How can I get a summer internship in DRDO?

Source - Google images

As I completed my summer internship of 1 month at DRDO Defence Research Laboratory (DRL Tezpur) on 19th July 2019, I think I'm eligible to answer this question.

So I'll share my experience…..

Procedure:- The procedure to apply for an internship in any DRDO lab is quite simple. You have to just mail the training coordinator/ Director of the respective lab in which you wanted to work in. One must mention his/her interests and the topic on which he/she wants to work during the internship (in the mail) because you will be alloted a guide and a division based on this.

The research areas of each and every lab are mentioned in their website . (Give a reading to these before you apply)

So I applied in the month of April- May. The advantage with DRDO DRL is that the interns have a chance to decide their dates for the internship which I found quite flexible. Although I don't know if all the DRDO labs provide this flexibility.

Then once my application (mail) got selected, I got a mail like this from the coordinator.

So I posted the hard copies of the required documents and also mailed the scanned soft copies for safety reasons.

Be sure that you carry the required documents like college id card, Aadhar card, confirmation mail, etc to the lab for joining.

Experience:- My experience at DRL Tezpur was wonderful. The lab is located in a defence area called ‘Solmara' which is completely safe as it is maintained by the army. The campus is very beautiful. It's full of lush green trees and is surrounded by majestic mountains. There are many outdoor facilities like football ground, badminton court, golf, etc. There is also a shopping complex and a restaurant within the campus where you can buy things and while away some time with your friends.

Just a random shot of the green grass turning golden under the sun….

Mobiles and laptops aren't allowed inside the lab .They are strictly prohibited, although you can use them in your room.

Within the lab premises there is a library with computers and unlimited WiFi where you can work on your project till 5:30 pm.

If you want to work in your room, then I recommend you to carry a laptop along with you because every intern has to give a presentation and submit a report before he/she completes the internship.

You will be given a DRDO temporary Id card which you must keep safely and carry everyday along with you.

I worked in the division of ‘Entomology and Biothreat management' under Scientist ‘E'. I learnt many new things and was also exposed to handling of various sophisticated scientific equipments. It was a hands-on research experience indeed ! I consider myself very lucky to work in such a prestigious organisation under eminent scientists at my UG level. My overall experience with my guide, PhD scholars and RA's was very good. Everyone was very friendly, helpful and supportive throughout my stay. I met many other interns who came from different parts of the country and made many new friends.

Upon successful completion of my internship and submitting a satisfactory report to my guide, I was awarded this certificate….

Accomodation and food:-

DRDO doesn't pay any stipend to the interns. They provided an accommodation for 1 week in the guest house. Within this one week the interns are expected to find a PG outside the campus. In Tezpur, there are many hostels and PG accomodations outside the campus. Food can be availed at the canteen at subsidised rates. Through my fellow trainee's I got to know that there are also some people who deliver home made food to the doorstep.

*Feel free to DM me for contact details of PG accommodation and food supply.

P.S.- You must visit the elephant trail in the campus. It's just amazing! ( If you are a nature lover )

P.S- Also try visiting the beautiful Tezpur University and the air force base nearby to see some Sukhoi jets taking off! ;)

Thanks for reading !