DRDO ADA Recruitment 2026: 111 Project Assistant I Vacancies Announced
🕒 Updated On: 07 August 2026 | 01:44 PM 📄 Category: Result

DRDO ADA Recruitment 2026: 111 Project Assistant I Vacancies Announced

The Aeronautical Development Agency (DRDO ADA) has officially announced the recruitment notification for the year 2026, seeking applications for the position of Project Assistant I. A total of 111 vacancies are available under this recruitment scheme. The online application window will be open from 6 August 2026 until 13 August 2026. Interested candidates can submit their applications via the official website at ada.gov.in.

The ADA operates as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. This recruitment drive aims to engage skilled Indian nationals as Project Assistants on a temporary basis, covering positions across seven engineering fields: Computer Science, Electronics and Communication, Aeronautics, Electrical and Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy, and Civil Engineering.

ADA Project Assistant-I Recruitment 2026 Overview

ParticularsDetails
OrganisationAeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India
Advertisement NumberADA:ADV-138:2026
Notification Date03.08.2026
Post NameProject Assistant-I
Total Tentative Vacancies111
Nature of EngagementTenure basis (initially 2 years, extendable)
Mode of RegistrationOnline
Registration Closing Date13.08.2026, 1700 hrs
Written Test/Interview LocationBangalore
Official Websitehttps://ada.gov.in

ADA Project Assistant-I Vacancy Breakdown

The recruitment notification outlines a total of 111 tentative vacancies distributed across various engineering disciplines, which are detailed below:

S. No.Post Name (Engineering Discipline)No. of Vacancies
1Project Assistant-I – Computer Science Engineering (Equivalent: Information Science / Information Technology)15
2Project Assistant-I – Electronics & Communication Engineering (Equivalent: Electronics/Telecommunication/Electronics & Instrumentation)20
3Project Assistant-I – Aeronautical Engineering (Equivalent: Aerospace)10
4Project Assistant-I – Electrical & Electronics Engineering (Equivalent: Electrical/Electrical & Instrumentation/Power Electronics)20
5Project Assistant-I – Mechanical Engineering (Equivalent: Production/Industrial Production)43
6Project Assistant-I – Metallurgy Engineering (Equivalent: Material Science)1
7Project Assistant-I – Civil Engineering (Equivalent: Structural)2
Total111

The notification does not specify any category-wise reservation for SC/ST/OBC candidates for these positions. Additionally, ADA retains the flexibility to adjust the selection panel across disciplines for both current and future anticipated vacancies for a span of six months, depending on organizational needs.

Eligibility Criteria for ADA Project Assistant-I

Only Indian Nationals are eligible to apply for these positions. Candidates must possess the required educational degrees from a recognized university relevant to their chosen engineering discipline. Both qualification and age will be determined as of the registration closing date of 13th August 2026.

Qualification Requirements

Each engineering discipline includes various qualification pathways, determining the selection process, which may involve either an interview alone or a written test followed by an interview. All qualifications must be at a First Class level.

DisciplineQualification Pathways – Interview OnlyQualification Pathways – Written Test + Interview
Computer Science Engineering(a) B.E/B.Tech with a valid GATE score
(b) M.E/M.Tech from IIT/NIT
(c) B.Sc + M.Sc with a valid GATE/NET score
(d) B.E/B.Tech with M.E/M.Tech
(e) B.E/B.Tech with 2 years relevant experience
(f) B.Sc + M.Sc with 2 years relevant experience
(g) B.E/B.Tech
(a) B.E/B.Tech with a valid GATE score
(b) M.E/M.Tech from IIT/NIT
(c) B.Sc + M.Sc with a valid GATE/NET score
(d) B.E/B.Tech with M.E/M.Tech
(e) B.E/B.Tech with 2 years relevant experience
(f) B.Sc + M.Sc with 2 years relevant experience
(g) B.E/B.Tech
Electronics & Communication Engineering(a) B.E/B.Tech with a valid GATE score
(b) M.E/M.Tech from IIT/NIT
(c) B.Sc + M.Sc with a valid GATE/NET score
(d) B.E/B.Tech with M.E/M.Tech
(e) B.E/B.Tech with 2 years relevant experience
(f) B.Sc + M.Sc with 2 years relevant experience
(g) B.E/B.Tech
(a) B.E/B.Tech with a valid GATE score
(b) M.E/M.Tech from IIT/NIT
(c) B.Sc + M.Sc with a valid GATE/NET score
(d) B.E/B.Tech with M.E/M.Tech
(e) B.E/B.Tech with 2 years relevant experience
(f) B.Sc + M.Sc with 2 years relevant experience
(g) B.E/B.Tech
Aeronautical Engineering(a) B.E/B.Tech with a valid GATE score
(b) M.E/M.Tech from IIT/NIT
(c) B.E/B.Tech with M.E/M.Tech
(d) B.E/B.Tech with 2 years relevant experience
(e) B.E/B.Tech
(a) B.E/B.Tech with a valid GATE score
(b) M.E/M.Tech from IIT/NIT
(c) B.E/B.Tech with M.E/M.Tech
(d) B.E/B.Tech with 2 years relevant experience
(e) B.E/B.Tech
Electrical & Electronics Engineering(a) B.E/B.Tech with a valid GATE score
(b) M.E/M.Tech from IIT/NIT
(c) B.E/B.Tech with M.E/M.Tech
(d) B.E/B.Tech with 2 years relevant experience
(e) B.E/B.Tech
(a) B.E/B.Tech with a valid GATE score
(b) M.E/M.Tech from IIT/NIT
(c) B.E/B.Tech with M.E/M.Tech
(d) B.E/B.Tech with 2 years relevant experience
(e) B.E/B.Tech
Mechanical Engineering(a) B.E/B.Tech with a valid GATE score
(b) M.E/M.Tech from IIT/NIT
(c) B.E/B.Tech with M.E/M.Tech
(d) B.E/B.Tech with 2 years relevant experience
(e) B.E/B.Tech
(a) B.E/B.Tech with a valid GATE score
(b) M.E/M.Tech from IIT/NIT
(c) B.E/B.Tech with M.E/M.Tech
(d) B.E/B.Tech with 2 years relevant experience
(e) B.E/B.Tech
Metallurgy Engineering(a) B.E/B.Tech with a valid GATE score
(b) M.E/M.Tech from IIT/NIT
(c) B.E/B.Tech with M.E/M.Tech
(d) B.E/B.Tech with 2 years relevant experience
(e) B.E/B.Tech
(a) B.E/B.Tech with a valid GATE score
(b) M.E/M.Tech from IIT/NIT
(c) B.E/B.Tech with M.E/M.Tech
(d) B.E/B.Tech with 2 years relevant experience
(e) B.E/B.Tech
Civil Engineering(a) B.E/B.Tech with a valid GATE score
(b) M.E/M.Tech from IIT/NIT
(c) B.E/B.Tech with M.E/M.Tech
(d) B.E/B.Tech with 2 years relevant experience
(e) B.E/B.Tech
(a) B.E/B.Tech with a valid GATE score
(b) M.E/M.Tech from IIT/NIT
(c) B.E/B.Tech with M.E/M.Tech
(d) B.E/B.Tech with 2 years relevant experience
(e) B.E/B.Tech

Experience gained through part-time roles, apprenticeship, training periods, teaching experience, or as a trainee will not be counted as relevant experience.

Age Limit for ADA Project Assistant-I

Maximum AgeReckoning DateAge Relaxation
28 years13.08.2026 (closing date of registration)Applicable for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates as per existing rules

The specific duration of age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC-NCL candidates is not mentioned in the notification; applicants should check relevant Government of India guidelines or contact ADA for clarification.

Stipend for Selected Candidates

Selected applicants will receive a monthly stipend according to the following structure:

Candidate CategoryMonthly Stipend
Candidates with only B.E/B.Tech (First Class)Rs. 31,000/- per month + HRA as per rules
All other candidates (higher qualification/experience pathways)Rs. 37,000/- per month + HRA as per rules

Engagement Tenure for Project Assistant-I

The initial engagement period will be for two years, which can be extended for an additional two years (one year at a time) based on satisfactory performance as evaluated by a Review Committee. This engagement is strictly on a tenure basis and does not guarantee any right to further engagement or regularization.

Application Fee

According to the official notification, there is no application or registration fee required for this recruitment.

Important Dates to Remember

EventDate
Notification Release Date03.08.2026
Online Registration Closing Date13.08.2026, 1700 hrs
Cut-off Date for Qualification & Age13.08.2026
Tentative Written Test Dates16.08.2026, 23.08.2026, or 30.08.2026 (dates subject to change based on the number of registered candidates; final dates will be announced on the ADA website)

Selection Process for Project Assistant-I

The selection procedure will depend on the qualification pathway applicable to each candidate:

  • Interview Only: Eligible for candidates with a valid GATE score, M.E/M.Tech from IIT/NIT, or those qualifying through B.Sc + M.Sc with a valid GATE/NET score.
  • Shortlisting by Written Test followed by Interview: For those qualifying through alternative pathways, such as B.E/B.Tech with M.E/M.Tech, B.E/B.Tech with relevant experience, or candidates holding only a B.E/B.Tech.

The written test will align with the GATE syllabus pertinent to the respective discipline and will include negative marking for incorrect answers. Candidates are encouraged to bring a scientific calculator for the examination. Both the written test and interviews will take place in Bangalore, with dates published on the ADA website depending on registration numbers.

Required Documents for Application

  • Completed application form (in the prescribed format) with a recent passport-sized photograph affixed to the top right corner of the first page
  • Original and self-attested copies of essential academic and experience certificates, along with caste documents (if applicable)
  • Self-attested English translation of any documents not in English
  • Original Aadhaar Card
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer, if applicable
  • Proof of relevant work experience
  • Proof of valid GATE/NET score, if applicable

Application Process for ADA Project Assistant-I Recruitment 2026

  1. Access the official ADA website at https://ada.gov.in and register online for the Project Assistant-I positions based on your Engineering Discipline and qualifications.
  2. Complete the online registration by 13th August 2026 at 1700 hrs.
  3. Fill out the application form in the prescribed format, attaching a recent passport-sized photograph on the first page. Ensure this is ready along with the original and self-attested copies of all required documents.
  4. Regularly check the ADA website for confirmation of written test/interview dates, which may be finalized based on the number of applicants.
  5. Attend the written test/interview in Bangalore on the specified date, bringing the duly filled application form, original documents, self-attested copies, Aadhaar card, scientific calculator (for the test), and NOC if currently employed.

Note: Completing the online registration does not equate to a full application. Candidates must present a completed application form along with all relevant documents during the interview/written test.

Important Instructions for Applicants

  • Only Indian Nationals are eligible to apply for this recruitment.
  • The engagement is temporary, and does not guarantee any rights to continuation or regularization within ADA.
  • ADA reserves the right to adjust the selection panel across disciplines for available and future vacancies, for a period of six months based on requirements.
  • Qualifications and age will be assessed based on the closing registration date of 13th August 2026.
  • Electronic devices such as mobile phones, pen drives, or smart watches are prohibited in the ADA examination venue.
  • No travel allowance will be provided for attending interviews or tests.
  • Any misrepresentation of facts may lead to the disqualification of candidates.
  • Only registered candidates can appear for the written test/interview; registration is essential but does not suffice as a complete application.

Important Links for Applicants

Candidates with completed engineering degrees may also explore additional opportunities in government sectors or relevant defence industries across India. Those holding a valid GATE score can check for jobs that utilize GATE scores for candidate selection. Furthermore, applicants located in or around Bangalore can look into more regional job opportunities within Karnataka. Individuals with an M.E/M.Tech from IIT/NIT or possessing relevant experience should consider various other M.Tech Government Jobs and positions related to research and project assistance.

FAQs about DRDO ADA Project Assistant-I Recruitment 2026

What is ADA Project Assistant-I Recruitment 2026?

This is the official notification (Advt No. ADA:ADV-138:2026) released by the Aeronautical Development Agency under the Ministry of Defence for the appointment of 111 Project Assistant-I roles on a temporary basis across seven engineering disciplines.

How many Project Assistant-I vacancies are there?

The total number of tentative vacancies amounts to 111: 15 positions in Computer Science Engineering, 20 positions in Electronics and Communication Engineering, 10 positions in Aeronautical Engineering, 20 positions in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, 43 positions in Mechanical Engineering, 1 position in Metallurgy Engineering, and 2 positions in Civil Engineering.

What is the last date to register for ADA Project Assistant-I Recruitment 2026?

The cutoff date for online registration is 13th August 2026 at 1700 hrs.

What is the age limit for ADA Project Assistant-I?

The maximum permissible age is 28 years as of 13th August 2026, with relaxation applicable for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates according to existing rules.

What qualifications are required for ADA Project Assistant-I?

Candidates must possess a First Class B.E/B.Tech (or equivalent qualifications based on the specific discipline) from a recognized institution, with additional options including valid GATE/NET scores, M.E/M.Tech from IIT/NIT, or relevant work experience.

What is the stipend for ADA Project Assistant-I?

Candidates with only a B.E/B.Tech (First Class) will earn Rs. 31,000/- per month plus HRA, while those meeting other qualification criteria will receive Rs. 37,000/- per month plus HRA.

What is the tenure of the ADA Project Assistant-I engagement?

The initial tenure is for two years, which can be extended for an additional period of two years (one year at a time), subject to performance evaluations by a Review Committee.

What is the selection process for ADA Project Assistant-I Recruitment 2026?

Selection may occur through an interview exclusively, or via a written test followed by an interview, depending on the qualification pathway that the candidate qualifies under.

Where will the ADA written test/interview be held?

Both the written test and interviews will take place in Bangalore, with dates that will be announced on the ADA website based on the total number of registrants.

Is there any application fee for the ADA Project Assistant-I Recruitment 2026?

The official notification indicates there is no application or registration fee required for this recruitment.

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