DRDO CHESS Hyderabad Paid Internship 2026 — 20 B.E./B.Tech Intern Slots in Laser, Optics & High-Energy Systems
The Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), DRDO, Hyderabad has invited applications for 20 paid internship slots under Advt. CHESS/HRD/PDINTERN/2026/01 for final-year B.E. / B.Tech and PG Engineering / Science students. This is a wonderful chance to work at a premier DRDO laboratory specialising in Laser, Applied Optics, Opto-Electronics and Opto-Mechanics, gaining real research exposure that boosts both academic and industry prospects.
The application is strictly offline by Speed Post to the Director, CHESS, DRDO, RCI Campus, Hyderabad. The last date for receipt of application is 11 May 2026, with internship starting from 03 June 2026. With ₹5,000 per month stipend for 6 months, this is one of the most competitive paid internships at a Central Government defence laboratory. If you are looking for defence sector government jobs and research exposure, do not miss this. GovtJobsAlert.in has put together every detail you need below.
Key Highlights — DRDO CHESS Hyderabad Internship 2026
CHESS is one of DRDO’s prestigious labs working on cutting-edge defence technology. The 6-month paid internship gives final-year students a real taste of high-end R&D, mentor-ship from DRDO scientists, and a stipend that helps cover daily expenses.
- Recruiting Body: DRDO Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad
- Advertisement Number: CHESS/HRD/PDINTERN/2026/01
- Total Intern Slots: 20
- Internship Duration: 6 months
- Monthly Stipend: ₹5,000 (Total ₹30,000 for 6 months)
- Application Mode: Offline (Speed Post only)
- Last Date: 11 May 2026
- Internship Start Date: 03 June 2026
Vacancy Breakdown — DRDO CHESS Internship 2026
The 20 intern slots are distributed across 5 engineering / science branches. Choose the branch that matches your B.E./B.Tech specialisation.
| Branch Code | Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| PH | Physics / Applied Optics | 5 |
| ME | Mechanical Engineering | 5 |
| EE | Electronics / Instrumentation / Electrical / ECE | 5 |
| CS | Computer Science | 3 |
| CE | Chemical Engineering | 2 |
| Total | — | 20 |
These intern slots are highly sought after as CHESS works on advanced laser-weapon systems, optoelectronics, and high-energy applications relevant to defence.
Eligibility Criteria — DRDO CHESS Internship 2026
Read the eligibility carefully — only final-year students with strong academic records can apply. Junior B.Tech students cannot apply for this cycle.
Educational Qualification
- Pursuing UG (B.E./B.Tech) or PG in Engineering / Science (full-time mode only).
- Must be in the final year of the course (VII/VIII semester for B.Tech, 2nd year for PG).
- College / University must be AICTE / UGC approved.
- Academic record must show 75% marks or 7.5+ CGPA on a 10-point scale in the qualifying examination.
- A mandatory referral letter from the Principal / Director of your Institute is required.
This opportunity is very valuable for students aiming at engineering sector government jobs and DRDO scientific roles in future.
Age Limit
- Maximum: Below 28 years
- Citizenship: Indian Citizens only
What is the Stipend for DRDO CHESS Internship 2026?
CHESS pays a fixed stipend of ₹5,000 per month, totalling ₹30,000 over 6 months. The stipend is paid in two equal installments — first after 3 months and second on completion at 6 months.
- Monthly Stipend: ₹5,000
- Total Stipend (6 months): ₹30,000
- Payment Schedule: ₹15,000 after 3 months + ₹15,000 after 6 months
- Attendance Requirement: Minimum 15 working days per month
- Completion Certificate: Issued after 6 months from date of joining
Working at a DRDO lab adds enormous weight to your resume. CHESS interns get hands-on exposure to high-energy systems research, and many later get absorbed into DRDO scientist tracks (Entry Test for Scientists ‘B’) or top private R&D firms.
Note that lodging, boarding, transport and medical expenses are borne by the student — CHESS does not provide accommodation or travel allowances.
What is the Selection Process for DRDO CHESS Internship 2026?
The selection is purely merit-based — there is no interview. Shortlisted candidates are notified about joining and indemnity bond procedures. Refer to general results pages for selection list updates.
- Stage 1 — Application Scrutiny: CHESS reviews academic record, branch-fitment and Principal’s referral letter.
- Stage 2 — Merit Shortlisting: Based on academic marks / CGPA. There is no interview round.
- Stage 3 — Selection Intimation: Selected students notified by 20 May 2026. Rejected candidates are not informed.
- Stage 4 — Joining: Submission of NOC, police verification, Indian Official Secrets Act 1923 undertaking, and indemnity bond at the time of joining on 03 June 2026.
How to Apply Online for DRDO CHESS Internship 2026?
The application is strictly offline by Speed Post only — there is no online portal. Read every step carefully because mistakes (wrong envelope marking, missing documents) will cause rejection.
- Download the prescribed application format from https://drdo.gov.in/drdo/careers.
- Fill the form completely — name, course details, branch, percentage / CGPA, college name and address, contact information.
- Get the mandatory referral letter from your Principal / Director / HOD stating that you are a bona-fide student in the final year.
- Self-attest photocopies of UG / PG mark sheets (showing CGPA / percentage), Aadhar card, college identity card, and a passport-size photograph.
- Mark the envelope clearly: “Application for Paid Internship — Branch Code [PH/ME/EE/CS/CE]” based on your discipline.
- Send the complete application by Speed Post only to: Director, Center for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), DRDO, RCI Campus, PO: Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad – 500069.
- Ensure your application reaches CHESS on or before 11 May 2026 — late receipt is automatic rejection.
Important Dates — DRDO CHESS Internship 2026
Track these key DRDO CHESS Internship 2026 dates carefully — postal delivery time should be factored in when planning your dispatch.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date for Application Receipt | 11 May 2026 |
| Selection Intimation | 20 May 2026 |
| Internship Start Date | 03 June 2026 |
| Internship Duration | 6 months |
Application Fees — DRDO CHESS Internship 2026
DRDO CHESS has not specified any application fee for this internship. Candidates only need to bear the Speed Post charges and travel costs (if any) for joining.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Categories | No Application Fee |
This is a free-to-apply internship — there is no payment required at any stage. Just the Speed Post cost (~₹50-100) for sending your application.
Essential Links — DRDO CHESS Hyderabad Internship 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Visit DRDO Careers Official Page
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
This is a great chance for final-year B.E. / B.Tech students with strong academic records to gain real DRDO research experience at one of India’s premier defence labs. The ₹5,000/month stipend, 6-month duration and prestigious Defence Ministry brand make this internship one of the most attractive in the engineering domain. Apply offline by Speed Post so that your application reaches CHESS by 11 May 2026, and don’t forget the Principal’s referral letter — without it, your application will be rejected. For more such opportunities, visit GovtJobsAlert.in and check our Telangana government jobs page regularly.