Author – Ritesh Ranjan: For final-year engineering and electronics students in India, the DRDO Paid Internship 2026 at DEAL Dehradun is a valuable chance to gain practical exposure in defence research and advanced communication technologies. The internship is being offered by the Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL), Dehradun, a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
DEAL works in specialised areas such as software-defined radios, satellite communication, surveillance technologies, data links and defence electronics systems. For students interested in applied engineering, embedded systems, communication technologies and national defence research, this internship can be an excellent academic and career opportunity.
The internship will run for six months from 3 August 2026, and applications must reach DEAL by 30 June 2026. Selected candidates will be informed by 15 July 2026.
About DEAL Dehradun
The Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory, popularly known as DEAL, is one of the important research laboratories of DRDO. Located in Dehradun, the laboratory contributes to India’s defence technology ecosystem through research and development in electronics and communication systems.
DEAL plays a key role in areas such as software-based radios, satellite communication, secure communication systems, data links and surveillance-related technologies. These fields are highly relevant for modern defence operations, where reliable communication, real-time data transfer and advanced monitoring systems are essential.
For students, an internship at such a laboratory provides exposure that is difficult to get in a regular classroom setting. It allows them to understand how engineering concepts are applied in real defence research environments.
Who Can Apply for DRDO Paid Internship 2026?
The internship is open to meritorious Indian students from selected technical backgrounds. Students applying for the internship must meet the academic and eligibility conditions mentioned by DEAL.
Final-year B.Tech. or B.E. students who have completed their 3rd year or 6th semester by July 2026 are eligible to apply. In addition, M.Tech. and M.Sc. Electronics students who have completed their 1st year or 2nd semester by July 2026 can also apply.
Applicants must be Indian citizens and should be studying in an AICTE-approved institution. They must have a minimum CGPA of 7.0 on a 10-point scale and should not have any backlogs in the first five semesters.
This makes the internship suitable for academically strong students who are serious about research, disciplined in their studies and interested in defence technology.
DRDO DEAL Internship 2026 Vacancies
DEAL has announced internship vacancies across three broad disciplines. The highest number of seats are available for students from Electronics & Communication Engineering and Computer Science Engineering backgrounds.
The available seats are:
| Discipline | Number of Seats |
| Electronics & Communication Engineering | 20 |
| Computer Science Engineering | 20 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 5 |
In total, there are 45 internship seats available. Students from Electronics & Communication Engineering may find this opportunity especially relevant because of DEAL’s work in communication systems, radios, satellites and surveillance technologies.
Computer Science students may get exposure to software, systems, data handling and technology development related to defence applications. Mechanical Engineering students can also benefit from the practical research environment and interdisciplinary work carried out at DEAL.
Internship Duration and Location
The DRDO Paid Internship 2026 at DEAL Dehradun will be conducted for a fixed duration of six months. The internship is scheduled to begin from 3 August 2026 onward.
This is not a remote internship. Selected candidates will be required to work physically at DEAL, Dehradun. Students should therefore be prepared to stay in Dehradun for the complete duration of the internship.
Candidates should also note that they must complete the full six-month period to receive the final certificate. Partial completion may affect stipend eligibility and certificate issuance.
Stipend and Benefits
Selected interns will receive a total stipend of Rs. 30,000 for the six-month internship. The stipend will be paid in two installments.
The first installment of Rs. 15,000 will be paid after completion of three months, and the second installment of Rs. 15,000 will be paid after completion of six months.
To remain eligible for the stipend, interns must maintain at least 15 days of attendance per month and complete the full internship period.
Although the stipend is attractive, students must remember that DEAL will not provide lodging, boarding, transport or medical expenses. These costs will have to be managed by the students themselves.
The biggest benefit of this internship is not only financial support but also the opportunity to gain research exposure in a national defence laboratory. Students can learn from experts, work in a professional research environment and understand how strategic technologies are developed in India.
How to Apply for DRDO Paid Internship 2026 at DEAL Dehradun
Students interested in applying must submit their applications in the prescribed format only. The application form can be downloaded from the DRDO careers page.
Applications must be sent by speed post or delivered by hand. Email applications will not be accepted. Candidates should ensure that their applications reach the laboratory before the last date, 30 June 2026.
The envelope should clearly mention:
“Application for DRDO Paid Internship”
Candidates should also mention their branch or discipline on the envelope so that the application can be sorted easily.
The application package must include the completed application form, a brief biodata or résumé and a recommendation letter or No Objection Certificate from the Head, Dean or Principal of the institution.
Students should carefully check all details before submitting the application. Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline may not be considered.
Documents Required at the Time of Joining
Shortlisted candidates will have to produce original documents at the time of joining. These documents are required for verification and compliance with official procedures.
Candidates must carry a college NOC, police verification document, Aadhaar card, college ID card, bank details, passport-size photographs and original mark sheets. They will also have to submit undertakings related to the Indian Official Secret Act, 1923 and Ministry of Defence IT rules.
Since DEAL works in sensitive defence research areas, students must follow confidentiality and security-related instructions carefully. Candidates should be prepared to complete all official formalities before starting the internship.
Why This Internship Matters
A DRDO internship is more than just a short academic project. For engineering students, it can become a strong addition to their academic profile and career journey.
The DRDO Paid Internship 2026 at DEAL Dehradun offers students the chance to understand real research problems, work in a professional defence laboratory and gain exposure to advanced technologies. Students interested in electronics, communication systems, embedded systems, computer science, mechanical systems and applied research can benefit from this experience.
India is focusing strongly on indigenous defence innovation, and DRDO plays a major role in this mission. By working as interns at a DRDO laboratory, students can understand how scientific research supports national security and technological self-reliance.
This internship can also help students who want to pursue higher studies, research careers, defence technology roles or engineering jobs in advanced technical domains.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Last date to apply | 30 June 2026 |
| Selected candidates to be informed by | 15 July 2026 |
| Internship start date | 3 August 2026 |
| Internship duration | Six months |
Conclusion
The DRDO Paid Internship 2026 at DEAL Dehradun is a strong opportunity for final-year engineering and electronics students who want practical exposure in defence research. With 45 seats across Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computer Science Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, the programme offers hands-on learning in one of India’s important defence electronics laboratories.
Eligible students should prepare their documents early and ensure that the application reaches DEAL before 30 June 2026. For disciplined and high-performing students, this internship can be a valuable step toward a career in research, defence technology and advanced engineering.
FAQs on DRDO Paid Internship 2026 at DEAL Dehradun
1. What is the DRDO Paid Internship 2026 at DEAL Dehradun?
The DRDO Paid Internship 2026 at DEAL Dehradun is a six-month internship opportunity for eligible Indian engineering and electronics students. It offers practical exposure in defence electronics, communication systems, software-defined radios, satellite communication and surveillance technologies.
2. What is the last date to apply for the DRDO DEAL Internship 2026?
The last date to apply is 30 June 2026. Applications must reach DEAL Dehradun by this date through speed post or hand delivery. Email applications will not be accepted.
3. Who is eligible for the DRDO Paid Internship 2026?
Final-year B.Tech./B.E. students who have completed the 3rd year or 6th semester by July 2026 can apply. M.Tech./M.Sc. Electronics students who have completed the 1st year or 2nd semester by July 2026 are also eligible. Applicants must be Indian citizens, have no backlogs in the first five semesters and hold at least 7.0 CGPA.
4. What is the stipend for the DRDO DEAL Internship 2026?
Selected interns will receive a total stipend of Rs. 30,000, paid in two installments. The first installment of Rs. 15,000 will be paid after three months, and the second installment of Rs. 15,000 will be paid after six months.
5. Is the DRDO Paid Internship 2026 remote or offline?
The internship is offline. Selected candidates will have to work at DEAL, Dehradun for the complete six-month duration.