The Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), Avadi, Chennai, a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has invited applications from eligible Engineering students for its Paid Internship Scheme 2026–27.

The internship opportunity is designed for students who want to gain practical exposure to defence research, engineering technologies and development activities carried out at DRDO laboratories.

A total of 35 internship positions are available, comprising 15 Undergraduate (UG) internships and 20 Postgraduate (PG) internships.

Selected interns will undergo training/research exposure at CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai, for a period of 6 months. The selected candidates will receive a stipend of ₹5,000 per month, paid in two instalments/slabs of ₹15,000 for every three months.

Selection will be based primarily on the candidate's academic performance. There will be no written examination or interview as part of the selection process.

Recruitment Highlights

Vacancy Details

The 35 internship positions are distributed across the following engineering disciplines:

Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate Students

Candidates applying under the UG category must:

• Be pursuing a regular B.E. / B.Tech programme.
• Be currently studying in the 7th or 8th semester.
• Have secured at least 85% marks or 8.5 CGPA on a 10-point scale.
• Maintain the required academic performance across previous semesters.
• Be studying in an AICTE-approved technical institution or eligible recognized institution/university.
• Be an Indian National.
• Be below 28 years of age as on 01 July 2026.

Postgraduate Students

Candidates applying under the PG category must:

• Be pursuing a regular M.E. / M.Tech programme.
• Be currently studying in the 1st or 2nd year.
• Have secured at least 85% marks or 8.5 CGPA.
• Maintain the required academic performance in previous semesters.
• Be studying in an eligible recognized institution/university.
• Be an Indian National.
• Be below 28 years of age as on 01 July 2026.

Academic Requirement

Academic performance is an important criterion for this internship.

Applicants should have:

Minimum 85% marks OR 8.5 CGPA out of 10

The required academic performance must be maintained consistently in the semesters already completed by the candidate.

Candidates should therefore submit copies of their semester-wise mark sheets/CGPA cards along with the application.

Age Limit

The candidate must be:

Below 28 years of age as on 01 July 2026.

Candidates should carefully verify the detailed advertisement for any applicable relaxation or specific conditions.

Internship Duration

The selected candidates will undergo the internship for:

Duration: 6 Months

The internship will be conducted at CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai.

Stipend

Selected interns will receive:

₹5,000 per month

The stipend is paid in two slabs:

• ₹15,000 for the first 3 months
• ₹15,000 for the next 3 months

Total stipend for 6 months: ₹30,000

Selection Process

Selection will be carried out on the basis of academic merit.

The selection process includes:

1. Scrutiny of applications.
2. Assessment of previous semester marks/CGPA.
3. Preparation of merit/shortlist.
4. Communication of selection to shortlisted candidates through email.

No Examination or Interview

There is:

• ❌ No written examination
• ❌ No competitive test
• ❌ No interview

Therefore, candidates with strong academic records have a significant advantage.

Application Mode

Offline Application

Candidates are required to submit their applications through:

• Speed Post
• Registered Post
• Courier

Applications should reach CVRDE within the prescribed deadline.

Important Dates

Important: The application must reach CVRDE within the prescribed period. Candidates should not wait until the final day to dispatch their applications.

How to Apply

Eligible students should follow these steps:

Step 1 – Download the Application Form

Download the official advertisement and Appendix 'A' application form from the DRDO vacancies section.

Step 2 – Fill the Application Form

Complete the application form carefully in block letters.

Mention the appropriate branch/code as prescribed in the official advertisement.

Step 3 – Attach Documents

Attach self-attested copies of the required documents, including:

• All semester mark sheets / CGPA cards
• Bonafide Certificate
• Character Certificate
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Principal/Director
• Student Biodata of up to 300 words
• Aadhaar proof
• College ID Card
• Relevant achievement certificates, if applicable
• Other documents specified in the official notification

Step 4 – Prepare the Envelope

The envelope should be clearly superscribed as:

"Application for Paid Internship - [Branch Code]"

Step 5 – Send the Application

Send the completed application by Speed Post / Registered Post / Courier to:

The Director
Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE)
Ministry of Defence, Government of India
Avadi, Chennai – 600054

Documents Required

Candidates should carefully prepare the required documents before sending their application.

The application should include:

1. Completed application form.
2. Self-attested semester-wise mark sheets/CGPA cards.
3. Bonafide Certificate.
4. Character Certificate.
5. No Objection Certificate from the Principal/Director.
6. Student biodata – maximum 300 words.
7. Aadhaar proof.
8. College Identity Card copy.
9. Certificates relating to academic/technical achievements, if any.
10. Any additional documents required by the official advertisement.

Who Can Apply?

This internship is particularly suitable for:

• B.E./B.Tech students in their 7th or 8th semester.
• M.E./M.Tech students in their 1st or 2nd year.
• Students with 85% marks or 8.5 CGPA and above.
• Mechanical Engineering students.
• Electronics/ECE/E&I students.
• Electrical Engineering students.
• Computer Science/IT students.
• AI/ML students.
• Engineering students interested in defence technology and research.

Internship Areas

The available disciplines provide students with an opportunity to gain exposure in areas associated with engineering and defence technology, particularly:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Combat vehicle technologies
• Electronics and communication
• Electrical systems
• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Information Technology
• Engineering research and development

The exact project/work allocation will depend on CVRDE's requirements and the candidate's discipline.

Why Should Students Apply?

This internship can be valuable for Engineering students because it provides:

• Exposure to a DRDO research establishment.
• Practical exposure beyond classroom learning.
• Experience in a government defence R&D environment.
• Opportunity to understand engineering applications in defence technology.
• A stipend of ₹5,000 per month.
• Six months of internship experience.
• An opportunity to strengthen the student's academic and professional profile.

Important Instructions

• Applications must be submitted in the prescribed format.
• Candidates should ensure that they satisfy all eligibility conditions before applying.
• All academic documents should be properly attached.
• Semester-wise academic performance should be clearly demonstrated.
• The Bonafide Certificate and NOC should be obtained from the concerned institution.
• The application envelope must carry the prescribed superscription.
• Applications should reach CVRDE before the closing date.
• Candidates should retain proof of dispatch for future reference.
• Selection is based on academic merit; submission of an application does not guarantee selection.
• Students should read the complete official advertisement carefully before sending the application.

About CVRDE

Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) is a DRDO laboratory located at Avadi, Chennai, working in the field of combat vehicle technologies and related defence research and development.

The internship provides eligible Engineering students an opportunity to experience a professional R&D environment under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.

Notification: https://drdo.gov.in/drdo/sites/default/files/vacancy/advtCVRDE08092026.pdf