The DRDO ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 is a valuable opportunity for engineering graduates who want to work with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. ADA has announced 111 tentative vacancies for Project Assistant-I posts across seven engineering disciplines.
The recruitment notification was issued under Advt No. ADA:ADV-138:2026. Eligible Indian candidates can register online through the official ADA website. The registration process will close on 13 August 2026 at 5:00 PM. Candidates should carefully check the eligibility criteria, qualification requirements, selection process and important dates before applying.
DRDO ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 Overview
Under the DRDO ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026, selected candidates will be engaged on a tenure basis. The initial engagement period is two years and may be extended by up to another two years, subject to satisfactory performance and organisational requirements.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Defence, Government of India |
| Post Name | Project Assistant-I |
| Total Vacancies | 111 |
| Advertisement No. | ADA:ADV-138:2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date | 13 August 2026 |
| Last Time | 5:00 PM |
| Written Test/Interview | Bangalore |
| Initial Tenure | 2 Years |
| Maximum Age | 28 Years |
DRDO ADA Project Assistant Vacancy 2026
The 111 tentative vacancies are distributed across seven engineering disciplines. Mechanical Engineering has the highest number of vacancies, with 43 posts, while Metallurgy Engineering has one vacancy.
| Engineering Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Computer Science Engineering | 15 |
| Electronics & Communication Engineering | 20 |
| Aeronautical Engineering | 10 |
| Electrical & Electronics Engineering | 20 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 43 |
| Metallurgy Engineering | 1 |
| Civil Engineering | 2 |
| Total | 111 |
The vacancies are tentative and may include anticipated requirements. ADA has also reserved the right to operate the selection panel flexibly across disciplines depending on its requirements.
Important Links – Official Notification & Website
Students are advised to carefully check the official notification PDF and visit the official website before applying. Always verify the eligibility criteria, important dates, application process, vacancies, and other recruitment details from the official sources to avoid any mistakes.
- Official Website: Click here
Eligibility for DRDO ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026
Candidates applying for the DRDO ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 must be Indian Nationals. The required educational qualification depends on the engineering discipline and the qualification pathway selected by the candidate.
Generally, candidates should have a First Class B.E./B.Tech degree in the relevant engineering discipline from a recognised university. Other pathways may include M.E./M.Tech qualifications, valid GATE/NET scores or relevant professional experience.
Candidates should carefully read the qualification requirements for their particular discipline before submitting their registration.
Qualification Pathways
| Qualification Route | Selection Method |
|---|---|
| B.E./B.Tech with valid GATE score | Interview Only |
| M.E./M.Tech from IIT/NIT | Interview Only |
| Applicable B.Sc. + M.Sc. with valid GATE/NET | Interview Only |
| B.E./B.Tech + M.E./M.Tech | Written Test + Interview |
| B.E./B.Tech + 2 years relevant experience | Written Test + Interview |
| B.Sc. + M.Sc. + 2 years relevant experience, where applicable | Written Test + Interview |
| B.E./B.Tech | Written Test + Interview |
The exact qualification pathway varies by engineering discipline. Candidates should refer to the recruitment notification before applying.
Age Limit
The maximum age limit for the Project Assistant-I post is 28 years as of 13 August 2026. Age relaxation is available for eligible SC, ST and OBC Non-Creamy Layer candidates according to applicable government rules.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Age | 28 Years |
| Age Calculation Date | 13 August 2026 |
| Age Relaxation | As per applicable Government rules |
Candidates should calculate their age according to the prescribed cut-off date.
DRDO ADA Project Assistant Stipend
The DRDO ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 offers a monthly stipend based on the candidate’s qualification pathway.
| Candidate Category | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| First Class B.E./B.Tech only | ₹31,000 + HRA |
| Higher qualification/experience pathways | ₹37,000 + HRA |
The engagement is tenure-based and does not provide an automatic right to permanent absorption or regularisation in ADA.
DRDO ADA Project Assistant Tenure
Selected candidates will initially be engaged for two years. The tenure may be extended for up to another two years, one year at a time, depending on satisfactory performance and organisational requirements.
Candidates should note that tenure-based engagement does not guarantee permanent employment or regularisation after completion of the engagement period.
Important Dates
Candidates interested in the DRDO ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 should keep the following dates in mind:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 3 August 2026 |
| Online Registration Closing Date | 13 August 2026 |
| Closing Time | 5:00 PM |
| Qualification & Age Cut-off | 13 August 2026 |
| Tentative Written Test | 16, 23 or 30 August 2026 |
The written test dates are tentative and may change depending on the number of registered candidates. Candidates should regularly check the ADA website for the final schedule.
DRDO ADA Selection Process
The selection process depends on the qualification route through which a candidate becomes eligible.
Candidates with certain qualifications, such as a valid GATE score or M.E./M.Tech from an IIT/NIT, may be considered through an interview-only process. Other eligible candidates may have to appear for a written test followed by an interview.
| Selection Route | Process |
|---|---|
| Eligible GATE candidates | Interview |
| Eligible M.E./M.Tech IIT/NIT candidates | Interview |
| Other eligible qualification routes | Written Test + Interview |
| Written Test Syllabus | Relevant GATE syllabus |
| Negative Marking | Applicable |
| Test/Interview Location | Bangalore |
The written examination will follow the GATE syllabus for the relevant engineering discipline and will include negative marking for wrong answers.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep all required documents ready before appearing for the written test or interview.
Important documents may include:
Completed application form
Recent passport-size photograph
Educational qualification certificates
Experience certificates, wherever applicable
Caste certificate, wherever applicable
Original Aadhaar Card
Valid GATE/NET score proof, wherever applicable
NOC from the employer for eligible candidates working in government departments, PSUs or autonomous bodies
Candidates should also carry original documents and self-attested copies as required.
How to Apply for DRDO ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026
Candidates can follow these steps to complete the registration:
Visit the official ADA website.
Register online for the Project Assistant-I engagement.
Select the relevant engineering discipline and qualification pathway.
Complete the online registration before 13 August 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Fill the prescribed application form and affix a recent passport-size photograph.
Keep original documents and self-attested copies ready.
Check the ADA website for the final written test or interview schedule.
Report at the notified venue in Bangalore with the required documents.
Candidates should remember that online registration alone is not considered a complete application. The prescribed application form and supporting documents must also be prepared for the selection process.
Why Preparation Is Important
The DRDO ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 can be a competitive opportunity for engineering graduates. Candidates appearing for the written examination should focus on their relevant engineering subjects and follow the prescribed GATE-level syllabus.
Regular revision, mock tests, previous-question practice and time management can help candidates prepare more effectively. Candidates appearing for interviews should also revise their technical subjects and work on communication and confidence.
A structured preparation strategy can help candidates stay consistent and approach the selection process with greater confidence.
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If you are preparing for defence and government job opportunities, Brigadier Defence Academy can support your preparation journey with a structured approach. Stay focused, practise regularly and keep yourself updated about the latest recruitment notifications.
