DRDO NPOL Paid Internship Scheme 2026
35+ Vacancies | Stipend ₹30,000 | Last Date 15 June 2026
🔗 Visit DRDO Website →The Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), a premier research laboratory of the Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) located in Kochi, Kerala, has invited applications for its Paid Internship Scheme 2026. This internship is open to Indian nationals who are currently enrolled in the final year of their undergraduate or postgraduate engineering and basic sciences courses at AICTE/UGC recognised institutes. With a total of about 35 tentative vacancies across multiple disciplines, the internship offers a stipend of ₹30,000 for the six‑month duration. Interested candidates must apply by 15 June 2026.
📋 Quick Overview – DRDO NPOL Paid Internship 2026
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | NPOL, DRDO (Ministry of Defence) |
| Internship Name | Paid Internship Scheme 2026 |
| Location | Thrikkakkara, Kochi, Kerala |
| Total Tentative Vacancies | ~35 (see discipline‑wise below) |
| Internship Duration | 6 months (starting 01 July 2026) |
| Stipend | ₹30,000 (₹15,000 after 3 months + ₹15,000 after 6 months) |
| Eligibility | Final year UG/PG with ≥75% marks or ≥7.5 CGPA |
| Age Limit | Maximum 28 years as on 15 June 2026 |
| Application Mode | Email + Google Form + optional Speed Post |
| Last Date to Apply | 15 June 2026 |
| Internship Start Date | 01 July 2026 (tentative) |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
🎯 Discipline‑wise Tentative Vacancies
| Discipline | Tentative Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Computer Science / AI & ML / Data Science | 12 |
| Electronics & Communication / Electrical & Electronics / Instrumentation | 10 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 5 |
| Chemical / Polymer Science or Technology | 4 |
| Physics / Opto Electronics | 2 |
| Ocean Science / Ocean Technology | 2 |
| Total (approx.) | 35 |
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Indian citizens only.
- Educational Qualification: Students currently enrolled in full‑time undergraduate (B.E./B.Tech.) or postgraduate (M.E./M.Tech./M.Sc.) courses in the above disciplines from AICTE/UGC recognised Indian universities/institutes.
- Year of Study: Must be in the final year of the course at the time of application.
- Minimum Marks: Must have scored at least 75% marks or ≥7.5 CGPA/SGPA until the previous year/semester.
- Internship Requirement: A minimum of six months of internship/project work must be a part of the prescribed curriculum.
- Age Limit: Maximum 28 years as on 15 June 2026 (closing date of application).
💰 Stipend & Internship Duration
- Duration: 6 months (starting from 01 July 2026, tentative).
- Stipend: Total ₹30,000 (Rupees Thirty Thousand only) paid in two equal installments:
- ₹15,000 after successful completion of 3 months.
- ₹15,000 after successful completion of 6 months.
- If an intern leaves before completing the full 6 months, no stipend or completion certificate will be given.
- The stipend amount remains unchanged for the entire period – no increments or percentage increases.
📝 Selection Process
- Shortlisting: Based on academic record (consistently good performance with ≥75% marks or ≥7.5 CGPA). In case of a large number of applications, NPOL will adopt shortlisting criteria to restrict the number of candidates called for interaction.
- Interaction: Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interaction – either in person, telephonically, or through video conferencing (VC).
- Final Selection: Based on performance in the interaction and verification of credentials.
- Intimation: Only selected candidates will be informed by email (no communication to non‑shortlisted candidates).
- Expected intimation timeline: Fourth week of June 2026.
📧 How to Apply for DRDO NPOL Paid Internship 2026
Applications must be submitted through both of the following methods (incomplete applications will be rejected):
- Email: Send the scanned copy of the duly filled and signed Application Form (Annexure A) along with the endorsement letter from the Head of Institution/Principal (Annexure B) as a single PDF file to hrd.npol@gov.in before the last date. The subject line should mention the discipline.
- Google Form: Also fill the details in the Google Form provided by NPOL: https://tinyurl.com/4jp8t4cc
- Optional Speed Post: Candidates may also send the application along with Annexure B by speed post to:
“THE DIRECTOR, NPOL (DRDO), THRIKKAKARA PO, KOCHI – 682 021”
The envelope should be superscribed: “Application for Paid Internship Scheme – 2026 in the _______________ discipline”.
Important: No application fee is required. Incomplete/partially filled applications will be rejected. Candidates must also submit original documents at the time of joining, if selected.
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date for Receipt of Application | 15 June 2026 |
| Intimation to Selected Students | 4th week of June 2026 |
| Internship Commencement Date | 01 July 2026 (tentative) |
⚠️ Important Terms & Conditions
- Interns must strictly follow the provisions of the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923 and all rules and regulations of the laboratory. An undertaking will be required upon selection.
- The internship does not confer any right for employment or absorption in DRDO.
- No canvassing or personal follow‑up to influence the selection process is allowed; doing so will lead to immediate cancellation of candidature.
- Submission of required documents or fulfilling the criteria does not guarantee selection.
- Suppression of facts or any deviation from the desired qualifications will lead to summary rejection.
- NPOL reserves the right to change vacancy positions or selection criteria at any stage without assigning any reason.
- In case of any dispute, the decision of the Director, NPOL shall be final.
- If any ambiguity arises due to the Hindi version of the notification, the English version shall prevail.
🔗 Important Links
| Description | Link/Action |
|---|---|
| DRDO Official Website | https://www.drdo.gov.in/ |
| Download Official Notification (PDF) | Attached: drdadvtNPOL05062026.pdf |
| Google Form for Application | https://tinyurl.com/4jp8t4cc |
| Email for Submission | hrd.npol@gov.in |
📰 Related Sarkari Nokrii Updates
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the DRDO NPOL Paid Internship Scheme 2026?
A1. It is a six‑month paid internship program for final year engineering and science students at Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory, Kochi, under DRDO.
Q2. What are the eligible disciplines?
A2. Computer Science/AI&ML/Data Science, Electronics & Communication/Electrical & Electronics/Instrumentation, Mechanical, Chemical/Polymer, Physics/Opto Electronics, Ocean Science/Ocean Technology.
Q3. What is the minimum academic requirement?
A3. Candidates must have at least 75% marks or ≥7.5 CGPA until the previous year/semester from a recognised AICTE/UGC institute.
Q4. What is the age limit?
A4. Maximum 28 years as on the closing date of application (15 June 2026).
Q5. What is the stipend amount?
A5. Total stipend is ₹30,000, paid in two equal installments: ₹15,000 after completion of 3 months and ₹15,000 after completion of 6 months.
Q6. How to apply for the internship?
A6. Email the scanned application form (Annexure A) along with endorsement letter (Annexure B) to hrd.npol@gov.in as a single file, and also fill the Google form at https://tinyurl.com/4jp8t4cc. Optional speed post to Director, NPOL.
Q7. What is the last date to apply?
A7. 15 June 2026.
Q8. When does the internship start?
A8. 01 July 2026 (tentative).
Q9. Is there any application fee?
A9. No. Applying for the internship is free of cost.
Q10. Does this internship guarantee a job in DRDO?
A10. No. The internship does not confer any right for employment or absorption in DRDO. It is purely a training program.
🎯 Conclusion
The DRDO NPOL Paid Internship Scheme 2026 is an excellent opportunity for final‑year engineering and science students to gain hands‑on experience in a premier defence research laboratory. With a stipend of ₹30,000 and exposure to cutting‑edge technologies in underwater sensors, oceanography, and advanced electronics, this internship adds significant value to a student's CV. Eligible candidates must act quickly – the last date to apply is 15 June 2026. Ensure that your application form is complete, endorsed by your institution, and submitted via email and Google form before the deadline. For more Sarkari Nokrii updates on internships, defence jobs, and government opportunities, stay connected with us.