DRDO LRDE Paid Summer Internship Program 2025: In a world where defence technology is in a position to make or break national security, it is increasingly important that the brightest minds in the nation take part in research and innovation. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has responded to this by providing formalised internship programs in its top laboratories. One of them is organised by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) in Bengaluru, Karnataka. A six-month paid internship programme, it offers a unique opportunity for engineering and science undergraduate and postgraduate students to be exposed to state-of-the-art radar technologies and contribute meaningfully to defence R&D.
Overview of the DRDO LRDE Paid Summer Internship Program 2025
DRDO LRDE internship programme aims to connect theoretical learning with application in defence technology. Students chosen under this scheme will gain practical experience in Indigenous radar systems and other high-technology defence solutions researched and developed by LRDE. This program not only benefits national interest but also moulds the careers of budding engineers and researchers by exposing them to actual projects.
DRDO LRDE Internship Objectives
1. Encourage Cooperation Between DRDO and Students
One of the key aims of the internship is to create a close collaboration between the academic community and defence research organizations. Such a collaboration has reciprocal advantages. For students, it translates into exposure to live projects, guidance from veteran scientists, and the opportunity to experience the innovation space at DRDO. For DRDO, this translates into engaging the new ideas and creativity that students possess. There have been a number of successful research products over the years through such collaborations, demonstrating the viability of this convergence of academia and industry.
2. Exposure to Indigenous Radar and Defense Technologies
LRDE interns will also get the chance to work on radar systems developed indigenously by Indian researchers. Technologies that underpin surveillance and defence infrastructure are made up of such developments. Understanding and even being a part of such projects is not just skill-enhancing but also confidence-boosting when it comes to feeling proud and responsible about adding to national security through indigenous efforts.
3. Promote Innovation in Defense R&D
Innovation is at the core of DRDO’s purpose. Interns are motivated to think outside traditional parameters and suggest new solutions or enhancements to current systems. Previous batches of interns have made contributions to simulations, automation packages, and prototype upgrades. These, while done during a brief tenure, tend to have long-lasting implications in development projects and demonstrate the relevance of creative solutions in defence technology.
4. Facilitate Academic Curriculum Integration
DRDO LRDE Paid Summer Internship is also complementary to academic needs, such that students can incorporate their practice work into their academic curriculum. Most colleges and universities consider this program as industrial training or project work. Academic feedback has largely been positive, with regard to improved student performance, motivation, and national research priority exposure.
DRDO LRDE Internship Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality
Only Indian citizens can apply. Such a requirement ensures that critical defence-related details and defence technologies are dealt with sensitively and kept safe under domestic law.
2. Undergraduate (BE/BTech)
Applicants from UG courses should have appeared or passed their 6th semester during their third year. A minimum aggregate of 70% in the first six semesters is necessary. This guarantees that the candidates are well grounded academically prior to joining a highly technical work culture.
3. Postgraduate (ME/MTech/M.Sc)
Postgraduate candidates need to have attended or appeared for the 2nd semester of their first year and have at least a 70% aggregate. With the level of sophistication in projects at DRDO, a high academic record plays an important role in being able to contribute significantly, particularly in research-oriented positions.
DRDO LRDE Internship Eligible Branches & Codes
1. Overview of Eligible Branches
The internship opportunity is available for students from engineering and science backgrounds of multiple disciplines, considering DRDO’s focus on interdisciplinary research. The disciplines include electronics, mechanical, civil, computer science, instrumentation, and other related streams.
2. Branch Codes and Descriptions
Code Branch/Discipline
EE Electronics, ECE, EEE, Instrumentation
ME Mechanical Engineering
CS Computer Science & Engineering
CE Civil Engineering
OTH Other engineering/science branches as applicable
3. Importance of Interdisciplinary Approaches
Defence R&D frequently involves the integration of field engineering, structural design, hardware, and software. Mechanical engineers with computer scientists, or electronics engineers with civil specialists, often work together in LRDE projects. Interdisciplinary team members contribute diverse skill sets, thus resulting in more complete solutions.
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DRDO LRDE Internship Details
1. Organization and Location
The Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) is a DRDO unit that plays an important role in creating cutting-edge radar systems for Indian defence. Bengaluru, a city known for its technology and innovation, is where the institute is based. The institute provides a dynamic research environment.
2. Program Structure and Duration
The internship is for six months, from 1st August 2025 to 31st January 2026. Interns are expected to have a minimum of 15 working days of attendance each month to be eligible for certification and stipend. This arrangement ensures active participation and regular contribution.
3. Stipend and Financial Assistance
Interns are paid a monthly stipend of ₹5,000, paid in two instalments:
₹15,000 on completion of the first three months (subject to performance)
₹15,000 upon completion of the internship successfully
The compensation not only includes the bare minimum but also recognizes the contribution made by the intern to national R&D work.
LRDE DRDO internship Notification: PDF Download
Conclusion
LRDE DRDO internship program is a great platform for engineering students and science students to get real-world experience, work on relevant projects, and synchronize academic development with national aspirations. With defined goals, a formal process, and liberal patronage, the program provides a good stepping stone for students who intend to pursue research, defence, or advanced technology careers.
Eligible candidates interested in the DRDO internship are invited to apply and join India’s changing defence innovation landscape.
FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for the DRDO internship?
Indian citizens who are studying undergraduate (BE/BTech) or postgraduate (ME/MTech/M.Sc) degrees in the specified streams with a minimum of 70% aggregate marks.
What is the internship duration?
DRDO internship lasts six months, that is, from 1 August 2025 to 31 January 2026.
What is DRDO internship stipend?
Interns are provided with an aggregate stipend of ₹30,000, distributed in two instalments.
In what ways does the internship contribute to academic education?
It provides hands-on experience related to academic courses, which are sometimes viewed as industrial training or a final-year project by institutions.
What kind of projects can interns anticipate working on?
Interns can work on radar development, system simulations, embedded technologies, automation tools, and interdisciplinary defence research projects.
Vivek Verma is a seasoned writer with over two years of experience covering government schemes, job recruitments, internships, education, finance, economics, politics, geo-politics, ethics, policies, and related topics. A graduate of Ranchi University, he brings a deep understanding of government policies and job markets. With a decade-long experience in UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) preparation, he provides well-researched and insightful content, making complex subjects easily accessible to readers.