CAIR DRDO Internship 2026: 11 Posts for Engineers, Apply by Email

The Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), a premier laboratory under the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, has released an advertisement for a 6-month paid internship program. This is an excellent opportunity for bright and young B.E./B.Tech (final year) students to work on research areas of national importance in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Command and Control, Information, and Communication Security. A total of 11 internship positions are available across various engineering disciplines.

Quick Overview

Vacancy Details

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• Candidates must be pursuing B.E./B.Tech. (Final Year) in the relevant disciplines.
• Applicants should have a First Division in their ongoing B.E./B.Tech. program.
• For Computer Science/Computer Engineering/Information Technology/AI-ML: B.E./B.Tech. (Final Year) in Computer Science/Information Technology/Information Science/AI-ML/Equivalent Subjects (Ongoing) with First Division.
• For Electronics & Communication/Electronics Engineering/Electrical and Electronics Engineering: B.E./B.Tech. (Final Year) in Electronics & Communication/Equivalent Subjects (Ongoing) with First Division.

Age Limit

Age limit details are not mentioned in the official notification.

Experience

No prior experience is explicitly required as this program is for final year B.E./B.Tech students.

Application Fee

Application fee details are not specified in the official notification.

Important Dates

Stipend & Duration

• Stipend: Interns will receive a fixed stipend of Rs. 5,000/- per month.
• Payment Schedule: The total stipend for the 6-month period will be paid in two equal installments of Rs. 15,000/- each. The first installment will be disbursed after the completion of 3 months, and the second after the completion of 6 months of the internship.
• Duration: The internship is for a period of 6 months. Extension requests may be considered, but stipend will not be granted beyond 6 months.

Selection Process

1. Weighted Scoring: Selection will primarily be based on a weighted scoring system of academic percentages:
   • 10% weightage for 10th (Physics & Maths) marks.
   • 15% weightage for 12th (Physics & Maths)/Diploma Final Semester marks.
   • 75% weightage for the successful semesters completed in B.Tech/B.E.
2. Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted based on their academic scores.
3. Interview: Interviews will be conducted if deemed necessary for the shortlisted candidates.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible candidates must apply by emailing their duly filled application form along with scanned copies of required documents. Follow these steps:

1. Download Application Form: Download the application form (in *.docx format) which is published along with this advertisement. (The direct download link for the form is not explicitly provided in the PDF, candidates are advised to check the official DRDO CAIR website for the downloadable form).
2. Fill the Form: Complete all sections of the application form accurately.
3. Prepare Documents: Gather scanned copies of all required documents (listed below).
4. Email Application: Send the duly filled application form (as a *.docx file, not scanned PDF) along with the scanned copies of supporting documents to the email address: ad-hrt.cair@gov.in.
5. Subject Line: The email subject line must be: “Application for Internship Feb 2026”.
6. File Naming Convention: The *.docx application file name should be your full name in small letters followed by your year of birth (yyyy), without any spaces. For example: rahulkumar1988.docx.
7. Deadline: Ensure your application reaches the email address within 15 days from the date of publication of this advertisement. Applications received after the due date will be summarily rejected.
8. Important Note: Do not send a scanned copy or PDF of the application form; only the original *.docx file is acceptable.

Required Documents

Scanned copies of the following documents (if applicable) are required to be attached in the email along with the application form:

• 10th Mark Sheet
• 12th Mark Sheet
• Diploma Mark Sheet (if applicable)
• Semester Mark Sheets of all the completed semesters
• Character Certificate
• LOR (Letter of Recommendation) from college head with CGPA/SGPA conversion to percentage formula
• CV (Curriculum Vitae)
• College ID Card
• Aadhar Card

Note: All original documents and mark sheets must be produced at the time of joining. Selected candidates will also need to submit a valid Police Verification Certificate at the time of joining.

Important Links

Job Profile & Career Scope

An internship at CAIR DRDO offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research and development within the defense sector. Interns will work on projects related to Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Command & Control, and Information & Communication Security, contributing to mission-critical products for battlefield secure communication. This exposure is invaluable for students aiming for careers in defense R&D, advanced technology, or higher studies in these specialized fields. It provides a strong foundation and networking opportunities within India’s premier defense research organization.

Preparation Tips

Given the selection process relies heavily on academic performance, focus on maintaining a strong academic record. Ensure your 10th, 12th, and B.Tech/B.E. semester percentages are high. If an interview is conducted:

• Brush up on Fundamentals: Be strong in the core concepts of your engineering discipline (CS/IT, AI/ML, EC/EE).
• Research CAIR DRDO: Understand the work and research areas of CAIR to demonstrate genuine interest.
• Project Discussion: Be prepared to discuss any academic projects, internships, or relevant coursework you have undertaken.
• Communication Skills: Practice clear and concise communication, as technical interviews often assess your ability to explain complex ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is this a paid internship?

Yes, this is a paid internship with a fixed stipend of Rs. 5,000/- per month.

Q2: Can I apply if I am not in my final year of B.E./B.Tech?

The notification specifically states that applications are invited from students pursuing B.E./B.Tech (final year). Therefore, only final year students are eligible.

Q3: What documents are most crucial for the application?

All mentioned documents are crucial. Ensure you have your mark sheets, character certificate, LOR, CV, College ID, and Aadhar Card ready in scanned format. The LOR with CGPA/SGPA conversion is particularly important for academic evaluation.

Q4: What if I miss the last date for application?

Applications received after the specified deadline will be summarily rejected, and no communication will be sent regarding incomplete or late applications.

Q5: Does this internship guarantee a job at DRDO?

No, the notification explicitly states that the completion of the internship does not guarantee employment at DRDO. It is purely temporary and does not confer any right for absorption.

Q6: How will the stipend be paid?

The stipend will be paid through electronic transfer in two equal installments: Rs. 15,000/- after 3 months and Rs. 15,000/- after 6 months of the internship.

Q7: Can I extend my internship beyond 6 months?

Candidates may request an extension up to an overall limit of six months. However, there is no provision for grant of stipend beyond the initial 6 months in the Paid Internship scheme.

Q8: What kind of work environment can I expect at CAIR DRDO?

Interns will work in a research-intensive environment, contributing to projects in cutting-edge technologies like AI, Robotics, and Cyber Security. Adherence to DRDO’s security rules and regulations, including the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923, is mandatory.