DRDO ADA Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 111 Project Assistant Vacancies

The Aeronautical Development Agency, a DRDO body under the Ministry of Defence, has opened a fresh round of Government Jobs for engineering graduates. The ADA Project Assistant-I Recruitment 2026 notification covers 111 tentative posts spread across seven engineering streams. Online registration is open from 6 August 2026 and closes on 13 August 2026. Read on for the complete eligibility, stipend, and application details before you register.

About Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)

The Aeronautical Development Agency functions as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Defence and works closely with DRDO on India's indigenous aircraft design programmes. It regularly hires engineering talent on a project basis to support ongoing aeronautical research and development work. A stint here gives young engineers real exposure to cutting-edge defence technology projects, which is why this notification is drawing attention from engineering graduates across disciplines.

DRDO ADA Recruitment 2026 – Overview

Important Dates

Vacancy Details / Post Wise Break-up

The 111 tentative vacancies are distributed across seven engineering branches, with Mechanical Engineering carrying the largest share of openings. ADA has kept the panel flexible, meaning it can adjust seats across disciplines for up to six months based on actual project needs.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Only Indian Nationals are eligible for this engagement. Candidates need a First Class B.E/B.Tech degree (or the equivalent branch recognised for each discipline) from a university approved by the government. Depending on the exact qualification route — plain B.E/B.Tech, a valid GATE or NET score, an M.E/M.Tech from an IIT or NIT, or relevant post-qualification experience — a candidate is either called directly for interview or first shortlisted through a written test. It is worth checking the official PDF carefully, since the pathway a candidate falls under decides which selection route applies.

Age Limit (as on 13 Aug 2026)

• Maximum Age: 28 Years

Age Relaxation

The notification does not spell out the exact number of relaxation years for reserved categories, so candidates from SC/ST/OBC-NCL backgrounds should refer to the standard central government rules or reach out to ADA directly for clarification before registering.

Stipend Details

This is a tenure-based engagement, so candidates are paid a fixed monthly stipend rather than a regular pay scale, along with House Rent Allowance as applicable. The stipend amount depends on the qualification pathway a candidate is selected under.

The initial engagement runs for two years and may be extended in one-year blocks up to a further two years, based on satisfactory performance. It's a tenure post, so it does not carry any automatic right to continuation, absorption, or regularisation in ADA.

Selection Process

ADA follows two different selection routes depending on how a candidate qualifies, and both routes conclude in Bangalore.

• Interview Only — for candidates with a valid GATE score, an M.E/M.Tech from an IIT/NIT, or (for CSE and ECE) a B.Sc plus M.Sc with a valid GATE/NET score
• Written Test (GATE-pattern syllabus, with negative marking) followed by Interview — for candidates qualifying through other routes such as plain B.E/B.Tech or B.E/B.Tech with relevant experience
• Document Verification

Candidates opting for the written-test route are advised to carry a scientific calculator, since it will be needed during the test.

Application Fee

ADA has not prescribed any registration or application fee for this recruitment drive, so eligible candidates can register without making any payment.

Required Documents

Keep these documents scanned and ready, since you will need to carry the originals along with self-attested copies when you report for the written test or interview.

• Duly filled application form with a recent passport-size photo pasted on the top right corner
• Original Aadhaar Card
• Original and self-attested copies of qualification and caste certificates (where applicable)
• Self-attested English translation for any certificate not issued in English
• Proof of relevant work experience, wherever claimed
• Proof of a valid GATE/NET score, wherever applicable
• No Objection Certificate from the employer, if currently working in a Government department, PSU, or Autonomous Body

How to Apply Online

1. Visit the official website: https://ada.gov.in
2. Open the online registration link for Project Assistant-I (Advt No. ADA:ADV-138:2026) and select your engineering discipline and qualification pathway.
3. Complete the online registration on or before 13 August 2026, 5:00 PM.
4. Separately fill the application form in the prescribed format, paste a recent photograph on the top right corner, and keep it ready with all supporting documents.
5. Keep checking the ADA website regularly for the confirmed written test/interview date, since the tentative dates may shift depending on the number of registrations.
6. Report for the written test/interview in Bangalore on the notified date with your filled application form, original documents, self-attested copies, Aadhaar card, and (if applicable) a scientific calculator and employer NOC.

Keep in mind that completing the online registration alone does not finish your application — you still need to carry the physical application form and supporting documents on the day of the test or interview.

Important Instructions

• Only Indian Nationals are eligible to apply for this engagement.
• Electronic items such as mobile phones, pen drives, or smart watches are strictly not allowed inside the ADA campus during the written test.
• No TA/DA will be paid for attending the written test or interview, regardless of the outcome.
• Part-time work, apprenticeship, training periods, or teaching assignments will not be counted while calculating years of relevant experience.
• Any misrepresentation of facts discovered at any stage will lead to cancellation of candidature and possible legal action.
• Read the official notification PDF thoroughly before registering, since qualification pathways vary by discipline.

Why Should You Apply?

This opening is a good fit for engineering graduates who want early, hands-on exposure to aeronautical and defence R&D work rather than a purely corporate posting. The stipend is competitive for a project-based role, and the dual selection route means candidates with strong GATE scores or postgraduate qualifications get a more direct path in. It also suits candidates with a couple of years of relevant industry experience who are looking to move into a mission-driven government project environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Important Links

Final Words

The DRDO ADA Project Assistant-I Recruitment 2026 is a solid opportunity for engineering graduates across seven disciplines, especially those looking to work close to India's aeronautical R&D efforts. With registration closing on 13 August 2026, it's best to complete your online form and gather your documents well ahead of the deadline instead of waiting for the last day. If you found this useful, do share it with engineering friends who might be eligible, and join our Telegram channel above for free alerts on the next round of government job notifications.