Introduction
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which is part of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has released a new job notice. This notice is for Indian citizens who want to join as Project Assistant-I. This is a good chance for engineering graduates to work on a tenure basis with a government organization.
There are a total of 111 tentative vacancies for Project Assistant-I posts. These jobs are available across seven different engineering fields. These fields include Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, Aeronautical, Electrical & Electronics, Mechanical, Metallurgy, and Civil Engineering. If you have a first-class engineering degree or an equivalent qualification, you might be eligible to apply.
The application process is online. You need to register on the official website before the last date, which is 13th August 2026, by 5 PM. The selection process will involve either an interview only, or a written test followed by an interview. This depends on your specific qualification and the pathway you choose. All selected candidates will work in Bangalore.
The job is for an initial period of two years. This period can be extended for up to two more years, one year at a time, if your performance is good. Before you apply, it is very important to read the full official notification PDF. This will help you understand all the rules, eligibility criteria, and how to apply correctly.
Quick Facts
Here are the main details about this recruitment drive:
- Board: Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India
- Post Name: Project Assistant-I
- Total Posts: 111 tentative vacancies
- Qualification: First-class engineering degree (or equivalent) in relevant discipline
- Age: Maximum 28 years
- Last Date to Apply: 13th August 2026, 1700 hrs
- Apply Mode: Online
- Salary: Rs. 31,000/- per month + HRA OR Rs. 37,000/- per month + HRA
Important Dates
Keep these important dates in mind for the application process:
- Notification Date: 03.08.2026
- Registration Closing Date: 13.08.2026, 1700 hrs
- Age Reckoning Date: 13.08.2026
- Qualification Reckoning Date: 13.08.2026
Vacancy Breakdown
There are a total of 111 tentative vacancies for Project Assistant-I posts across various engineering disciplines:
- Total Vacancies: 111 tentative posts
- Disciplines:
- Project Assistant-I – Computer Science Engineering (Equivalent: Information Science / Information Technology)
- Project Assistant-I – Electronics & Communication Engineering (Equivalent: Electronics/Telecommunication/Electronics & Instrumentation)
- Project Assistant-I – Aeronautical Engineering (Equivalent: Aerospace)
- Project Assistant-I – Electrical & Electronics Engineering (Equivalent: Electrical/Electrical & Instrumentation/Power Electronics)
- Project Assistant-I – Mechanical Engineering (Equivalent: Production/Industrial Production)
- Project Assistant-I – Metallurgy Engineering (Equivalent: Material Science)
- Project Assistant-I – Civil Engineering (Equivalent: Structural)
The official notification does not provide a category-wise (SC/ST/OBC) reservation breakup or individual vacancy numbers for each discipline.
Who Can Apply
Read the eligibility rules carefully before applying for these posts:
- Nationality: Only Indian Nationals can apply.
- Education: Candidates must have a first-class engineering degree (or equivalent) from a recognised University in their chosen engineering discipline.
- Qualification Pathways:
- Some pathways require a B.E/B.Tech with a valid GATE score, or M.E/M.Tech from IIT/NIT, or B.Sc + M.Sc with a valid GATE/NET score.
- Other pathways include B.E/B.Tech with M.E/M.Tech, or B.E/B.Tech with 2 years relevant experience, or B.Sc + M.Sc with 2 years relevant experience.
- There is also a pathway for B.E/B.Tech without additional qualifications/experience.
- Qualification Reckoning Date: Your qualification must be met as on 13th August 2026.
- Experience Note: Part-time experience, apprenticeship training, periods of training, teaching experience, or experience as a trainee will not count as relevant experience.
Age Rules
Check the age limit details for this recruitment:
- Maximum Age: 28 years.
- Age on Date: Your age will be counted as on 13th August 2026 (the closing date of registration).
- Age Relaxation: Age relaxation is allowed for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates as per Government of India rules. The exact number of years for relaxation is not specified in the notification; candidates should refer to applicable government rules.
Fee Details
Here are the details about the application fee:
- Application Fee: As per official notification.
How You Will Be Selected
The selection process for Project Assistant-I posts depends on your qualification pathway:
- Initial Screening: Applications will be screened based on eligibility criteria.
- Selection Method:
- For candidates applying through certain qualification pathways (e.g., with GATE score, M.E/M.Tech from IIT/NIT, or relevant experience), selection will be through an Interview Only.
- For candidates applying through other qualification pathways (e.g., B.E/B.Tech without specific higher qualifications or experience), selection will involve Shortlisting by a Written Test, followed by an Interview.
- Interview/Written Test Location: The written test and interview will be held in Bangalore.
Pay & Benefits
Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend and other benefits:
- For candidates with only B.E/B.Tech (First Class): Rs. 31,000/- per month + HRA as per rules.
- For all other candidates (higher qualification/experience pathways): Rs. 37,000/- per month + HRA as per rules.
- Tenure: The engagement is initially for a period of two years. This may be extended for a further period of up to two years (one year at a time), based on satisfactory performance.
Documents Required
When applying online, you will need to upload scanned copies of these documents:
- Recent Passport-size Photograph
- Signature
- Identity Proof (e.g., Aadhar Card, PAN Card)
- Educational Certificates (Degree, Mark Sheets for all semesters/years)
- Caste/Category Certificate (if applying under SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD category)
- GATE/NET Scorecard (if applicable)
- Experience Certificates (if applicable)
How to Apply Online
Follow these steps to apply for the DRDO ADA Project Assistant-I Recruitment 2026:
- Visit the official website of Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).
- Look for the "Recruitment" or "Career" section and find the advertisement for Project Assistant-I (Advt No. ADA:ADV-138:2026).
- Click on the "Apply Online" link.
- Register yourself by providing basic details to create a login ID and password.
- Fill out the online application form with all your personal and educational details correctly.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and all required documents as per the specified format and size.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable, through the online payment gateway.
- Review your application form carefully before final submission to ensure all details are correct.
- Submit the application form.
- Download and print a copy of the submitted application form for your records.
Common Questions
Q: What is the last date to apply for DRDO ADA Project Assistant I Recruitment 2026?
A: The last date to apply online is 13th August 2026, by 5 PM.
Q: How many vacancies are there in DRDO ADA Project Assistant I Recruitment 2026?
A: There are a total of 111 tentative vacancies for Project Assistant-I posts.
Q: What is the age limit for DRDO ADA Project Assistant I posts?
A: The maximum age limit is 28 years as on 13th August 2026. Age relaxation is available for reserved categories as per government rules.
Q: What is the salary for DRDO ADA Project Assistant I?
A: The monthly stipend is Rs. 31,000/- or Rs. 37,000/- plus HRA, depending on your qualification pathway.
Q: How can I apply for DRDO ADA Project Assistant I Recruitment 2026?
A: You can apply online through the official website of ADA before the closing date.
Q: What is the selection process for Project Assistant I in ADA?
A: Selection is either through an interview only, or a written test followed by an interview, based on your specific qualification pathway.