DRDO NPOL Kochi Paid Internship 2026 — A Great Start for Final-Year Engineering & Science Students
The Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), a premier defence laboratory under DRDO in Kochi, has invited applications for its Paid Internship Scheme 2026. A total of 35 internship slots are open for final-year UG and PG students in engineering and science streams. This is a wonderful chance to work inside a real DRDO lab, learn from top defence scientists, and add a powerful line to your resume. If you are hunting for genuine Kerala government opportunities, this internship is worth your attention.
The best part — it is a paid internship with a stipend of Rs 30,000 for the six-month tenure. Applications close on 15 June 2026, and the internship begins from 01 July 2026. You only need to be a final-year student whose course already includes a six-month internship, with at least 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA. This GovtJobsAlert.in guide explains every discipline, eligibility rule and the exact email application steps so you don’t miss this opportunity.
Key Highlights — DRDO NPOL Kochi Internship 2026
NPOL is one of DRDO’s leading laboratories, working on underwater sensors, sonar systems and ocean technology for the Indian Navy. Interns get hands-on exposure to live defence research projects. Since the openings span engineering and science branches, both engineering students and basic-science students can apply.
- Recruiting Body: NPOL (DRDO), Kochi
- Advertisement No.: NPOL/A/PIS/6/2026
- Total Internship Slots: 35
- Stipend: Rs 30,000 for the 6-month internship
- Internship Duration: 6 months (from 01 July 2026)
- Last Date to Apply: 15 June 2026
Vacancy Details — Discipline-Wise Internship Slots (NPOL 2026)
The 35 slots (vacancies) are divided across six discipline groups. Pick the group that matches your branch:
| Discipline Group | Slots |
|---|---|
| Computer Science / AI & ML / Data Science | 12 |
| ECE / EEE / Instrumentation | 10 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 5 |
| Chemical Engineering / Polymer Science | 4 |
| Physics / Opto Electronics | 2 |
| Ocean Science / Ocean Technology | 2 |
| Total | 35 |
These numbers are tentative and NPOL may adjust them based on project needs.
Eligibility Criteria — NPOL Internship 2026
Who Can Apply
- You must be a currently enrolled full-time UG or PG student in the relevant discipline.
- You must be in the final year of your course at an AICTE/UGC recognised Indian university or institute.
- A minimum six-month internship/project must be a part of your prescribed course curriculum.
- You should have a consistently good academic record — at least 75% marks or CGPA/SGPA of 7.5 (out of 10) up to the previous year/semester.
Age Limit
The maximum age is 28 years as on the closing date of the application. There is no specific age relaxation mentioned in the notification.
What is the Stipend / Salary for NPOL Internship 2026?
This is a paid internship, which makes it more attractive than most college projects. The financial details are simple and clearly defined in the notification.
- Stipend Amount: Rs 30,000 for the full 6-month internship.
- Payment Schedule: Rs 15,000 after completing 3 months and Rs 15,000 after completing 6 months.
Please note: there is no stipend or certificate if an intern leaves before completing the full six months. The internship also does not include DA, transport, accommodation or medical benefits — only the fixed stipend.
What is the Selection Process for NPOL Internship 2026?
Selection is purely merit-based and quite straightforward:
- Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted based on their academic achievements (marks/CGPA).
- Interaction (Interview): Shortlisted candidates face an interaction, which may be in person, by telephone, or via video conferencing.
- Document Verification: Selected interns must produce original documents at the time of joining.
Strong academics and a clear understanding of your project area give you the best chance here. Brushing up your core subjects through good post-graduate and engineering preparation resources will help in the interaction round.
How to Apply for NPOL Internship 2026?
Applications are accepted by email (with an optional Speed Post copy). Follow these steps carefully:
- Download the Application Form (Annexure A) and Endorsement Letter (Annexure B) from the official notification.
- Get Annexure B signed and stamped by your college Head/Principal, certifying your student status and that the internship is part of your curriculum.
- Fill and sign Annexure A, then combine both documents into a single file.
- Email the single file to the official NPOL HRD email given in the notification, before the last date.
- Additionally, submit your details in the online Google Form linked in the notification.
- You may also send a hard copy with Annexure B by Speed Post to the Director, NPOL, Kochi.
Important Dates — NPOL Internship 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply (Email) | 15 June 2026 |
| Intimation to Selected Students | 4th week of June 2026 |
| Internship Commencement | 01 July 2026 |
Application Fees — NPOL Internship 2026
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Candidates | No Fee |
There is no application fee for this internship — it is completely free to apply for all candidates.
Documents Required for NPOL Internship 2026
Keep these ready before applying:
- Filled and signed Application Form (Annexure A)
- Endorsement Letter (Annexure B) signed by your college Head/Principal
- Self-attested Government photo ID (Aadhaar/College ID)
- Semester/year-wise mark sheets proving 75% / 7.5 CGPA
- An updated CV / resume
Essential Links — DRDO NPOL Kochi Internship 2026
- Download Official Notification & Form PDF
- Visit DRDO Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
A paid DRDO internship is a rare and valuable experience, especially for final-year students who want a real taste of defence research before stepping into their careers. With only 35 slots and a deadline of 15 June 2026, you should prepare your Annexure A and B early and apply without delay. For more Kerala job notifications and internship alerts, keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in — we bring you every genuine opportunity first.