The Indian Army has launched the second edition of its Indian Army Internship Programme (IAIP) 2026-27, offering students paid internships of up to ₹75,000 across high-priority domains including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking, Drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Robotics and Autonomous Systems, and related emerging technologies.
Announced by the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) and hosted on the AICTE National Internship Portal, the programme is structured as a 75-day engagement: 60 days of on-site practical training and office work (primarily in New Delhi/NCR for the main listings), followed by 15 days of work from home.
Selected interns receive mentorship from Army officers and subject-matter experts while contributing to live defence-related projects. The initiative builds on a pilot conducted in 2025 focused on wargaming, simulation and niche research, and has been expanded into a structured multi-project framework intended as an annual feature.
Key Domains and Projects
The programme covers a broad set of technology and strategic areas aligned with the Army’s modernisation priorities:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking
- Drones, UAVs and counter-drone systems
- Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- Quantum Computing and Cryptography
- Space and Satellite Technologies
- Advanced Weapon Systems and Defence Electronics
- 5G/6G Communication Technologies
- Financial Technologies (FinTech)
- Mass Communication / Strategic Communication
- Other areas including operational logistics, hospital information systems, wargaming and simulation, and data analytics.
Reports indicated around 43 specialised projects listed across Army establishments such as the Directorate General of Information Systems (DGIS), Army Design Bureau, EME Directorate, DG Signals, Directorate General of Medical Services, Directorate General of Army Air Defence, Infantry Directorate and WARDEC. The programme received over 77,000 applications in its initial phase, with particularly high interest in AI/ML roles (one DGIS project alone drew more than 11,800 applications).
Southern Command has separately opened opportunities based in Pune (scheduled around 16 November 2026 to 31 January 2027) in domains including cybersecurity, AI/ML, collaborative unmanned systems, AI-enabled geospatial analysis and process automation. Northern Command has also invited applications for a similar 75-day internship focused on defence technologies.
Stipend, Duration and Academic Benefits
The stipend is up to ₹75,000 for the full internship period, disbursed only after successful completion and subject to overall attendance. An intern with less than 75 per cent attendance is not eligible for any stipend. Individual project listings may specify lower ceilings. Successful participants also earn up to 15 AICTE academic credits and a recognised certificate from the Indian Army.
Eligibility, Terms and Application Process
Eligibility is project-specific rather than uniform. Most roles target undergraduate, postgraduate or recent alumni students from AICTE-approved technical and professional courses (commonly B.Tech/B.E. or equivalent in Computer Science, Electronics, related engineering disciplines, or specialised fields such as AI/ML, Data Science or Cyber Security). Full availability for the 75-day period is required, and police verification is mandatory before joining.
Applicants may apply for multiple projects but can accept only one offer. Applications are submitted online through the AICTE National Internship Portal (internship.aicte-india.org, Indian Army dashboard). Deadlines vary by project listing; there is no single programme-wide cut-off. No application fee is charged.
Accommodation is not provided, and interns must make their own arrangements. Working hours are typically Monday to Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with formal dress and restrictions on personal electronic devices inside premises. The internship does not guarantee placement or employment.
Significance
The IAIP reflects the Indian Army’s focus on building indigenous capability in AI, unmanned systems, cybersecurity and related technologies by creating a structured channel for student talent to engage with operational and research environments. It aims to bridge academic learning with practical defence applications, foster innovation, and contribute to the broader ecosystem of technology-enabled modernisation without offering employment assurances.
Interested candidates are advised to check the live listings on the AICTE National Internship Portal for current opportunities, project-specific eligibility, exact stipend ceilings, locations and closing dates, as these continue to be updated by different Army formations.
