30 Government Internships for BTech Students in 2026 (With Direct Links)

If you're a BTech student in India searching for a government internship in 2026, this is the only list you need.

No Internshala scrolling. No outdated PDFs. Just 30 verified government internship opportunities — with official direct links — across ISRO, DRDO, PSUs, research institutions, IIT programs, and ministry schemes.

Whether you're at an IIT, NIT, or a tier-2 university, most of these programs have no college-tier filter. What matters is your CGPA, your project work, and how early you apply.

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Why Government Internships Matter for BTech Students

A government internship certificate from DRDO, ISRO, BARC, or NTPC carries weight that most private internship certificates simply don't. Recruiters at PSUs, core engineering companies, and research institutes actively look for candidates who have worked in real government-grade environments.

Beyond the resume value, you get access to actual labs, working scientists as mentors, and the kind of projects that don't exist in any startup or IT company.

Here's the full list — broken down by category.

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Category 1: Defence & Space (Dream Tier)

These are the most prestigious and competitive. Apply early — most run on a rolling basis or have specific windows.

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1. ISRO – Main Internship and Student Project Trainee Scheme

ISRO runs internship and project trainee programs across all its centres for UG, PG, and PhD students in science and technology. There is no single centralized portal — each ISRO centre has its own application process and deadlines.

Stipend: No monetary stipend, but an official ISRO certificate on completion. Duration: Minimum 45 days. Eligibility: BTech/BE, MTech/ME students with minimum 60% aggregate or CGPA 6.32/10. Indian nationals only.

Apply here: isro.gov.in/Internship.html

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2. ISRO – IIRS Dehradun External Student Internship

The Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), a unit of ISRO based in Dehradun, offers a structured external student internship twice a year. Applications close on 31st October and 31st March every year.

Stipend: No stipend. Duration: Minimum 45 days, maximum 1 year. Eligibility: UG/PG/PhD students with 60%+ marks. Indian nationals only.

Apply here: iirs.gov.in – External Student Internship

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3. ISRO – LPSC Internship (Bengaluru / Thiruvananthapuram)

The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) offers internships for BE/BTech and ME/MTech students. For the October 2026–January 2027 block, applications open from 1st August to 31st August 2026.

Stipend: No stipend. Duration: Block-based, typically 3 months. Eligibility: BE/BTech, ME/MTech students from recognized institutions.

Apply here: lpsc.gov.in – Internship

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4. ISRO – SDSC SHAR Sriharikota Internship

Satish Dhawan Space Centre accepts internship and project training requests from students. You apply directly via email to the Head of HRM at least one month before your preferred start date, along with a bonafide certificate from your Principal or HoD.

Stipend: No stipend. Duration: As per academic requirement. Eligibility: Science and Technology students from recognized universities.

Apply here: shar.gov.in – Internship

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5. ISRO – START 2026 Programme

ISRO's Space Technology and Research (START) program is a special initiative for academic institutions, allowing students and faculty to collaborate on ISRO-relevant research areas.

Stipend: Varies by project.

Apply here: isro.gov.in/START2026.html

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6. DRDO – All Active Lab Internship Vacancies (2026-27)

DRDO has released paid internship notifications for 2026-27 across multiple laboratories. Labs with active or recent notifications include DMSRDE Kanpur (especially relevant for students in Uttar Pradesh), DIPAS Delhi, HEMRL Pune, ITR Chandipur, PXE (7 vacancies, ₹5,000/month for BTech final year), VRDE Ahilyanagar, and INMAS Delhi.

Stipend: ₹5,000–₹30,000/month depending on lab. Eligibility: BE/BTech and ME/MTech pursuing students.

Check all active vacancies: drdo.gov.in – Vacancies

Search all internship notifications: drdo.gov.in – Internship Search

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Category 2: PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings)

PSU internship certificates are recognized across the entire core engineering and government job market. These are accessible to students from all colleges.

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7. NTPC – Engineering Internship

India's largest power generation company offers internships with exposure to thermal power plants, renewable energy systems, and industrial management. Online application with paid stipend.

Stipend: Paid, varies by unit. Eligibility: BTech/BE in Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, CS/IT.

Apply here: ntpc.co.in – Internship

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8. BHEL – Industrial Training

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited offers industrial training for engineering students across its manufacturing plants. Mostly unpaid, but the BHEL certificate holds strong resume value for PSU job applications at NTPC, ONGC, and SAIL. Apply by approaching the nearest BHEL unit directly.

Stipend: Mostly unpaid. Eligibility: BTech, BE, MTech, Diploma, ITI from recognized Indian institutions.

Apply here: bhel.com – Training and Development

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9. ONGC – Student Internship

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation offers internships for petroleum engineering, exploration, energy, and related disciplines.

Stipend: Paid, varies by unit. Eligibility: BTech/BE from recognized institutions.

Apply here: ongcindia.com – Careers

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10. SAIL – Summer Training

Steel Authority of India Limited offers summer training for metallurgy, mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering students at its steel plants across India.

Stipend: Varies by plant. Eligibility: BTech/BE engineering students.

Apply here: sail.co.in – Careers

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11. HAL – Student Project Trainee

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited accepts student project trainees for aerospace, avionics, electronics, mechanical, and CS-related work at its divisions in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Nashik, and Lucknow.

Stipend: Nominal stipend. Eligibility: BTech/BE, pre-final and final year students.

Apply here: hal-india.co.in – Careers

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12. BEL – Apprenticeship and Internship

Bharat Electronics Limited offers internship and apprenticeship programs in electronics, embedded systems, RF, and defense electronics.

Stipend: Nominal stipend. Eligibility: BTech/BE in ECE, EEE, CS, IT.

Apply here: bel-india.in – Internship

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13. Coal India – Engineering Intern

Coal India Limited offers internships in mining engineering, mechanical, electrical, civil, and industrial operations across its subsidiaries.

Stipend: Paid, varies by subsidiary. Eligibility: BTech/BE students in relevant branches.

Apply here: coalindia.in – Training

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Category 3: Research Institutions (Govt-Funded)

For students targeting research careers, higher studies abroad, or MS/PhD applications — these programs give you the research experience and recommendation letters that matter.

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14. BARC – Training School / Internship

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre offers structured programs for engineering students in nuclear science, reactor technology, electronics, and computer science.

Stipend: Structured program with provisions. Eligibility: BTech/BE, final year preferred.

Apply here: barc.gov.in – Recruitment

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15. CSIR-NCL Pune – Student Internship Program

The National Chemical Laboratory under CSIR accepts BE/BTech and MSc students for research training in chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science. Duration ranges from 2 to 12 months.

Stipend: No stipend. Eligibility: BE/BTech/MSc students.

Apply here: ncl.res.in – Student Training Programme

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16. CSIR-IICB Kolkata – Summer Internship and Dissertation

CSIR's Indian Institute of Chemical Biology runs a Summer Internship and Dissertation Program. Applications open every year from January 1–31. The internship must be a compulsory part of your curriculum to be eligible.

Stipend: No stipend. Eligibility: MSc/MTech pursuing students; course-mandatory internship required.

Apply here: iicb.res.in – Internship

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17. CSIR-NIScPR – Internship Programme 2026

The National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research offers internships in science communication, policy research, and knowledge management.

Stipend: Varies. Eligibility: UG/PG students in Science, Technology, or Humanities.

Apply here: indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in – CSIR-NIScPR Internship 2026

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18. IISc Bangalore – Summer Research Programme

The Indian Institute of Science offers a competitive summer research program for undergraduate students, including those from non-IISc colleges with strong academic records.

Stipend: Available for selected students. Duration: 2 months (summer). Eligibility: 2nd year and above BTech/BSc students with strong academics.

Apply here: iisc.ac.in – Summer Research Programme

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19. TIFR – VSRP (Visiting Student Research Programme)

The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research runs VSRP for students interested in physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, and computer science research. Highly competitive but open to students from all institutions.

Stipend: ₹10,000–₹15,000/month. Duration: 2–3 months. Eligibility: Strong academic record, 3rd year and above BTech/BSc.

Apply here: tifr.res.in – VSRP

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Category 4: Ministry and Government Scheme Internships

The most accessible category — no institute tier filter. A good application and early submission is all that separates you from selection.

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20. NeGD / Digital India Corporation – Technical Internship Scheme

The National e-Governance Division under the Ministry of Electronics and IT offers a 6-month paid technical internship for engineering graduates. Students who passed in 2024 or 2025, or are in final year 2026, are eligible. Minimum 75% marks required.

Stipend: ₹20,000/month. Duration: 6 months. Eligibility: Engineering graduates (2024/2025 passout or final year 2026), 75%+ marks.

Apply here: dic.gov.in – Technical Interns

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21. MEA – Ministry of External Affairs Internship 2026-27

The Ministry of External Affairs runs a structured internship program in Term I (around May) and Term II (around November). Open to students from any recognized institution. No institute-tier requirement — a strong Statement of Purpose matters most.

Stipend: Unpaid. Duration: 2–3 months. Eligibility: Students or graduates from any recognized institution.

Apply here: internship.mea.gov.in

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22. AICTE Internship Portal

India's official national internship portal connects students with verified companies, startups, MSMEs, and government projects across 200+ domains including AI, engineering, IT, finance, and healthcare. Both paid and unpaid options available. If your college is AICTE-affiliated, your internship through this portal is officially recognized.

Stipend: Paid and unpaid options available. Eligibility: Any student from an AICTE-affiliated institution.

Apply here: internship.aicte-india.org

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23. NATS – National Apprenticeship Training Scheme

Honestly the most underrated scheme on this entire list. NATS places fresh engineering and diploma graduates as apprentices at PSUs like HAL, BHEL, ISRO, DRDO, BEL, BARC, NTPC, ONGC, and Indian Railways for 12 months with a Government of India-recognized certificate. Many high performers get converted to permanent roles after completion.

Stipend: ₹9,000–₹12,300/month for 12 months. Duration: 1 year. Eligibility: Fresh engineering or diploma graduates.

Apply here: nats.education.gov.in

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24. Skill India Digital – Internship Portal

The Ministry of Education's Skill India Digital platform lists free and paid internship opportunities for students across India across tech, vocational, and government-backed programs.

Stipend: Varies. Eligibility: Open to students enrolled in recognized programs.

Apply here: skillindiadigital.gov.in – Internship

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25. NIC – National Informatics Centre

NIC under the Ministry of Electronics and IT occasionally offers internships for CS/IT students to work on e-governance projects, government software systems, and cybersecurity initiatives.

Stipend: Varies. Eligibility: BTech/MCA in CS, IT, or related fields.

Apply here: nic.in – Career

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Category 5: IIT Research Internship Programs (Open to All Colleges)

A lot of students don't know these programs accept applications from any recognized university — not just IITs. If your academic record is solid, you can get in.

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26. IIT Kanpur – SURGE

Summer Undergraduate Research Grant for Excellence (SURGE) places students on funded research projects under IIT Kanpur faculty for 2 months. One of the most respected undergraduate research programs in India.

Stipend: ₹10,000+/month. Duration: 2 months (summer). Eligibility: UG students from any recognized institution, 2nd year and above.

Apply here: surge.iitk.ac.in

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27. IIT Gandhinagar – SRIP

The Summer Research Internship Programme (SRIP) at IIT Gandhinagar offers a weekly stipend plus an Excellence Award of ₹50,000 for top performers. Applications typically open in December–February each year.

Stipend: ₹2,000/week + ₹50,000 Excellence Award for top interns. Duration: 8–10 weeks (summer). Eligibility: UG/PG students from any college.

Apply here: srip.iitgn.ac.in

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28. IIT Madras – Summer Fellowship Programme

One of the most generous IIT research programs with a full ₹15,000/month stipend for students selected to work with faculty on ongoing research projects.

Stipend: ₹15,000/month. Duration: 2 months (summer). Eligibility: UG students (3rd year preferred), from all institutions.

Apply here: research.iitm.ac.in – Summer Fellowship

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29. IIT Roorkee – SPARK

Summer Programme for Advanced Research and Knowledge (SPARK) is IIT Roorkee's structured summer internship offering a weekly stipend and institute-endorsed research experience across all major engineering and science disciplines.

Stipend: ₹3,000/week. Duration: 6–8 weeks (summer). Eligibility: UG students from any recognized institution.

Apply here: spark.iitr.ac.in

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30. Other IIT Research Programs

Several other IITs run similar summer research programs worth applying to. IIT Jodhpur runs SURAJ, IIT Mandi has its Summer Internship Program, and IIT Kharagpur offers research placements through academic departments.

Stipend: ₹3,000–₹10,000/month, varies. Eligibility: UG students from any recognized institution.

Apply at: iitmandi.ac.in / iitj.ac.in / iitkgp.ac.in

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How to Actually Get Selected

Start earlier than everyone else. DRDO, IIT research programs, and ISRO centres fill up fast. Most students apply two weeks before the deadline — you should apply two months before.

CGPA matters, but projects matter more. A 7.5 CGPA with a real GitHub project beats an 8.5 CGPA with nothing to show. Build something before you apply.

For NATS, apply to multiple vacancies simultaneously. New vacancies are posted continuously. Check the portal every few days. HAL, BHEL, ISRO, DRDO all regularly post NATS vacancies.

For IIT programs, your SOP is everything. Be specific about what you want to work on, why that faculty's research interests you, and what you bring. Generic SOPs get ignored.

For DRDO, check lab-wise. DMSRDE Kanpur, INMAS Delhi, DIPAS Delhi — these labs have separate internship notifications. Don't just email DRDO headquarters.

Keep your documents ready in advance. Most applications need a latest marksheet, bonafide certificate, NOC from HoD, resume, and statement of purpose. Keep all of these updated and ready as a single PDF before applications open.

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FAQ

Can students from tier-2 or state universities apply? Yes. NATS, AICTE Portal, DRDO, NTPC, BHEL, ONGC, MEA, and all IIT research programs accept students from any recognized institution. There is no IIT/NIT-only filter anywhere on this list.

Which government internship has the highest stipend? NeGD/Digital India pays ₹20,000/month for 6 months. IIT Madras pays ₹15,000/month. TIFR VSRP pays ₹10,000–₹15,000/month. NATS pays ₹9,000–₹12,300/month for 12 months, making it the highest total earning across the year.

Are ISRO and DRDO internships paid? ISRO internships are generally unpaid but give you an ISRO certificate. DRDO has paid internship schemes across specific labs at ₹5,000–₹30,000/month — check the DRDO vacancies page for current active notifications.

What is the best government internship for CS/IT BTech students? DRDO CS/IT labs, NeGD/Digital India, NIC, ISRO CS-related centres like ISAC, TIFR Computer Science, and IIT research programs are the best options for CS/IT students in 2026.

Is NATS worth it? Yes. It is the most underrated scheme on this list. Twelve months of real PSU work experience, a Government of India certificate, ₹9,000–₹12,300/month stipend, and many high performers convert to permanent roles. Apply at nats.education.gov.in.

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Bookmark this page — application windows keep opening throughout 2026. If this helped, share it with one BTech batchmate who is still looking.