DRDO’s Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM) has announced 5 paid internship vacancies for pursuing UG and PG engineering students across five disciplines — Chemical, Mechanical, Aero, AI & Data Science, and Computer Engineering. The monthly stipend is ₹5,000 per month for a duration of 06 months. The internship is based at ACEM, Nasik – 422207, and applications must be submitted by 15th June 2026. Students in their 7th or 8th semester of B.E./B.Tech or 1st/2nd year of M.Tech from AICTE/UGC approved universities are eligible to apply — but only those with a minimum 8.5 CGPA maintained consistently across all previous semesters need apply. Read this article carefully and go through the official notification before applying.
Information verified from official ACEM, DRDO notification No. ACEM/HRD/PDINTERN/2026/II dated 22-05-2026.
Quick Summary of DRDO ACEM Paid Internship 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation / Employer | Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM), DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India |
| Name of the Post | Paid Internship (Engineering UG/PG) |
| Total Vacancy | 05* (indicative, may increase or decrease) |
| Salary / Pay Scale | ₹5,000/- per month |
| Additional Salary Benefits | Subsidised lunch, tea and snacks at ACEM canteen |
| Application Mode | Offline (Speed Post only) |
| Eligibility | Pursuing B.E./B.Tech (7th/8th semester) or M.Tech (1st/2nd year) with minimum 8.5 CGPA; age below 28 years |
| Selection Process | Merit-based / Interview / Interaction as decided by Selection Committee |
| Place of Posting | ACEM, Ambe Hill, Ojhar, Nasik – 422207 |
| Government / Private / Contract | Government (Ministry of Defence) – Internship/Training |
| Last Date of Application | 15th June 2026 |
| Who Can Apply | Pursuing UG/PG Engineering Students (Fresher) |
| Interview / Exam Date | Date will be intimated to shortlisted candidates (Information to selected students: after 17th June 2026) |
Also Read | DRDO Internship 2026 Pune for 40 Posts [Last date to apply – 27th May 2026]
About ACEM (Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials)
ACEM is a composite propellant processing facility under DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. It is dedicated to developing world-class rocket motors and supporting strategic missile programmes. Located at Ambe Hill, Ojhar, Nasik, it operates under the Defence Research & Development Organisation. Official website: www.drdo.gov.in
Important Dates for DRDO ACEM Internship 2026
If you are planning to apply for this DRDO ACEM paid internship, mark these dates carefully. Applications sent after the last date will not be accepted— the notification states that no further communication will be entertained for late or incomplete applications. Send your application well in advance by speed post so it reaches ACEM before the deadline.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Publication / Start Date | 22nd May 2026 |
| Last Date for Application | 15th June 2026 |
| Information to Selected Students | After 17th June 2026 |
| Date of Start for Internship Training | 1st July 2026 |
| Expected End of Internship | 31st December 2026 |
Vacancy Details & Salary for DRDO ACEM Internship 2026
Here’s the breakdown of posts, total vacancy and salary for your reference.
| Post Name / Discipline | Branch Code | Total Vacancy | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering | CE | 01 | ₹5,000/- per month |
| Mechanical / Armament Engineering / Defence Technology / Production Engineering etc. | ME | 01 | ₹5,000/- per month |
| Aero Engineering / Rocket Propulsion System etc. | AE | 01 | ₹5,000/- per month |
| AI & ML / Data Science / System Engineering etc. | AI & DS | 02 | ₹5,000/- per month |
| Computer Engineering / Information Technology | CS | Included in total* | ₹5,000/- per month |
| Total | 05* |
*The number of positions is indicative and may increase or decrease at the absolute discretion of ACEM.
Note on Stipend Payment: Stipend is paid in two instalments. The first instalment is released only after successful completion of the first 03 months of training, provided the student maintains a minimum of 15 working days of physical attendance per month at ACEM. If a student leaves before completing 03 months, no payment will be made and no Completion Certificate will be issued.
Also Read | DRDO DEBEL Internship 2026 [Last date to apply – 31st May 2026]
Eligibility Criteria for DRDO ACEM Paid Internship 2026
The eligibility criteria for this DRDO ACEM paid internship include education and age requirements. Candidates should make sure they meet all the conditions before applying.
Educational Qualification
- Pursuing B.E./B.Tech in the relevant discipline — must be in the 7th or 8th semester at the time of application.
- Pursuing M.Tech in the relevant discipline — must be in the 1st or 2nd year at the time of application.
- The degree must be a full-time course from a recognised Indian University/Institute approved by AICTE/UGC.
- Candidates must have secured first class with distinction — meaning 85% marks or above (or 8.5 CGPA or above on a scale of 10) — in all previous semesters continuously.
- A minimum 8.5 CGPA must be maintained across all previous semesters without exception.
- A referral/request letter from the Principal or Director of the institution is mandatory and must be attached. This letter should be addressed only to highly deserving, meritorious students.
- Candidates must submit a brief bio-data of under 300 words highlighting achievements.
- Any awards or professional memberships, if applicable, must be mentioned.
Age Limit
- Candidates must be below 28 years of age.
- No age relaxation details are mentioned in the official notification.
Selection Process for ACEM DRDO Internship 2026
The selection for this DRDO internship is not automatic — it is competitive. ACEM receives applications from across India, and only meritorious students with a strong academic record will be shortlisted. The Selection Committee will decide the final process based on merit, and only selected students will be notified about joining procedures.
- Academic Merit Screening — Minimum 8.5 CGPA or 85% marks in all previous semesters required; marksheets must be enclosed with the application.
- Interview / Interaction — The Selection Committee may conduct an interview or interaction round. The exact format will be decided by the committee.
- Document Verification — Shortlisted candidates will be informed about joining formalities, undertaking forms, and indemnity bond requirements.
Practical tip: The notification makes it clear that no communication will be made to rejected candidates. Once you apply, watch for communication after 17th June 2026 — that is when selected students will be informed.
At the time of joining, selected students must carry: original Aadhar card, college ID card, all previous semester marksheets in original, passport size photographs (03 nos.), NOC from college authorities, police verification acknowledgement, medical fitness certificate from an MBBS-qualified practitioner, and bank details for stipend transfer. Undertakings related to the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923 and IT Rules for the Ministry of Defence must also be submitted.
How to Apply for DRDO ACEM Paid Internship 2026
Applications must be submitted offline only — no online portal is available for this internship. Fill the prescribed application format provided in the official notification carefully.
- Download the official notification and application format from the PDF Link Provided in the important link section. (bottom of this article)
- Print page no 4,5,6 & 7 and fill in the all required details — Name, Date of Birth, Aadhar No., College details, Discipline, Branch Code, Degree/Semester, CGPA, achievements, and contact information.
- Attach the following documents compulsorily:
- Reference / Request letter from Principal or Director of the college (on college letterhead, in the prescribed format)
- UG/PG marksheets reflecting CGPA for all previous semesters
- Copy of latest Aadhar Card
- Brief bio-data under 300 words
- Write clearly on the envelope: “Application for Paid Internship” along with the Branch Code (e.g., CE, ME, AE, AI&DS, CS) for easy sorting.
- Send by Speed Post only to: The General Manager, Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM), Ambe Hills, Ojhar, Nashik – 422207 (Kind Attn.: HRD Division)
- Ensure the application reaches ACEM on or before 15th June 2026. Late or incomplete applications will be rejected without any communication.
Tips for Sending Application through India Post Service
Send your application by Speed Post with Acknowledgement Card (AD Card) [Posting Charge Starts from Rs. 47/- depending on weight]— you’ll get delivery confirmation right at your doorstep. India Post no longer offers standalone Registered Post (Domestic) as of September 2025, so Speed Post is the safest option now.
Use a thick green envelope to protect your documents from damage in transit. Write your contact number clearly on the back of the envelope.
Arrange your documents in this order before sealing: application form first, then educational certificates, then experience documents. Punch a small hole on the top-left corner of the entire set and tie it neatly with a thread.
Only enclose what is asked for. Extra documents increase postage costs and make it harder for the employer to sort through your application. [This is General tips follow information as advised in official notification]
Important Links
Candidates applying for DRDO ACEM Paid Internship 2026 are advised to visit the important links below for the official PDF and application form:
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification for ACEM DRDO Paid Internship & Application Format (Print page no 4,5,6 & 7 for Application format) | Download Official Notification PDF |
Should You Apply?
If you are a meritorious engineering student in your final semesters with a solid 8.5+ CGPA, the ACEM DRDO Paid Internship at ₹5,000/- per month is worth pursuing for the defence exposure alone. Competition will be high — ACEM explicitly requires institution-level endorsement from your Principal, which itself filters candidates. Paid internships at DRDO labs are increasingly sought after and carry significant weight on an engineering résumé, particularly for students targeting PSU or defence sector careers.
FAQs — ACEM DRDO Internship 2026 for Engineering Students Nasik
Is this DRDO ACEM internship a permanent government job?
No. This is a 06-month paid internship only. ACEM/DRDO has no obligation to offer permanent employment to interns, and completing the internship gives no right to claim any job at the organisation.
What is the minimum CGPA required for the DRDO ACEM internship?
You must have maintained a minimum of 8.5 CGPA (on a scale of 10) or 85% marks continuously across all previous semesters. Even a single semester below this threshold may disqualify you.
Can final-year M.Tech students apply for the ACEM DRDO paid internship?
Yes. Students pursuing M.Tech in their 1st or 2nd year from an AICTE/UGC recognised institute are eligible, provided they meet the 8.5 CGPA requirement and obtain a referral letter from their Principal/Director.
Will accommodation be provided during the DRDO ACEM internship at Nasik?
No. The notification clearly states that no boarding or lodging expenses are admissible. However, selected interns can avail lunch, tea, and snacks at the ACEM canteen at subsidised rates.
When will the stipend be paid for the ACEM DRDO internship?
The stipend is paid in two instalments. The first instalment is released only after 03 months of training — subject to maintaining a minimum of 15 physical working days per month at ACEM.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sandeep Khati is the founder of India Job Alerts and a B.Tech in Computer Science from JGEC (2010). He started his career as a Systems Engineer at TCS and has been active in digital publishing since 2011, beginning with SearchDarjeeling.com(2011) and working as a web developer and designer at Darjeeling Informatics. Launched in April 2025, India Job Alerts is his most focused project — dedicated to publishing verified government and PSU job notifications for West Bengal, Sikkim, and All-India candidates. Every post is cross-checked against official notifications before publishing.. Know more