If you are a final-year student and the words “High Energy Lasers” or “Opto-Electronics” get you excited, this is the big one. The Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS) in Hyderabad has just opened its Paid Internship Scheme for 2026.
One thing most students miss about CHESS is that it’s located within the high-security RCI Campus. This isn’t just a desk job; you’ll be working in the same ecosystem where India’s most advanced directed-energy weapons are born.
The Core Stats: What’s at Stake?
CHESS is only taking 20 interns this year. The competition will be fierce, especially since they have a very high CGPA cutoff.
| Feature | Details |
| Organization | CHESS, DRDO (Hyderabad) |
| Total Vacancies | 20 Seats |
| Total Stipend | ₹30,000 (Paid in 2 installments) |
| Duration | 6 Months |
| Last Date to Apply | May 11, 2026 |
Branch Breakdown: Do You Fit?
CHESS has specific “Branch Codes.” When you apply, you must write these codes on your envelope, or it might end up in the wrong pile.
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Physics / Applied Optics (PH): 05 Posts
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Mechanical (ME): 05 Posts
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Electronics / ECE / Instrumentation (EE): 05 Posts
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Computer Science (CS): 03 Posts
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Chemical Engineering (CE): 02 Posts
Eligibility: The 75% Rule
If I were you, I’d check my marksheets before even downloading the form. CHESS has a strict 7.5 CGPA or 75% marks requirement. Also, you must be under 28 years old. If you have a backlog or your current average is 7.4, don’t waste the stamp—they are very rigid about the merit list.
The Money: Understanding the ₹30,000 Stipend
Now, let’s talk about the part that trips people up. You don’t get paid monthly. The money is tied to your physical attendance.
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Installment 1: ₹15,000 (After 3 months)
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Installment 2: ₹15,000 (After 6 months)
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The Attendance Rule: You must be physically present at the lab for at least 15 working days every month. If you go below that, you lose the stipend.
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The “No Exit” Policy: If you leave at the 4-month mark, you won’t get the second half of the money OR the completion certificate.
How to Apply (The Offline Protocol)
There is no online link. You have to do this the old-school way.
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The Referral Letter: You need a formal letter from your Principal or Director. A simple “I’m interested” won’t work. It needs to be on college letterhead.
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Documents: Attach self-attested copies of your College ID, semester marksheets, and [Aadhaar Redacted].
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The Envelope: On the top, write: “Application for Paid Internship – [Your Branch Code]”.
Send it via Speed Post to:
DIRECTOR,
CENTRE FOR HIGH ENERGY SYSTEMS & SCIENCES (CHESS)
DRDO, RCI CAMPUS, PO: VIGNYANA KANCHA,
HYDERABAD – 500069
Reality Check: Life in Hyderabad
The Ground Truth: CHESS will not give you a room or a bus pass. The RCI campus is a bit away from the main city. You’ll need to find a PG near Vignyanakancha or L.B. Nagar. Also, because this is a defense lab, you will need to get a Police Verification Certificate and sign the Official Secrets Act. They take security very seriously.
FAQ
Q: When will I know if I’m selected?
A: CHESS usually intimates selected students by May 20, 2026. If you don’t hear anything by then, move on to other opportunities.
Q: Can I apply if I’ve already graduated?
A: No. The notification is strictly for final-year students who are currently enrolled in a UG/PG program.
Q: Is there an interview?
A: Selection is usually based on merit (CGPA), but they reserve the right to do a quick technical screening if the scores are tied.
The bottom line is that the deadline is May 11. If you want that DRDO certificate, get your HOD’s signature today!