If you are an engineering or science student looking for a government-backed paid internship in defence research, this one is hard to miss. Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), under DRDO and the Ministry of Defence, has officially opened applications for its Paid Internship Scheme 2026 — and it pays ₹5,000 every month.
Here is everything you need to know before you apply.
What Is TBRL and Why Does This Internship Matter?
TBRL — Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory — is one of India’s most respected defence research facilities, working under DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation). Located at Range Ramgarh, Panchkula, Haryana, it handles critical work in defence science and engineering.
Getting an internship here is not just about the stipend. It is about working inside a real defence R&D environment, contributing to meaningful projects, and walking away with a certificate that genuinely stands out on any resume.
Who Can Apply?
Category A – Undergraduate Engineering (B.E. / B.Tech. – 6th semester onwards)
| Branch | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Electronics & Communication (ECE) | 09 |
| Mechanical Engineering (MEE) | 08 |
| Computer Science (CSE) | 07 |
| Civil Engineering (CIE) | 04 |
| Aerospace / Aeronautical (AER) | 03 |
| Electrical Engineering (ELE) | 02 |
| Chemical Engineering (CHE) | 01 |
| Instrumentation (INE) | 01 |
Total UG seats: 35
Category B – Postgraduate Science (2nd Year M.Sc.)
M.Sc. Chemistry students only — 2 seats available.
Grand Total: 37 seats (subject to change at TBRL’s discretion)
Eligibility Criteria — Check Every Point
- Marks: Minimum 75% (CGPA must be converted to percentage per your university formula)
- Backlogs: Any active backlog = not eligible
- Age: Below 28 years as on 30 June 2026
- Institution: Full-time course from an AICTE/UGC-approved college only
- Curriculum: Internship must be part of your degree — HOD/TPO letter mandatory
- Nationality: Indian citizens only
Your branch must match the advertisement exactly. No equivalent disciplines will be accepted.
Stipend Details
Total stipend: ₹30,000 over 6 months, paid in two instalments of ₹15,000 each — one after Month 3, one after Month 6. Minimum 15 working days per month attendance is required to receive payment.
Heads up: No accommodation or transport is provided. All personal expenses are yours to manage.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Download the application form from drdo.gov.in
- Fill in capital letters, affix a passport-size photo
- Attach your Request Letter signed by Principal/HOD/TPO (use the exact format from the advertisement — no substitutes)
- Include all semester marksheets, Aadhaar copy, college ID copy
- Write “Application for Paid Internship: Starting July 2026” + your Branch Code on the envelope
- Post to:
The Director, TBRL, DRDO Sector-30, Chandigarh – 160030 Attention: HRD Division
Deadline: 25 May 2026. Incomplete or late applications are rejected — no exceptions, no communication.
Selection Process
Selection is purely merit-based on your cumulative marks up to the last semester, followed by a possible telephonic/online interview. In case of a tie in marks, the older candidate gets preference.
Selected candidates are notified by email only. No news means you were not selected.
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply | 25 May 2026 |
| Intimation to Selected Students | 3rd/4th Week of June 2026 |
| Internship Starts | 1 July 2026 (Tentative) |
Final Word
The TBRL DRDO Paid Internship 2026 is a genuinely rare opportunity. Only 37 seats, a defence research environment, and a government-issued completion certificate — all in one. If your academics are solid, your branch matches, and you have zero backlogs, do not wait until May 25th. Get your documents ready and send that application this week.
For more government and PSU internship opportunities, keep visiting theinternship.in.