DRDO TBRL Internship 2026: Eligibility, Stipend, Last Date & Application Guide

Every engineering student dreams of being part of something bigger — a project that defines innovation, patriotism, and real-world impact. The DRDO TBRL Internship 2026 offers exactly that opportunity. Organized by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), this program isn’t just another internship; it’s a gateway to experience India’s cutting-edge defense technology from the inside.

TBRL, located in Chandigarh, focuses on advanced research in ballistics, explosives, and protective systems — the technologies that strengthen India’s defense capabilities. For students passionate about mechanical, electronics, computer science, or defense engineering, this internship brings a rare chance to work alongside top scientists and understand how classroom knowledge turns into real innovation.

The DRDO internship is known for shaping future innovators. Over the years, students who’ve joined TBRL have discovered not just technical growth, but a new level of discipline, curiosity, and respect for applied research. This guide will walk through everything — eligibility, stipend, how to apply, required documents, and preparation tips — ensuring no question remains unanswered.

This detailed guide is brought to you by CollegePlacement.in — a career mentorship platform helping students bridge the gap between academics and real-world placements.

Why the DRDO TBRL Internship 2026 Matters

Unlike short industrial internships, TBRL offers 6-month research-based internships where students work alongside top defense scientists.

Here’s why it’s special:

You get hands-on exposure to real defense projects.
You learn from scientists and engineers shaping India’s military technology.
You earn a government-recognized certificate that stands out in any placement interview.
You contribute (in a small but real way) to the nation’s innovation ecosystem.

And yes — you get paid for learning!

Stipend Details

One of the most common questions on Google: “Is DRDO internship paid?”
Yes, the TBRL DRDO Internship 2026 is a paid program.

Stipend: ₹5,000 per month
Duration: 6 months
Type: Full-time (on-site)
Working days: Minimum 15 days attendance per month is required to qualify for the stipend.

Though ₹5,000 might not seem huge, remember — this isn’t a corporate internship. It’s a research opportunity under a national organization, which makes it highly respected by recruiters later.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the DRDO TBRL Internship 2026, you must meet these requirements:

Education:
- Students pursuing full-time B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech, or M.Sc from a recognized Indian university or institution.
Discipline:
- Applicable to branches like Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science, Chemical, Civil, Aeronautical, Physics, and Chemistry.
Academic Performance:
- Minimum 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA.
Age Limit:
- Below 28 years as of the date of application.
Availability:
- Must be able to commit 6 months full-time starting from January 2026.

Important Dates

Event	Date
Application Start	28 October 2025
Last Date to Apply	17 November 2025
Internship Start	January 2026
Duration	6 Months

Don’t wait till the last date. Government applications take time for postal delivery, so send your documents at least a week early.

Required Documents

Before applying, prepare the following documents neatly and in order:

Resume / CV (highlighting academic and project work)
Bonafide certificate from college
Recent passport-size photograph
Copy of valid student ID card
Academic mark sheets / transcript
Aadhaar card (as ID proof)

How to Apply for DRDO TBRL Internship 2026 (Step-by-Step)

Unlike corporate internships that take online applications, DRDO TBRL follows an offline application process.

Here’s how you can apply:

Visit the official DRDO website → DRDO Careers – TBRL Internship
Download the official notification PDF.
- Read all instructions carefully.
Print and fill the application form mentioned in the PDF.
Attach all required documents (listed above).
Write “Application for Internship at TBRL” on the envelope.
Send the application via Speed Post to: Director, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Sector-30, Chandigarh – 160030
Wait for shortlisting notice or email from DRDO.

Selection Process

The selection process is merit-based and transparent.

Shortlisting on Academic Merit:
- Candidates with strong academic backgrounds are preferred.
Interview / Telephonic Interaction:
- In some cases, shortlisted students may be contacted for an online interview.
Final List & Verification:
- Selected candidates will undergo document and police verification before joining.

Keep your resume simple, factual, and free of exaggerations. DRDO prefers substance over style.

Real-World Mentor Advice

Many students who have applied for DRDO internships under proper mentorship have shared one common insight — preparation and clarity matter more than grades.

Don’t over-focus on the stipend. Focus on the learning, exposure, and credibility.
Customize your resume.
- If you’re from Electronics, mention work with sensors or circuit projects.
- If you’re from Mechanical, highlight design tools or ballistics-related mini projects.
Add a purpose statement. A one-paragraph note on why you want to intern at DRDO adds emotional weight to your application.
Maintain professionalism. DRDO internships are serious; keep communication polite, formal, and to the point.
Be patient. DRDO’s selection process takes time — sometimes months. Don’t flood them with follow-up emails.

Internship Location

Primary Office: TBRL Sector-30, Chandigarh
Testing Range: Ramgarh, Panchkula (Haryana)

If you’re from Delhi/NCR, it’s very accessible. The lab is about 4–5 hours away by road and well-connected by train.

Certificate & Benefits

At the end of the internship, you’ll receive an official DRDO Internship Certificate signed by the Lab Director.
It’s not just a piece of paper — it’s proof that you’ve worked in a defense R&D environment.

Benefits of doing the DRDO TBRL Internship 2026:

Real-time exposure to defense technology research.
Valuable learning for GATE / PSU / Research career aspirants.
Adds credibility for placements in companies like ISRO, HAL, or BEL.
Network with DRDO scientists and research mentors.

Working at DRDO TBRL isn’t like working in a startup or corporate office.
It’s a place of discipline, focus, and research.

You’ll spend time in labs, data analysis units, and project meetings.
You may assist in research documentation, simulation modeling, or mechanical design depending on your department.
Expect mentorship from senior scientists who value curiosity and sincerity more than experience.

Keep a daily journal of your learning. It helps you later in interviews and final report submission.

If you ask me whether this internship is worth it — I’d say absolutely yes.
Every year, hundreds of engineering students chase short, unpaid internships with private startups.
But very few get the opportunity to experience research inside a defense lab.

The exposure you get at DRDO — the discipline, the structure, the focus on science — shapes how you see your career.
Even if you don’t end up in defense research, the values you learn here — precision, documentation, teamwork — will stay with you forever.

So if you’re reading this, take that step. Download the form. Prepare your documents. And apply before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — DRDO TBRL Internship 2026

1. Is the DRDO TBRL Internship 2026 paid or unpaid?
The internship is unpaid, but students receive an official DRDO certificate upon completion, which holds significant value in research and defence-related job applications.

2. Who can apply for the TBRL internship?
Students pursuing B.Tech, M.Tech, or PhD in Mechanical, Electronics, Computer Science, or Defence Engineering from recognized universities are eligible.

3. How long does the internship last?
The typical duration ranges from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on project requirements and academic schedules.

4. What is the selection process?
Selection is based on academic performance, statement of purpose (SOP), and recommendation letters. Candidates may also be shortlisted based on project fit.

5. When will DRDO TBRL Internship 2026 applications open?
Applications generally open between January to March 2026. Students should keep visiting the DRDO official website and CollegePlacement.in for timely updates.

6. What documents are needed for the application?
Applicants must submit a resume, recommendation letter, college NOC, and brief project interest statement.

7. Can first-year students apply?
No. The internship is mainly open to third- or fourth-year engineering students who have completed basic technical coursework.

8. Does DRDO offer a full-time job after the internship?
Not directly. However, many interns later qualify for DRDO Junior Research Fellow (JRF) or other technical roles after completing their degree.

9. Where can students get help with applications or SOP writing?
Guidance and templates are available at CollegePlacement.in, where mentors help students refine their documents for internships like DRDO, ISRO, and BARC.

10. Is hostel accommodation available for TBRL interns?
Limited accommodation is available at or near the DRDO TBRL campus, usually on a shared or rotational basis.

Dear student,
If you’ve ever dreamed of being part of India’s defense ecosystem — this is your moment.
Not every opportunity is about money; some are about exposure, learning, and pride. Apply early.
Prepare seriously and treat this internship as your first mission for India.

Still unsure how to apply for the DRDO TBRL Internship 2026?
Don’t worry — our mentors at CollegePlacement.in can guide you step-by-step on resume building, SOP writing, and internship documentation. Start now-Let’s START Your Placement Journey

Reach out today and move one step closer to your dream internship — From Degree to Desk.