The Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) under the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has released an official notification for a 6-Month Paid Internship (February 2026 cycle). This is a prestigious opportunity for final year B.E./B.Tech students to work in advanced research areas like Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Command & Control, and Secure Communication Systems.
As per the official advertisement advtCAIR12022026, applications must be submitted via email within 15 days from publication.
If you are pursuing Computer Science, AI/ML, Electronics, or ECE, this internship can significantly strengthen your profile for higher studies, research roles, and core tech placements.
📌 Quick Review – DRDO CAIR Internship 2026
- 🏢 Organization: DRDO – Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR)
- 📍 Location: DRDO Complex, CV Raman Nagar, Bengaluru
- 🎓 Eligibility: Final Year B.E./B.Tech (First Division)
- 💰 Stipend: ₹5,000 per month (Fixed)
- ⏳ Duration: 6 Months
- 📊 Total Vacancies: 11
- 📝 Selection: Academic weightage-based merit
- 📧 Application Mode: Email (DOCX format only)
- 🗓 Apply Within: 15 days of advertisement publication
- ⚠ No absorption guarantee in DRDO
🏢 About DRDO CAIR
CAIR is a premier DRDO laboratory working in:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Robotics
- Command & Control Systems
- Information & Communication Security
The lab develops mission-critical battlefield communication and information management systems, making it one of the most technically advanced DRDO establishments.
🎓 Internship Vacancies & Eligibility
💻 Computer Science / IT / AI-ML (7 Posts)
- B.E./B.Tech (Final Year – Ongoing)
- Branches: CSE, IT, Information Science, AI/ML or equivalent
- Must have First Division
🔌 Electronics / ECE / EEE (4 Posts)
- B.E./B.Tech (Final Year – Ongoing)
- Electronics & Communication or equivalent
- Must have First Division
📌 Total Vacancies: 11
(As mentioned in the official notification advtCAIR12022026)
💰 Stipend Details (Important Clarification)
- ₹5,000 per month (Fixed)
- Total for 6 months: ₹30,000
- Paid in 2 installments:
- ₹15,000 after 3 months
- ₹15,000 after 6 months
⚠ No additional allowance for:
- Lodging
- Boarding
- Travel
- Medical expenses
All personal expenses must be borne by the candidate.
📊 Selection Process – Merit Based (No Written Exam)
Selection is done through weighted academic scoring:
- 🎯 10% weightage – Class 10 (Physics & Maths)
- 🎯 15% weightage – Class 12/Diploma
- 🎯 75% weightage – B.Tech/BE semester performance
📌 Interview will be conducted only if required for shortlisted candidates.
This means your consistent academic performance matters more than one-time exams.
📍 Internship Location
Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
DRDO Complex, CV Raman Nagar
Bengaluru – 560093
This is an offline internship at the DRDO facility.
📝 How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
This is where most candidates make mistakes. Follow carefully:
📧 Step 1: Download Application Form
Use the format provided in the official advertisement advtCAIR12022026.
🖥 Step 2: Fill in DOCX Format Only
- Do NOT convert to PDF
- Do NOT scan the form
- Submit only in *.docx format
📂 Step 3: File Naming Format (Very Important)
Filename format:
yournameyyyy.docx
Example:
rahulkumar1988.docx
✔ All letters small
✔ No spaces
📎 Step 4: Attach Scanned Copies
Attach the following:
- 10th Marksheet
- 12th Marksheet
- Diploma Marksheet (if applicable)
- All completed semester marksheets
- Character Certificate
- LOR (with CGPA to % conversion formula)
- CV
- College ID Card
- Aadhar Card
📩 Step 5: Email Submission
Send to:
ad-hrt.cair@gov.in
Subject Line:
Application for Internship Feb 2026
⏰ Must reach within 15 days of advertisement publication.
Late or incomplete applications will be rejected without notice.
⚖ Important Rules & Legal Conditions
Candidates must strictly follow:
- Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923
- DRDO security regulations
- No publishing of any DRDO-related information on social media
- No leave except sick leave (with prescription)
- Police Verification Certificate required at joining
- Internship is temporary (no job guarantee)
Violation may lead to immediate termination.
❗ Common Problems Faced by Applicants (And Solutions)
❌ Problem 1: Application Rejected Due to Wrong File Format
✔ Solution: Submit only DOCX file. Not PDF. Not scanned copy.
❌ Problem 2: Wrong File Name
✔ Solution: Use lowercase + birth year without spaces.
❌ Problem 3: Missing LOR Conversion Formula
✔ Solution: Ensure LOR includes CGPA to Percentage conversion formula.
❌ Problem 4: Low B.Tech Percentage
✔ Reality Check:
Since B.Tech carries 75% weightage, candidates with poor semester scores have lower selection probability.
❌ Problem 5: Expecting Job in DRDO After Internship
✔ Important:
This internship does NOT guarantee absorption.
📈 Why This Internship is High Value for Your Career
- Adds DRDO research exposure in resume
- Strong profile boost for M.Tech / MS / Research
- Useful for PSU & core technical interviews
- Experience in AI/Robotics/Defense systems
- National-level research credibility
For students targeting:
- GATE
- ISRO
- BARC
- DRDO Scientist B
- Core AI/Robotics startups
This is a strong value addition.
🧾 Documents Required at Joining
- All original marksheets
- Police Verification Certificate
- Undertaking under Official Secrets Act
Failure to produce originals may cancel selection.
🏁 Final Advice Before Applying
✔ Apply early – Do not wait for last day
✔ Double-check attachments
✔ Ensure academic percentages are correctly entered
✔ Maintain professional email format
✔ Get LOR signed properly
Since selection is merit-based, ensure accuracy in academic entries.
🌐 Important Links
- Download Official notification Here
- OSSSC Official Website: drdo.gov.in
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