DRDO-NPOL Paid Internship 2026: Eligibility, Stipend, Lab & How to Apply

DRDO-NPOL Paid Internship 2026: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi, has invited applications for the DRDO-NPOL Paid Internship 2026 from final-year Engineering and Science students. Candidates selected for the program will gain hands-on experience in live research projects, advanced engineering systems, scientific innovation, and technology development while working in one of DRDO's premier naval research laboratories.

DRDO-NPOL Paid Internship 2026

The DRDO NPOL Paid Internship 2026 has attracted significant interest among Engineering and Science students because of its research-oriented work environment, merit-based selection process, and stipend support of ₹30,000 for the complete six-month internship duration. Students pursuing Engineering and Science disciplines such as Computer Science, AI & Machine Learning, Data Science, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Ocean Science, and Polymer Technology can apply and gain practical research experience in one of DRDO's premier naval research laboratories.

Applications for the DRDO-NPOL Paid Internship 2026 are currently open and interested candidates can submit their applications through Email, Google Form, or Speed Post on or before 15th June 2026. Under this internship program, the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi, aims to fill 35 paid internship vacancies across various Engineering and Science disciplines. Eligible students must send the prescribed application form along with the required documents to hrd.npol@gov.in and also submit their details through the official Google Form provided in the notification.

DRDO-NPOL Paid Internship 2026

*Organisation Name: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

*Laboratory: Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL)

*Advertisement No.: NPOL/A/PIS/6/2026

*Internship Type: Paid Research Internship

*Total Vacancies: 35

*Internship Duration: 06 Months

*Eligible Courses: B.E./B.Tech., M.E./M.Tech., M.Sc.

*Application Mode: Email, Google Form & Speed Post

*Last Date to Apply: 15th June 2026

*Stipend: ₹30,000

*Internship Start Date: 01 July 2026

*Official Website: www.drdo.gov.in

DRDO NPOL Internship 2026 Notification

The Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi, a premier research laboratory under DRDO, Ministry of Defence, has released Advertisement No. NPOL/A/PIS/6/2026 inviting applications for its Paid Internship 2026. The NPOL-DRDO internship program is intended for students pursuing final-year undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Engineering and Basic Science disciplines from AICTE or UGC-recognised institutions. The internship will be conducted for six months from July 2026 to December 2026.

Download DRDO NPOL Paid Internship 2026 Notification PDF

About DRDO NPOL Internship 2026

The DRDO NPOL Internship 2026 is a research-focused internship program that allows students to participate in real-world defence technology projects under expert mentorship. NPOL is one of DRDO's leading laboratories engaged in the development of underwater surveillance systems and advanced naval technologies for the Indian Armed Forces.

Through this internship programme, students will gain practical exposure to research methodologies, engineering design, scientific analysis, testing procedures, and innovation-driven projects. The programme is particularly beneficial for students interested in research careers, higher education, defence technology, ocean sciences, artificial intelligence, electronics, and engineering innovation.

DRDO-NPOL Paid Internship 2026 - Important Dates

Candidates planning to apply should keep track of the complete internship schedule.

Notification Release Date: June 2026

Last Date to Apply: 15th June 2026

Intimation to Selected Students: Fourth Week of June 2026

Internship Start Date: 01st July 2026

Internship End Date: 31st December 2026

Internship Duration: 06 Months

Note: Since the application window is short, candidates should complete the application process well before the deadline.

DRDO-NPOL Paid Internship Vacancy Details 2026

A total of 35 internship vacancies have been announced across various Engineering and Science disciplines.

Discipline-Wise Vacancy Distribution

Computer Science / AI & Machine Learning / Data Science - 12

Electronics & Communication Engineering / Electrical & Electronics Engineering / Instrumentation Engineering - 10

Mechanical Engineering - 05

Chemical Engineering / Polymer Science / Polymer Technology - 04

Physics / Opto Electronics - 02

Ocean Science / Ocean Technology - 02

Research Areas and Internship Domains

Selected students may receive exposure to research projects and technology domains related to:

Artificial Intelligence

Machine Learning

Data Science

Underwater Surveillance Systems

Sonar Technologies

Oceanographic Research

Electronics and Communication Systems

Instrumentation Technologies

Mechanical Design and Development

Polymer and Material Sciences

Opto Electronics

Naval Defence Applications

The internship structure focuses on practical research participation where students contribute to ongoing projects and technology development activities.

DRDO NPOL Internship Eligibility Criteria 2026

NPOL has prescribed specific eligibility conditions for students applying under the Paid Internship Scheme.

Applicants must Be Indian Citizens.

Be pursuing full-time Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.

Be studying in AICTE or UGC-recognised institutions.

Be in the final year of the course.

Have internship/project work of minimum six months as part of the academic curriculum.

Possess a strong academic record.

Educational Qualification

Candidates pursuing the following programmes are eligible:

B.E. / B.Tech.

M.E. / M.Tech.

M.Sc.

Note: The course must belong to one of the notified disciplines mentioned in the advertisement.

Age Limit

The maximum age limit for candidates applying for the internship programme is:

Maximum Age: 28 Years

The age will be calculated as on the closing date of application submission.

Minimum Marks Requirement

The Paid Internship Scheme will be offered to students who possess a consistently good academic record. The marks requirement should be fulfilled up to the immediate previous semester or academic year.

Applicants should have:

Minimum 75% Marks, OR

Minimum 7.5 CGPA / SGPA

DRDO NPOL Internship Stipend and Benefits

The DRDO NPOL internship is a paid program and selected students will receive financial assistance during the internship period.

Stipend Structure

₹15,000 after successful completion of first 3 months.

₹15,000 after successful completion of 6 months.

Total Stipend: ₹30,000.

Note: If a candidate leaves the internship before completing the full six-month tenure, no stipend or internship certificate will be awarded.

Additional Benefits

Research experience in a DRDO laboratory.

Exposure to naval defence technologies.

Guidance from experienced scientists and engineers.

Practical project experience.

Internship completion certificate.

Enhanced research and technical skills.

DRDO-NPOL Internship Selection Process 2026

Selection for the DRDO NPOL Paid Internship 2026 will be conducted on the basis of academic performance and interaction.

Stage 1: Application Screening

Applications will be screened based on:

Academic performance.

Percentage or CGPA obtained.

Consistency of academic record.

Relevance of discipline.

Stage 2: Shortlisting

In case of a large number of applications, NPOL may adopt additional shortlisting criteria based on academic achievements.

Stage 3: Interaction

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for:

Personal Interaction.

Telephonic Interaction.

Video Conference Interaction.

Stage 4: Final Selection

Final selection will be based on:

Academic merit.

Performance during interaction.

Verification of documents.

Note: Only shortlisted and selected candidates will be informed through email.

How to Apply for DRDO NPOL Paid Internship 2026?

The DRDO-NPOL Paid Internship 2026 application process is currently active and candidates must submit their applications on or before 15th June 2026. Applications are accepted through email and Google Form submission.

Application Process

Step 1: Download and fill the prescribed application form.

Step 2: Obtain the endorsement letter from the Head of Institution/Principal.

Step 3: Scan the completed application form and required documents.

Step 4: Email the complete application as a single PDF file to: hrd.npol@gov.in

Step 5: Submit the required details through the official Google Form.

Step 6: Verify all details and complete the submission before 15 June 2026.

Candidates may also send the application through Speed Post to: The Director, NPOL (DRDO), Thrikkakara P.O., Kochi – 682021

The envelope should be superscribed: "Application for Paid Internship Scheme – 2026 in ______ Discipline"

Documents Required

Candidates must submit the following documents along with the application:

Self-attested Government Photo ID Proof.

Endorsement Letter from Head of Institution/Principal.

Semester/Year-wise Mark Sheets.

Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume.

Filled Application Form.

Passport Size Photograph.

Why Students Are Applying for DRDO NPOL Internship 2026?

The DRDO NPOL Internship 2026 provides students with an opportunity to work in one of India's leading defence research laboratories specialising in underwater technologies and naval systems. Unlike conventional internships, the program focuses on live research projects and innovation-driven development work.