DRDO ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 111 Posts
DRDO ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026: 111 Project Assistant-I Posts on Tenure Basis at Aeronautical Development Agency, Bangalore
ADA Project Assistant Bharti 2026 — B.E/B.Tech Graduates Required — Apply Online at ada.gov.in
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India (DRDO), has announced 111 Project Assistant-I vacancies on a tenure basis. Online applications are open from the date of notification until through the official portal ada.gov.in/adv138. The written test is tentatively scheduled on , , or at Bangalore.
Candidates aged up to 28 years as on with a First Class B.E/B.Tech (or equivalent) degree in relevant disciplines from a recognised university are eligible to apply. The initial tenure is 2 years, extendable based on project requirements and performance. There is no application fee. Stipend ranges from Rs. 31,000 to Rs. 37,000 per month plus HRA depending on the qualification pathway.
Key Details
- Conducting Authority: Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India (DRDO)
- Post Name: Project Assistant-I
- Total Vacancies: 111
- Job Type: Tenure basis (initially 2 years, extendable)
- Application Start Date: From the date of notification
- Registration Closing Date:
- Application Mode: Online only — ada.gov.in/adv138
- Application Fee: Nil (No fee)
Exam & Eligibility
- Written Test Date: , , or (tentative)
- Written Test Venue: Bangalore
- Age Limit: Maximum 28 years as on
- Qualification: First Class B.E/B.Tech (or equivalent) from a recognised university
- Stipend: Rs. 31,000 – 37,000/month + HRA
- Job Location: Bangalore
- Selection Process: Interview Only or Written Test + Interview (based on qualification pathway)
- Official Website: drdo.gov.in
DRDO ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 — Important Dates & Application Fee
Apply Online by 13 August 2026 — No Application Fee — Written Test Tentatively on 16/23/30 August 2026
The online application portal for ADA Project Assistant-I Recruitment 2026 is active now and closes on . The written test is tentatively scheduled on , , or at Bangalore. Admit cards and exact exam date details will be communicated to candidates via email or published on the ADA website. Since this is a DRDO recruitment, candidates should regularly check the ADA portal for updates.
Important Dates
Notification Released: — Online Application Starts: From the date of notification — Last Date to Apply Online: — Written Test (Tentative): , , or — Venue: Bangalore
Tip: Candidates are advised to apply well before the last date to avoid last-minute technical glitches on the ADA portal. Keep scanned copies of your photograph, signature, educational certificates, GATE scorecard (if applicable), and experience certificates ready before starting the application. Note down your application reference number for future correspondence.
Application Fee
There is no application fee for any candidate. This recruitment is completely fee-free for all categories — General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, and PwD candidates alike.
DRDO ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 — Vacancy Details and Eligibility
111 Project Assistant-I Posts Across 7 Engineering Disciplines — First Class B.E/B.Tech Required
DRDO ADA Project Assistant-I Recruitment 2026 covers 111 vacancies spread across seven engineering disciplines. Mechanical Engineering has the highest number of vacancies with 43 posts, followed by Electronics & Communication and Electrical & Electronics with 20 each. Computer Science has 15 vacancies, Aeronautical has 10, Civil has 2, and Metallurgy has 1 post. This is a tenure-based position with an initial period of 2 years, which may be extended further based on project requirements and satisfactory performance.
Discipline-Wise Vacancy Distribution
- Mechanical: 43
- Electronics & Communication: 20
- Electrical & Electronics: 20
- Computer Science: 15
- Aeronautical: 10
- Civil: 2
- Metallurgy: 1
- Total: 111
Educational Qualification
- Basic Qualification: First Class B.E/B.Tech (or equivalent) in the relevant discipline from a recognised university
- Minimum Marks: First Class (60% or equivalent CGPA as per the university's grading system)
- Completion: All educational qualifications must be fully completed before submitting the application
Other Eligibility Conditions
- Age Limit: Maximum 28 years as on
- Age Relaxation (SC/ST): 5 years relaxation as per Government of India rules
- Age Relaxation (OBC): 3 years relaxation as per Government of India rules
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of India
- Tenure: Initially 2 years, extendable based on project needs and performance
DRDO ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 — Qualification Pathways and Selection Process
Two Selection Routes — Interview Only or Written Test + Interview Based on Your Qualification
One interesting aspect of this recruitment is that the selection process depends on your qualification pathway. If you hold a GATE-qualifying score, an M.E/M.Tech from an IIT or NIT, or a B.Sc + M.Sc with GATE/NET qualification, you can appear directly for the interview — no written test needed. However, if you have a B.E/B.Tech combined with an M.E/M.Tech, two years of experience alongside B.E/B.Tech, or just a B.E/B.Tech degree alone, you will need to appear for a written test followed by an interview.
Pathway 1 — Interview Only (No Written Test)
- B.E/B.Tech with a valid GATE score in the relevant discipline
- M.E/M.Tech from an IIT or NIT
- B.Sc + M.Sc with valid GATE or NET qualification
Candidates qualifying under this pathway will be shortlisted for interview directly based on their GATE/NET score or academic credentials.
Pathway 2 — Written Test + Interview
- B.E/B.Tech + M.E/M.Tech (M.E/M.Tech from institutions other than IIT/NIT)
- B.E/B.Tech + 2 years post-qualification experience
- B.E/B.Tech alone (without GATE score or higher qualification)
Candidates in this pathway must first clear a written test, after which shortlisted candidates will be called for interview.
Written Test Details
The written test syllabus is the same as the GATE exam pattern for the respective engineering discipline. The test will consist of objective-type (MCQ) questions covering the core subjects of your engineering branch. Negative marking applies for wrong answers. The exact number of questions, duration, and marking scheme will be communicated in the admit card or exam notice on the ADA website.
Selection Process
- Pathway 1 Candidates: Shortlisting based on GATE/NET score → Interview → Final Merit
- Pathway 2 Candidates: Written Test → Shortlisting → Interview → Final Merit
- Venue for Interview/Written Test: Bangalore
- Final Merit: Based on combined performance in written test (if applicable) and interview
DRDO ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 — Stipend and Job Profile
Monthly Stipend Rs. 31,000 – 37,000 Plus HRA — Tenure-Based Project Work at ADA, Bangalore
Selected Project Assistants will work at ADA headquarters in Bangalore on various defence aviation projects. The stipend you receive depends on your qualification pathway. Candidates who come through B.E/B.Tech alone get a slightly lower stipend compared to those with higher qualifications or experience. The position is purely on a tenure basis — it is not a permanent government job but offers valuable DRDO project experience.
Stipend Structure
- B.E/B.Tech only (Pathway 2): Rs. 31,000 per month + HRA
- Others (M.E/M.Tech, GATE-qualified, B.Sc+M.Sc): Rs. 37,000 per month + HRA
Job Profile & Responsibilities
Project Assistants at ADA work on India's prestigious defence aviation programmes. ADA is the nodal agency for the design and development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and other advanced aerospace systems. Depending on your engineering discipline, your work could involve design analysis, simulation, testing, documentation, software development for avionics, structural analysis, propulsion studies, or manufacturing-related activities. The role provides excellent exposure to cutting-edge defence technology and is a strong career starter for engineering graduates interested in aerospace and defence R&D.
Tenure Details
- Initial Tenure: 2 years from the date of joining
- Extension: May be extended based on project requirements, satisfactory performance, and administrative approval
- Nature: Purely temporary/tenure-based — not a permanent government post
- Work Location: ADA, Bangalore, Karnataka
DRDO ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 — How to Apply and Important Instructions
Apply Online at ada.gov.in/adv138 — Last Date 13 August 2026, 5:00 PM
The application process for ADA Project Assistant-I Recruitment 2026 is completely online. There is no provision for offline applications. Candidates must visit the ADA official website and apply through the prescribed link before the closing date. Ensure all details are filled accurately — errors in the application may lead to disqualification.
How to Apply
- Step 1: Visit the official ADA website ada.gov.in/adv138
- Step 2: Read the official notification carefully before filling the application
- Step 3: Register with a valid email ID and mobile number — all future communication will be sent to these
- Step 4: Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, discipline, GATE score (if applicable), and experience details (if applicable)
- Step 5: Upload scanned photograph and signature in the prescribed format
- Step 6: Review the application form carefully before final submission
- Step 7: Submit the form and download the confirmation page. Take a printout for your records
Important Instructions
- Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria before applying — candidates found ineligible will be summarily rejected
- The educational qualification must be complete before the last date of application submission
- GATE scorecard must be valid at the time of application if applying through the GATE pathway
- Candidates must bring original certificates and self-attested photocopies during document verification
- Any false information or suppression of facts will lead to disqualification and may attract penal action
- ADA reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of vacancies or cancel the recruitment without assigning any reason
- For any queries, candidates may contact ADA through the official website or email as mentioned in the notification
DRDO ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 — Important Links and Follow Us
Official Recruitment Links
- Apply Online — ada.gov.in/adv138
- Official Notification PDF — Download PDF
- Official Website — drdo.gov.in
Join Our Job Community
- Telegram Channel — Join Channel
- Facebook Page — Follow Page
- Twitter / X — Follow Updates
- Blogs — Visit Blog
DRDO ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the last date to apply for DRDO ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026?
The last date for submission of online applications is . Applications must be submitted online through the ADA website at ada.gov.in/adv138.
Q2. How many vacancies are there in DRDO ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026?
There are 111 Project Assistant-I vacancies across seven engineering disciplines — Mechanical (43), Electronics & Communication (20), Electrical & Electronics (20), Computer Science (15), Aeronautical (10), Civil (2), and Metallurgy (1).
Q3. What is the qualification for DRDO ADA Project Assistant post?
A First Class B.E/B.Tech (or equivalent) in the relevant engineering discipline from a recognised university. Additional qualifications like M.E/M.Tech, valid GATE score, or 2 years of experience may determine the selection pathway and stipend.
Q4. When is the DRDO ADA Project Assistant written test 2026?
The written test is tentatively scheduled on , , or . The exact date and venue details will be communicated to eligible candidates through email or published on the ADA website. The test will be held at Bangalore.
Q5. What is the age limit for DRDO ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026?
The maximum age limit is 28 years as on . Age relaxation is applicable for SC/ST (5 years) and OBC (3 years) candidates as per Government of India rules.
Q6. What is the stipend for DRDO ADA Project Assistant?
Candidates with B.E/B.Tech alone will receive Rs. 31,000 per month + HRA. Candidates with higher qualifications (M.E/M.Tech, GATE-qualified, B.Sc+M.Sc) will receive Rs. 37,000 per month + HRA.
Q7. Is there any application fee for DRDO ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026?
No. There is no application fee for this recruitment. All candidates — General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, and PwD — can apply free of cost.
Q8. What is the selection process for DRDO ADA Project Assistant 2026?
The selection depends on your qualification pathway. Pathway 1 (GATE-qualified, M.E/M.Tech from IIT/NIT, or B.Sc+M.Sc with GATE/NET): Direct interview. Pathway 2 (B.E/B.Tech alone, B.E/B.Tech + M.E/M.Tech, or B.E/B.Tech + 2 years experience): Written test + interview. Written test syllabus is same as GATE with negative marking.
Q9. Is this a permanent government job?
No. This is a tenure-based position with an initial period of 2 years, which may be extended based on project requirements and performance. It is not a permanent government job but provides valuable DRDO project experience at ADA, Bangalore.
Q10. Where can I download the official notification for DRDO ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026?
The official notification PDF can be downloaded from the DRDO website: drdo.gov.in — ADA Notification PDF. You can also visit drdo.gov.in for the latest updates.
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