DRDO NSTL Paid Internship 2026: 35 Positions with ₹5,000/Month Stipend for B.E., B.Tech & M.Sc Students
The Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), a premier laboratory under the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), has announced a Paid Internship Programme for 35 positions across Engineering and Science disciplines. This is a wonderful opportunity for final year B.E. / B.Tech and M.Sc students who want hands-on experience in cutting-edge defence technology. The internship offers a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 for a period of 6 months. If you are looking for engineering government jobs or research opportunities, this is worth your attention.
The internship is based at NSTL Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, and the application must be sent via email only — there is no online portal. The last date to apply is 23 March 2026 (5:00 PM). In this article on GovtJobsAlert.in, we cover everything you need to know — eligibility, discipline-wise seat distribution, stipend details, selection process, and the complete application procedure. If you are a graduate pursuing government opportunities, keep reading carefully.
Key Highlights — DRDO NSTL Paid Internship 2026
NSTL (Naval Science & Technological Laboratory) is one of the leading DRDO laboratories located in Visakhapatnam, specialising in underwater weapons and related naval technologies. The lab works on advanced torpedo systems, sonar technology, and underwater instrumentation. This internship programme gives students an opportunity to work alongside defence scientists on real-world projects.
- Post Name: Paid Internship (B.E. / B.Tech / M.Sc)
- Total Positions: 35
- Stipend: ₹5,000 per month for 6 months
- Job Location: NSTL, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- Last Date to Apply: 23 March 2026 (5:00 PM)
What is the Discipline-wise Seat Distribution for DRDO NSTL Internship 2026?
| Discipline | Seats |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | 3 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 5 |
| Electrical Engineering | 4 |
| Electronics & Communication | 6 |
| Electrical & Instrumentation | 2 |
| Naval Architecture | 3 |
| Computer Science / IT | 8 |
| M.Sc Physics | 2 |
| M.Sc Chemistry | 2 |
Total: 35 paid internship positions across 9 disciplines. Computer Science / IT has the maximum seats (8), followed by Electronics & Communication (6).
What is the Eligibility Criteria for DRDO NSTL Internship 2026? (Age, CGPA, Qualification)
Educational Qualification
For Engineering Streams (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, ECE, E&I, Naval Architecture, CS / IT):
- Must be in the final year of B.E. / B.Tech programme from an AICTE-approved institution
- Minimum CGPA 7.5 (or equivalent percentage) in all semesters completed till date
- No active backlogs at the time of application
For Science Streams (M.Sc Physics, M.Sc Chemistry):
- Must be in the 2nd year of M.Sc programme from a UGC-recognised university
- Minimum 75% marks in the 1st year of M.Sc
- No active backlogs at the time of application
Age Limit
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| All Candidates | Below 25 years |
As-on date: 01 May 2026 (internship start date). No age relaxation is mentioned for any category.
What is the Stipend for DRDO NSTL Internship 2026?
All selected interns will receive a fixed monthly stipend during the entire 6-month internship period.
- Monthly Stipend: ₹5,000
- Duration: 6 months (01 May 2026 to 31 October 2026)
- Total Stipend: ₹30,000 over the full internship period
The stipend of ₹5,000 per month is a consolidated amount. There are no additional allowances for travel, accommodation, or food. Interns must arrange their own boarding and lodging at Visakhapatnam.
On successful completion of the internship, each intern will receive a Certificate of Completion from NSTL, DRDO. This certificate is valuable for higher studies and future defence job applications. Please note that this internship does not guarantee any employment in DRDO.
How is the Selection Done for DRDO NSTL Internship 2026? (Screening + Interview)
The selection is carried out in two stages:
Stage 1: Screening of Applications
- All applications received by email will be screened based on academic credentials, CGPA / percentage, and the discipline applied for.
- Only candidates meeting the minimum eligibility criteria will be shortlisted.
- Shortlisted candidates will be informed via email.
Stage 2: Interview
- Shortlisted candidates will appear for an online or offline interview conducted by a selection committee at NSTL.
- The interview will assess technical knowledge, aptitude, and motivation.
- Final selection is based on merit — considering academic performance and interview score.
How to Apply Online for DRDO NSTL Internship 2026? (Email, Documents, Deadline)
There is no online application portal for this internship. Applications must be sent via email only. Before applying, keep your resume, academic transcripts, and a scanned photograph ready.
- Prepare a detailed resume including your personal details, educational qualifications, CGPA / percentage, and discipline.
- Write a cover letter mentioning the discipline you are applying for and why you are interested in NSTL.
- Attach scanned copies of your academic transcripts (all semesters), college ID card, and a recent passport-size photograph.
- Send all documents in a single email to intern-hrd@gov.in with the subject line: “Application for NSTL Internship 2026 — [Your Discipline]”.
- Ensure your email is sent before 23 March 2026, 5:00 PM. Late applications will not be accepted.
Important: Only one application per candidate is accepted. Apply for only one discipline. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
What Are the Important Dates and Last Date for DRDO NSTL Internship 2026?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | March 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 23 March 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Interview | April 2026 (Tentative) |
| Internship Start Date | 01 May 2026 |
| Internship End Date | 31 October 2026 |
Is There an Application Fee for DRDO NSTL Internship 2026?
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| All Categories | No Fee (Free) |
There is no application fee for this internship. The application is completely free of cost for all candidates.
Essential Links — DRDO NSTL Paid Internship 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Visit DRDO Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram for Andhra Pradesh Govt Jobs
Don’t miss this excellent chance to work with one of India’s most prestigious defence research laboratories. If you are a final year engineering or M.Sc student with good academic records, apply before 23 March 2026. For more defence job notifications and latest government job updates, keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in.