic performance and the referral letter, eligible students will be shortlisted.
4. Notification: Only shortlisted students will be notified about the joining procedures and requirements, including an indemnity bond.
5. Final Selection: The management reserves the right to change vacancy positions or selection criteria at any point without assigning any reason.

How to Apply

Candidates interested in the CHESS DRDO Paid Internship 2026 must apply offline via Speed Post. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Download Application Form: Visit the official DRDO careers website: www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/careers to download the prescribed application format.
2. Fill the Form: Complete the application form with all required personal, academic, and contact details. Ensure all information is accurate.
3. Attach Enclosures: Gather all necessary documents as per the application format. These typically include:
   • Referral Letter issued by Principal/HOD (UG/PG)
   • UG/PG Marksheet Reflecting CGPA/Percentage (with 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA)
   • Copy of latest Aadhar Card
   • Copy of College Identity Card
   • Affix a latest passport-size photograph on the application form.
4. Prepare the Envelope: On the top of the envelope, clearly mention “Application for Paid Internship”.
5. Mention Branch Code: Also, clearly mention the “Branch Code” (e.g., PH, ME, EE, CS, CE) on the envelope for ease of segregation.
6. Send by Speed Post: Duly filled applications along with all enclosures must be sent by Speed Post to the address mentioned below. Ensure it reaches by the last date.
7. Application Address:

   DIRECTOR,
   CENTER FOR HIGH ENERGY SYSTEMS & SCIENCES (CHESS),
   DRDO, RCI CAMPUS,
   PO: VIGNYANA KANCHA,
   HYDERABAD-500069

8. Keep a Copy: It is advisable to keep a copy of the filled application form and the Speed Post receipt for future reference.

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

Important Links

Job Profile & Career Scope

This paid internship at CHESS DRDO offers a unique opportunity for final year UG/PG Engineering and Science students to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge defence research. Interns will work on projects related to Laser, Optics, Opto-Electronics, and Opto-Mechanics. This exposure is invaluable for students aiming for careers in research and development, particularly in government organizations like DRDO, ISRO, or other public sector undertakings.

Typical Duties of an Intern:

• Assisting senior scientists/engineers in ongoing research projects.
• Conducting experiments, data collection, and analysis.
• Learning about advanced technologies and methodologies in respective fields.
• Contributing to project documentation and report writing.
• Participating in workshops and technical discussions.

Career Growth & Future Prospects:

A DRDO internship is highly prestigious and adds significant value to a student’s resume. It can open doors to:

• Direct recruitment opportunities in DRDO as Scientists ‘B’ or other technical positions (if eligibility criteria met).
• Research positions in other government R&D labs or academic institutions.
• Enhanced employability in top private sector companies in defence, aerospace, and high-tech industries.
• A strong foundation for pursuing higher studies (M.Tech/Ph.D.) with specialized knowledge.

Preparation Tips

While this is an internship and not a competitive exam in the traditional sense, preparation for the application and potential interview is crucial:

For Application & Shortlisting:

• Maintain Strong Academics: As selection is merit-based, consistently high academic scores (75% or 7.5 CGPA) are paramount.
• Build a Strong Profile: Engage in relevant academic projects, workshops, and seminars to demonstrate your interest and aptitude in your chosen discipline.
• Secure a Good Referral: Your Principal/Director’s referral letter plays a significant role. Ensure you have a good rapport and have demonstrated your merit to them.
• Tailor your Application: Clearly highlight your skills, academic achievements, and reasons for pursuing an internship at CHESS DRDO in your application.

General Preparation for Technical Interviews (if any):

While the PDF mentions ‘shortlisted students will be notified about joining procedures’, it’s wise to be prepared for a potential interaction.

• Brush up on Core Concepts: Review fundamental concepts of your engineering/science discipline.
• Project Knowledge: Be ready to discuss your academic projects in detail, especially those relevant to CHESS’s work areas (Laser, Optics, Electronics, etc.).
• Research CHESS: Understand the work and mission of CHESS DRDO. This shows genuine interest.
• Communication Skills: Practice clear and concise communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who is eligible to apply for the CHESS DRDO Internship 2026?

A: Final year UG/PG Engineering/Science students from AICTE/UGC approved institutions with a minimum of 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA are eligible. Indian citizens below 28 years of age can apply.

Q2: What is the last date to apply for the internship?

A: The last date for receipt of the application by Speed Post is 11th May, 2026.

Q3: How much stipend will be provided during the internship?

A: A monthly stipend of Rs. 5,000/- will be provided. The total stipend of Rs. 30,000 for 6 months will be disbursed in two installments: Rs. 15,000 after 3 months and Rs. 15,000 after 6 months, subject to attendance.

Q4: What is the duration of the internship?

A: The internship duration is 06 months.

Q5: Is there an application fee for this internship?

A: The official notification does not mention any application fee. Candidates should download the application form from the official website for complete details.

Q6: How will candidates be selected for the internship?

A: Selection is based entirely on academic merit (75% marks or 7.5 CGPA) and a mandatory referral letter from the Principal/Director of the institution for meritorious students. Shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Q7: What documents are required at the time of joining?

A: At the time of joining, selected students must submit an NOC from college, police verification acknowledgement, undertakings (Official Secrets Act, IT Rules), bank details, Aadhar card, college ID, 3 passport-size photos, and original previous semester marksheets for verification.

Q8: Can students from any year apply?

A: No, only final year Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) students are eligible to apply for this internship.

Q9: Where can I download the application form?

A: The prescribed application format can be downloaded from the DRDO careers website: www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/careers.

Q10: What if my application is incomplete or late?

A: Incomplete or erroneous applications, or those received after the due date, will be summarily rejected, and no further communication will be entertained.