DRDO NPOL Paid Internship 2025 – Introduction
Are you a budding engineer or a passionate science student looking to kickstart your career in a prestigious national organization? Here is the chance you’ve been waiting for! The Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) has announced its highly sought-after Paid Internship Scheme for 2025 at the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) in Kochi. This is not just an internship; it’s a launchpad for your career, offering a handsome stipend of ₹30,000 for a six-month tenure. With 35 tentative vacancies across various cutting-edge disciplines, this program is your gateway to working on real-world projects that contribute to national security. If you are in your final year and dream of working with India’s brightest minds, read on to discover how you can be a part of this incredible journey. The application window is closing soon, so don’t miss out!
About the Organization: DRDO-NPOL
The Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) is the backbone of India’s defence technology and research. Working under the Ministry of Defence, DRDO is responsible for developing state-of-the-art defence technologies, systems, and equipment required by the Indian Armed Forces. It’s a place where innovation meets national service.
This specific internship program is hosted at the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), located in the beautiful city of Thrikkakkara, Kochi. NPOL is one of DRDO’s premier research laboratories, specializing in the design and development of advanced underwater sensors, surveillance systems, and oceanographic studies for the Indian Navy. An internship here means you’ll be at the forefront of naval technology, contributing to projects of immense strategic importance.
Key Details at a Glance
- Hiring Body: Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) – Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL)
- Total Posts: 35 (Tentative)
- Job Title: Paid Intern
- Location: Thrikkakkara, Kochi, Kerala
- Internship Duration: 6 Months (Commencing from 01 August 2025)
- Application Mode: Offline via Speed Post / Scanned copy via Email
DRDO NPOL Internship: Vacancy Breakdown 2025
The internship offers opportunities across a wide spectrum of engineering and science domains. This ensures that students from various specializations can find a role that aligns with their academic background and career aspirations. The tentative distribution of vacancies is as follows:
| Discipline | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Computer Science / AI & ML / Data Science | 12 |
| Electronics & Communication Engg. / Electrical & Electronics Engg. / Instrumentation Engg. | 10 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 05 |
| Chemical Engineering / Polymer Science or Technology | 04 |
| Physics / Opto Electronics | 02 |
| Ocean Science / Ocean Technology | 02 |
| Total | 35 |
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
To be a part of this prestigious program, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements related to their education and age. NPOL has laid out clear guidelines to ensure that the selected interns are well-equipped to contribute to the lab’s research and development efforts.
Educational Qualification
- Course Enrollment: Candidates must be currently enrolled in a full-time Under Graduate (B.E./B.Tech) or Post Graduate (M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc) course in the relevant discipline from an AICTE/UGC recognized Indian University or Institute.
- Year of Study: Applicants must be in their final year of the course. This is crucial as the internship is designed to be a part of the academic curriculum.
- Curriculum Requirement: The six-month internship or project work must be a mandatory part of the curriculum prescribed for the candidate’s degree. An endorsement letter from the institution will be required to certify this.
- Academic Performance: A consistent and strong academic record is essential. Candidates must have scored a minimum of 60% marks or a CGPA/SGPA of 6.0 or above in their academic journey up to the previous year/semester.
Eligible Disciplines/Branches
- Computer Science / Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning / Data Science
- Electronics & Communication Engineering
- Electrical & Electronics Engineering
- Instrumentation Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Polymer Science or Technology
- Physics
- Opto Electronics
- Ocean Science
- Ocean Technology
Age Limit
- The maximum age limit for applying for the DRDO-NPOL Paid Internship is 28 years as of the closing date of the application.
Mark Your Calendars: Important Dates
Staying updated with the timeline is crucial to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines. Here are the key dates for the DRDO NPOL Internship 2025:
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date for Receipt of Application | 17th July 2025 |
| Intimation to Selected Students | Last week of July 2025 |
| Commencement of Internship | 1st August 2025 |
Salary & Benefits: More Than Just a Stipend
While the prospect of working at DRDO is a reward in itself, the organization ensures that its interns are financially supported. The remuneration and benefits offered are designed to provide a comfortable learning experience and recognize the value interns bring to the table. This internship is an investment in your future, offering returns far beyond the monetary compensation.
The selected candidates will receive a total stipend of ₹30,000 (Rupees Thirty Thousand only) for the entire six-month duration. This stipend will be disbursed in two equal installments:
- First Installment: ₹15,000 after the successful completion of the first three months.
- Second Installment: ₹15,000 after the successful completion of the full six-month internship.
Beyond the Paycheck: The Real Benefits
- Invaluable Experience: Gain hands-on experience working on cutting-edge defence projects. This practical exposure is unparalleled and will set you apart from your peers.
- Mentorship from Scientists: Work under the guidance of some of India’s leading scientists and researchers. Their mentorship is an invaluable asset for your future career.
- Prestigious Certification: Upon successful completion, you will receive an official Internship Certificate from DRDO-NPOL, a testament to your skills and dedication that will add immense weight to your resume.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals and fellow interns, building a network that can open doors to future opportunities in the R&D and defence sectors.
- Career Launchpad: An internship at DRDO can be a significant stepping stone for a career in government research, public sector undertakings (PSUs), or even top private sector R&D firms. It can also provide a strong foundation for pursuing higher studies like a Ph.D.
- Contribution to National Security: Experience the pride and satisfaction of contributing, even in a small way, to the technological strength and security of our nation.
The Selection Process: How to Get In
The selection process for the DRDO-NPOL internship is competitive and merit-based. The laboratory seeks candidates with a strong academic foundation and a genuine passion for research and innovation. The process involves multiple stages:
- Application Screening: All applications will be screened to ensure they meet the basic eligibility criteria mentioned in the notification. Incomplete applications or those without the required documents will be rejected.
- Shortlisting based on Merit: Given the high volume of applications, NPOL will shortlist candidates based on their academic achievements. Having a CGPA or percentage well above the minimum requirement of 60% will significantly increase your chances.
- Interaction Round: Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interaction. This may be conducted in person at NPOL, Kochi, or through telephonic conversation or a video conference (VC). The interaction will likely assess your technical knowledge, understanding of your discipline, and your motivation for joining the internship.
- Final Selection: The final selection will be based on the candidate’s performance in the interaction round and their overall academic record. Selected candidates will be notified via email.
How to Apply for the DRDO NPOL Internship 2025
The application process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps to submit your application successfully:
- Download the Forms: First, download the official notification PDF which contains the Application Form (Annexure A) and the Endorsement Letter format (Annexure B) from the link provided below.
- Fill the Application Form: Take a printout of the Application Form (Annexure A) and fill it out neatly in block letters. Ensure all details like your name, father’s name, academic qualifications, and contact information are accurate.
- Affix Photograph: Affix a recent color passport-size photograph in the designated box on the application form.
- Get the Endorsement Letter: Get the Endorsement Letter (Annexure B) printed on your college’s official letterhead. It must be signed and sealed by the Head of your Institution or Principal, certifying that you are a bonafide student and the internship is part of your curriculum.
- Gather Enclosures: Assemble self-attested copies of the following documents:
- Government-issued Photo ID proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.)
- The original, signed Endorsement Letter (Annexure B).
- Copies of semester/year-wise mark sheets for the course you are currently enrolled in.
- Your updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume.
- Submit the Application:
- Offline Submission (Mandatory for joining): Place the filled application form and all enclosures in an envelope. Superscribe the envelope with “Application for Paid Internship Scheme – 2025 in the discipline of [Your Discipline]”. Send it via Speed Post to the following address to reach before the deadline:THE DIRECTOR, NPOL (DRDO), THRIKKAKARA PO, KOCHI – 682 021
- Online Submission (Optional but Recommended): You can also email a scanned copy of the complete application form and all enclosures to [email protected] within the stipulated date. However, please note that you will be required to submit the original documents at the time of joining if you are selected.
Application Fees
There is no application fee for applying to the DRDO-NPOL Paid Internship Program. This initiative by DRDO ensures that financial constraints do not hinder deserving candidates from applying.
Official Notification & Application Links
To ensure you have access to authentic information and forms, please use the official links provided below.
Official Links
Stay connected and get the latest updates through these official channels.
- Official DRDO Career Page
- Join our WhatsApp Channel for Govt Jobs
- Join our Telegram Channel for Govt Jobs
This internship is a rare chance to immerse yourself in the world of defence research and development. Prepare your application with care, and you might just be on your way to an exciting and fulfilling career. Good luck!