Introduction: Your Gateway to Innovation at DRDO
Ever dream of building the technology that protects a nation? If you’re a talented and driven engineering student, your dream is about to get real. India’s top defence research agency, DRDO, is calling on you! They’ve just announced the DRDO VRDE Paid Internship 2025—a game-changing opportunity to kickstart your career. For six months, you could be one of just 15 interns working at the cutting-edge Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE). Imagine getting paid to work on top-secret national security projects, learning from India’s sharpest minds, and gaining experience that’s simply priceless. If you’ve got the grades and the passion, this is your shot. But hurry, the deadline is 25th July 2025. Let’s get you ready to apply!
Organization Details: About DRDO and VRDE
- Hiring Organization: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India
- Establishment: Vehicle Research & Development Establishment (VRDE)
- Number of Posts: 15
- Internship Location: VRDE, Ahmednagar (now Ahilyanagar), Maharashtra – 414006
- Internship Duration: 6 Months
The Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) is a cornerstone of DRDO, dedicated to the research, design, and development of a wide array of military vehicles. From light tracked combat vehicles to advanced wheeled systems for strategic and tactical missions, VRDE is at the forefront of indigenous defence mobility solutions. An internship here is not just a training program; it’s an opportunity to contribute to projects of immense national importance and witness the creation of technology that protects our nation.
DRDO VRDE Internship Vacancy Breakdown 2025
The internship program is open to students from several key engineering disciplines. The distribution of the 15 available slots is as follows, providing a focused opportunity for students in these specialized fields.
| Branch Code | Branch / Discipline | No. of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| EE | Electrical Engineering / Electrical & Power Engineering | 02 |
| ECE & IN | Electronics / E&C / E&T / E&I / Control / Instrumentation & Telemetry / Automation & Control / Embedded Systems / Antenna Systems & Electromagnetics | 02 |
| ME | Mechanical Engineering / Armament Engineering / Defense Technology / Production Engineering | 07 |
| AU | Automobile Engineering | 02 |
| AI & DS, CS | AI & ML / Data Science / System Engineering / Computer Engineering / Information Technology | 02 |
| Total | 15 |
Note: The number of positions is indicative and may be subject to change at the discretion of the establishment.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
To be considered for this exclusive internship, you must meet the following stringent criteria set by DRDO-VRDE. Ensure you fulfill every requirement before proceeding with your application.
- Educational Qualification:
- Candidates must be currently pursuing a full-time Undergraduate Engineering degree (B.E./B.Tech) and should be in their 7th or 8th semester.
- Alternatively, candidates pursuing a Postgraduate Engineering degree (M.E./M.Tech) in their 1st or 2nd year are also eligible.
- The degree must be from a recognized Indian University or an AICTE/UGC approved institute.
- Academic Performance:
- A stellar academic record is mandatory. Candidates must have consistently maintained a minimum of 8.5 CGPA (on a 10-point scale) or 85% marks in all previous semesters.
- Age Limit:
- The applicant’s age must be below 28 years.
- Required Documents & Skills:
- A referral or request letter from the Principal/Director of your institution is mandatory.
- Applicants must provide a brief Bio-data (under 300 words).
Important Dates for DRDO Internship 2025
Mark your calendars! The timeline for the application and selection process is concise. Adhering to these deadlines is crucial.
| Description | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date for Application Submission | 25th July 2025 |
| Information to Selected Students | 28th July 2025 |
| Commencement of Internship Training | 01st Aug 2025 |
Salary & Benefits: More Than Just a Stipend
While the hands-on experience at a premier national institution like DRDO is a reward in itself, this is a paid internship that values your contribution. Selected interns will receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000. This stipend is designed to support you during your six-month tenure in Ahmednagar. The payment will be disbursed in two installments of ₹15,000 each—the first after the successful completion of three months and the second upon the conclusion of the six-month internship.
Beyond the monetary compensation, the benefits are immense and career-defining:
- Invaluable Experience: Work alongside top scientists and engineers on real-world defence projects. This practical exposure is something no classroom can offer.
- Skill Development: Gain proficiency in advanced technologies and engineering practices specific to the defence sector, from combat vehicle design to AI and embedded systems.
- Networking Opportunities: Build connections with professionals and peers who are passionate about technology and innovation.
- Subsidized Facilities: Interns will have access to the VRDE canteen for lunch, tea, and snacks at subsidized rates.
- Completion Certificate: Upon successful completion of the internship, including project work and report submission, you will be awarded an official certificate from DRDO-VRDE, a powerful addition to your resume.
Selection Process: How You’ll Be Chosen
The selection for the DRDO-VRDE internship is a highly competitive process based purely on merit. There is no written exam; your academic performance and the strength of your application are the deciding factors.
- Application Screening: All applications will be meticulously reviewed to ensure they meet the minimum eligibility criteria, especially the academic requirement of ≥8.5 CGPA or ≥85% marks.
- Merit-Based Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted based on their academic achievements and the recommendation from their college.
- Final Selection: The most deserving and meritorious students will be selected.
- Notification: Only the shortlisted students will be notified about their selection and the subsequent joining procedures. No communication will be sent to rejected candidates.
How to Apply for the DRDO VRDE Internship
Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is submitted correctly and on time.
- Prepare Your Documents:
- Fill out the application form in the prescribed format (available in the official notification).
- Obtain a signed and sealed referral letter from your college Principal/Director on the official letterhead.
- Gather copies of all your semester mark sheets to prove your CGPA.
- Prepare a copy of your Aadhar card.
- Write a brief bio-data (under 300 words).
- Submit via Speed Post:
- Place all your documents in an envelope.
- Clearly write “Application for Paid Internship” and your “Branch Code No. ……” on the top of the envelope.
- Send the application via Speed Post to the following address: The Director, Vehicle Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), Ahmednagar (now Ahilyanagar) – 414006, Maharashtra (Kind Attn.: To HRD & HC Division)
- Submit via Email:
- Scan all your documents, including the filled application form.
- Send the scanned copies in a single email to: [email protected].
Application Fees
There are no application fees for this internship program. The entire process is free of cost, ensuring that it is accessible to all eligible and meritorious students.
Official Notification & Application Form
To get all the details directly from the source and to download the application form, use the link below. It is highly recommended that you read the official notification thoroughly before applying.
Official Links
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