The iDEX Defence Exploration and Learning (iDEAL) Internship Program at DIO pays a monthly stipend of INR 30,000 for a 6-month internship and INR 20,000 for a 3-month internship, with work in person at the DIO office in New Delhi. Final-year undergraduates, graduates and postgraduate students of science and engineering/technology degree programmes, aged not above 26 years as on 30-11-2026, can apply online at idex.gov.in until 30 November 2026; the internship is tentatively set to begin on 4 January 2027.
DIO iDEAL Internship Program at a Glance
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), iDEX |
| Post Name(s) | iDEAL Internship Program (stipend-based internship) |
| Tenure | 3 months or 6 months (maximum duration can be extended on need basis) |
| Pay | Stipend INR 30,000 per month (6-month internship); INR 20,000 per month (3-month internship) |
| Age Limit | Should not exceed 26 years as on 30-11-2026 |
| Job Location | DIO office, 8th Floor, Konnectus Towers - II, Bhavabhuti Marg, New Delhi, 110002 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 November 2026 |
The official notification does not specify the number of vacancies or the application fee.
About the iDEAL Internship
iDEX Defence Exploration and Learning (iDEAL) is a stipend-based 3-month and 6-month internship program. It aims to give students exposure and practical experience in managing projects focused on niche technology development in Defence and Aerospace. The notice describes the internship as neither a job nor an assurance of a job with the Authority.
Who Can Apply
- The program at DIO is generally open to Indian citizens with the specified educational qualification from a recognized University.
- Undergraduate students in their final year, or those who have graduated from a degree program for science and engineering/technology in the year of application.
- Postgraduate students, pursuing or graduated in the year of application, with the bachelor's qualification applicable as in the point above.
- Age: should not exceed 26 years as on 30-11-2026. The notice prints no age relaxation.
Candidates who have undergone or are undergoing Apprenticeship Training under NATS or NAPS in any other establishment or organization are not eligible. Suppression of facts and furnishing false information lead to disqualification or rejection of candidature, and canvassing in any form results in disqualification. Check the official notification for the discipline-specific eligibility.
Pay and Tenure
| Internship Period | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| 6 months | INR 30,000/- |
| 3 months | INR 20,000/- |
The maximum duration of the internship can be extended on need basis. Interns who complete the program are eligible for an experience certificate issued by iDEX/MoD. Interns would receive defence-related technology project management experience through diverse responsibilities and regular evaluations and feedback.
Interns who demonstrate exceptional skills, dedication and a strong fit in the iDEX ecosystem may be offered relaxation(s) in the recruitment process of iDEX-DIO as deemed suitable.
How to Apply for DIO iDEAL Internship Program
- Apply only in online mode through the application form at https://idex.gov.in/d/s/form/ideal_internship_November_2026. Applications received through any other mode will not be considered.
- Students should obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC), where applicable, from their college or institution in the format of Annexure 1.
- Submit the application on or before 30 November 2026.
Documents named in the notice
- No Objection Certificate (Annexure 1, applicable to students): given on letterhead and signed by the HOD/Principal. It certifies that the applicant is a bonafide student, that the institution has no objection to the applicant joining the program from January 2027 for 3 or 6 months, that the student is not registered for any course requiring class attendance in that period, and that the student's conduct has been found satisfactory.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Date of notification on iDEX website and indicative advertisement | 4 November 2026 |
| Last date of applying for internship | 30 November 2026 |
| Commencement of internship at DIO | 4 January 2027 |
The notice describes these key dates as tentative.
Important Instructions
- The internship is in-person; all interns must be physically present at the designated DIO office during the internship period.
- Office timings are 09:30 AM to 06:00 PM, Monday to Friday, and interns are expected to follow them.
- Regular attendance is mandatory, and interns must maintain punctuality and professionalism.
- Besides official holidays as per the organization's calendar, interns are entitled to six days of leave for a 6-month internship and three days for a 3-month internship.
Important Links
| Link | Details |
|---|---|
| Apply Online for the iDEAL Internship | Online application form |
| Official Notification PDF | iDEAL Internship Program notice and NOC format |
| iDEX Official Website | idex.gov.in |
