DRDO ACEM Nasik Paid Internship 2026: 5 Engineering Slots, Rs 5,000 Stipend — Apply by Speed Post
The Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM), a state-of-the-art composite propellant facility under the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), has invited applications from meritorious engineering students for its 2026 Paid Internship cycle at Ambe Hill, Ojhar, Nashik. ACEM contributes directly to India’s strategic missile programmes, and this 6-month internship opens up a rare opportunity to work alongside DRDO scientists on real defence projects in propellant chemistry, mechanical / armament engineering, aerospace and AI / IT.
A total of 5 intern positions are available across 5 branch codes, each with a Rs 5,000 per month stipend for the full 6-month duration (01 July 2026 to 31 December 2026). Selection is purely merit-based — your academic record (≥85% marks or 8.5 CGPA) and a Principal / Director referral letter form the core of the application. This is one of the cleanest defence-sector internship openings of 2026 — read every section on GovtJobsAlert.in carefully because applications close on 15 June 2026 and the entire process is offline by speed post.
Key Highlights — DRDO ACEM Nasik Internship 2026
ACEM is DRDO’s dedicated facility for solid-propellant rocket-motor development and supports a wide range of missile programmes including AGNI, PRITHVI and BRAHMOS variants. An internship here is a serious technical experience plus a high-value entry into India’s defence research ecosystem.
- Organisation: Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM), DRDO, Nashik
- Advertisement No.: ACEM/HRD/PDINTERN/2026/II
- Total Slots: 5 paid internships (indicative — may change)
- Duration: 06 months (01 July 2026 to 31 December 2026)
- Stipend: Rs 5,000 per month paid in two instalments
- Internship Location: ACEM, Ambe Hill, Ojhar, Nashik – 422207, Maharashtra
- Last Date to Apply: 15 June 2026 (by Speed Post only)
Vacancy Breakdown — DRDO ACEM Internship 2026
The 5 slots are mapped to 5 branch codes. Each candidate must clearly mention their branch code on the envelope while submitting the offline form.
| Branch Code | Discipline | Slots |
|---|---|---|
| CE | Chemical Engineering | 1 |
| ME | Mechanical / Armament / Defence Technology / Production Engineering | 1 |
| AE | Aero Engineering / Rocket Propulsion System | 1 |
| AI&DS / CS | AI&ML / Data Science / System Engineering / Computer Engineering / IT | 2 |
| Total | 5 |
The number of vacancies is indicative, and ACEM reserves the right to increase or decrease them at its absolute discretion.
Eligibility Criteria — DRDO ACEM Paid Internship 2026
Educational Qualification
You must currently be a pursuing engineering student — this is not for fresh graduates or working professionals.
- UG Engineering: pursuing 7th or 8th semester of a 4-year B.E. / B.Tech course in the listed branch from an AICTE / UGC-recognised Indian university or institute.
- PG Engineering: pursuing 1st or 2nd year M.Tech in the listed branch.
- Marks: ≥85% aggregate OR ≥8.5 CGPA on scale of 10 continuously maintained in all previous semesters (marksheet copies must be attached).
- Eligible Branches: Chemical, Mechanical, Armament, Defence Technology, Production, Aero, Rocket Propulsion, AI & ML, Data Science, System Engineering, Computer Engineering, IT.
- Mandatory Referral: a recommendation letter from the Principal / Director on college letterhead is compulsory; applications without it will not be considered.
A short bio-data of under 300 words highlighting awards and professional memberships should also be enclosed. Aspirants from other engineering streams outside these branches are not eligible.
Age Limit
- Maximum Age: Below 28 years (as on the last date of application).
- No specific minimum age is mentioned — most pursuing students will be well within range.
What is the Salary / Stipend for DRDO ACEM Internship 2026?
The stipend is fixed and uniform across all 5 branch codes — Rs 5,000 per month. Payment is structured to ensure interns complete the full tenure.
- First instalment: paid after 03 months of training.
- Second instalment: paid on completion of 06 months + project evaluation + report submission.
- No stipend is payable if the intern leaves before completing 3 months.
- Minimum 15 working days physical attendance per month is mandatory.
- Payment is credited directly to the intern’s bank account.
No boarding or lodging is provided by ACEM, but interns can avail lunch, tea and snacks at the subsidised ACEM canteen.
A Completion Certificate is awarded only after the full 6-month tenure is finished, project evaluation is passed and the project report is submitted. ACEM / DRDO has no obligation to offer employment after the internship — this is purely a training-and-exposure programme.
What is the Selection Process for DRDO ACEM Internship 2026?
Selection is merit-based and reviewed by an internal ACEM committee.
- Application Scrutiny — confirms 85% / 8.5 CGPA + Principal / Director referral + branch eligibility.
- Shortlisting by Selection Committee on academic record.
- Interview / Interaction with shortlisted candidates (if required).
- Final selection based on academic merit + referral strength.
Only shortlisted candidates are notified after 17 June 2026 about joining procedures, the undertaking form and the indemnity bond. For ongoing DRDO and defence-research career updates, also bookmark our defence jobs page.
How to Apply for DRDO ACEM Internship 2026?
This is a fully offline recruitment. There is no online portal — applications are accepted only by Speed Post in the prescribed format from the official PDF.
- Download the application form from the official notification PDF — link in Essential Links below.
- Fill the form completely and legibly with your branch code clearly written.
- Attach the Principal / Director referral letter on college letterhead (mandatory).
- Attach marksheets of all previous semesters reflecting your CGPA / percentage.
- Attach a copy of your Aadhaar Card and a passport-size photo (4.5 × 3.5 cm) affixed on the form.
- Include a brief bio-data (under 300 words) highlighting achievements and any professional memberships.
- On the top of the envelope, clearly mark “Application for Paid Internship — Branch Code XX” (replace XX with your actual code).
- Send by Speed Post only to: The General Manager, Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM), Ambe Hills, Ojhar, Nashik – 422207 (Kind Attention: HRD Division).
- Ensure your application reaches ACEM by 15 June 2026 — late applications will be rejected.
Important Dates — DRDO ACEM Internship 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start | Notification release date |
| Last Date to Apply (by Speed Post) | 15/06/2026 |
| Information to Selected Students | After 17/06/2026 |
| Internship Start | 01/07/2026 |
| Internship End | 31/12/2026 |
Application Fee — DRDO ACEM Internship 2026
No application fee is charged. The notification does not mention any DD, online payment or processing fee for this internship — applications are entirely free.
Documents Required At Joining
Selected interns must produce the following originals at the time of joining ACEM:
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the college on letterhead — confirming relief and minimum 15-day monthly attendance.
- Police verification acknowledgement from the local police station.
- Undertaking for adherence to the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923.
- Undertaking for following the IT Rules & Regulations of the Ministry of Defence.
- Bank details for stipend transfer (account in intern’s own name).
- Medical fitness certificate from a registered MBBS-qualified practitioner.
- Aadhaar Card original + college ID card for verification.
- All semester marksheets in original (returned after verification).
- Indemnity form issued by the college.
Essential Links — DRDO ACEM Internship 2026
- Download Official Notification & Application Form
- Visit DRDO Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
- Maharashtra Govt Jobs Telegram Channel
This internship is competitive — only 5 slots and the 85% / 8.5 CGPA bar will keep applicants tight. If you qualify, send your speed-post application as early as possible and double-check that the Principal / Director referral letter is on college letterhead. A DRDO ACEM internship goes a long way on a fresher CV, especially if you want a long-term career in defence and aerospace research. For more such openings, keep watching GovtJobsAlert.in.