Good news for engineering graduates looking for a government opening this year — the ADA Project Assistant-1 Recruitment 2026 is officially out. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which functions under the Ministry of Defence, has released this notification for 111 Project Assistant-1 posts on a tenure basis. If you hold a degree in Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, Aeronautical, Electrical & Electronics, Mechanical, Metallurgy, or Civil Engineering, this is a chance to work with one of India’s premier defence research organisations — the agency behind the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft programme. Online registration is already open and closes on 13th August 2026. Here’s your complete guide to eligibility, stipend, selection process, and how to apply without missing a step.
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📌 Also Read: Get Latest Defence Job Notifications 2026 – All Sarkari Naukri in One Place
Table of Contents
ADA Project Assistant-1 Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Ministry of Defence |
| Post Name | Project Assistant-1 |
| Advertisement Number | ADA:ADV-138:2026 |
| Engagement Type | Tenure Basis |
| Total Vacancies | 111 (Tentative, including anticipated) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date to Register | 13th August 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Exam/Interview Venue | Bangalore |
| Official Website | ada.gov.in |
Important Dates
Here are all the key dates you need to track for the ADA Project Assistant-1 Recruitment 2026:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 3rd August 2026 |
| Online Registration Start Date | 3rd August 2026 |
| Last Date to Register Online | 13th August 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Written Test Tentative Dates | 16th, 23rd, or 30th August 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | [To be announced] |
| Result Declaration | [To be announced] |
⚠️ Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the last day to register. The final written test date depends on how many candidates apply, and ADA will announce the exact schedule closer to the deadline — so keep checking the official website regularly.
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Join NowADA Project Assistant-1 Vacancy 2026 [Discipline-Wise]
The 111 vacancies are spread across seven engineering disciplines. If your degree falls under an equivalent branch, you’re still eligible — check the table below carefully.
| Engineering Discipline | Equivalent Branch Also Accepted | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Engineering | Information Science / Information Technology | 15 |
| Electronics & Communication Engineering | Electronics / Telecommunication / Electronics & Instrumentation | 20 |
| Aeronautical Engineering | Aerospace | 10 |
| Electrical & Electronics Engineering | Electrical / Electrical & Instrumentation / Power Electronics | 20 |
| Mechanical Engineering | Production / Industrial Production | 43 |
| Metallurgy Engineering | Material Science | 01 |
| Civil Engineering | Structural | 02 |
Mechanical Engineering graduates have the biggest opportunity here, with 43 out of 111 posts reserved for the discipline.
Eligibility Criteria for ADA Project Assistant-1 Recruitment 2026
Your eligibility depends on which of the two selection routes you qualify for — Interview Only, or Written Test followed by Interview. Both routes require your qualification to be in First Class.
Educational Qualification
Interview Only route — for Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, and Electrical & Electronics Engineering:
- B.E/B.Tech with a valid GATE score
- M.E/M.Tech from an IIT or NIT
- B.Sc + M.Sc with a valid GATE or NET score
Interview Only route — for Aeronautical, Mechanical, Metallurgy, and Civil Engineering:
- B.E/B.Tech with a valid GATE score
- M.E/M.Tech from an IIT or NIT
Written Test + Interview route — for Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, and Electrical & Electronics Engineering:
- B.E/B.Tech with M.E/M.Tech
- B.E/B.Tech with 2 years of relevant experience
- B.Sc + M.Sc with 2 years of relevant experience
- B.E/B.Tech (freshers)
Written Test + Interview route — for Aeronautical, Mechanical, Metallurgy, and Civil Engineering:
- B.E/B.Tech with M.E/M.Tech
- B.E/B.Tech with 2 years of relevant experience
- B.E/B.Tech (freshers)
✅ Even fresh B.E/B.Tech graduates without a GATE score can apply — you’ll simply be routed through the written test instead of a direct interview.
Note: Part-time experience, apprenticeship training, and teaching or trainee experience will not be counted while calculating your years of relevant experience.
Age Limit (as on 13th August 2026)
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General/EWS | 28 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | Relaxation as per government rules |
| SC/ST | Relaxation as per government rules |
The cut-off date for both age and qualification is 13th August 2026 — the same day registration closes.
Application Fee
The ADA Project Assistant-1 Recruitment 2026 notification has not mentioned any application fee for registration. [Verify on the official website before applying, as this could be updated.]
ADA Project Assistant-1 Salary and Stipend 2026
This is a tenure-based engagement, so candidates are paid a fixed monthly stipend rather than a regular pay-matrix salary. Here’s the exact stipend structure:
| Candidate Category | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| B.E/B.Tech (First Class) only | ₹31,000 per month + HRA as per rules |
| M.E/M.Tech, GATE/NET qualified, or experienced candidates | ₹37,000 per month + HRA as per rules |
📌 Also Read: NIC Scientist B Recruitment 2026 — another GATE-based government engineering opportunity worth checking out.
The engagement is initially for 2 years, extendable by up to 2 more years (one year at a time), subject to a satisfactory performance review by ADA’s Review Committee.
ADA Project Assistant-1 Selection Process 2026
Your selection route depends entirely on the qualification you hold at the time of registration:
- Interview Only: If you have a valid GATE score, an M.E/M.Tech from an IIT/NIT, or a B.Sc + M.Sc with a valid GATE/NET score, you go straight to the interview stage.
- Written Test, then Interview: If you qualify only through a plain B.E/B.Tech or through relevant work experience, you’ll first sit for a written test, and only shortlisted candidates move to the interview.
The written test follows the same syllabus as GATE for your respective discipline and carries negative marking for wrong answers. 💡 Pro Tip: Carry a scientific calculator to the written test — it’s specifically recommended in the notification.
📌 Also Read: ISRO URSC Recruitment 2026 — for engineering graduates also eyeing India’s space research organisation.
How to Apply for ADA Project Assistant-1 Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official ADA website: ada.gov.in
- Look for the “Careers” or “Recruitment” section and open the Project Assistant-1 registration link.
- Register with your basic details, discipline, and category.
- Fill in your educational qualification details from 10th standard onwards.
- Enter GATE/NET score details if applicable, along with registration number and validity.
- Upload a recent passport-size photograph as instructed.
- Submit the form online before 13th August 2026, 5:00 PM.
- Download and print a copy of the filled application form.
- Keep self-attested copies of all certificates ready — you’ll need to carry originals and copies to the written test/interview in Bangalore.
💡 Pro Tip: Have your photograph scanned and saved in advance, and fill in your GATE/NET score details carefully — errors here are one of the most common reasons applications get rejected at the verification stage.
📌 Also Read: UPSSSC Technical Assistant Recruitment 2026 for more technical-role openings this season.
⚠️ Note for currently employed candidates: If you already work in a government department, PSU, or autonomous body, you must produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer at the time of the interview.
Important Links
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Download Here |
| Apply Online | ada.gov.in |
| Official Website | ada.gov.in |
📌 Also Read: Browse more openings on our Defence Jobs section for similar Ministry of Defence recruitment updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How many vacancies are there in ADA Project Assistant-1 Recruitment 2026?
There are 111 tentative vacancies (including anticipated posts) spread across seven engineering disciplines, with Mechanical Engineering carrying the highest share at 43 posts.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for ADA Project Assistant-1 2026?
Online registration closes on 13th August 2026 at 5:00 PM. It’s best to apply a few days early to avoid last-minute portal slowdowns.
Q3. What is the age limit for ADA Project Assistant-1 Recruitment 2026?
The maximum age is 28 years as on 13th August 2026, with relaxation available for SC/ST/OBC-NCL candidates as per government rules.
Q4. What salary or stipend will I get after selection?
You’ll receive ₹31,000 per month plus HRA if you hold only a B.E/B.Tech, or ₹37,000 per month plus HRA if you have an M.E/M.Tech, a valid GATE/NET score, or relevant experience.
Q5. Is there negative marking in the ADA written test?
Yes. The written test follows the GATE syllabus for your discipline and carries negative marking for incorrect answers.
Q6. Can freshers with just a B.E/B.Tech degree apply without a GATE score?
Yes. Candidates without a GATE score, M.E/M.Tech, or relevant experience can still apply — they will be routed through the written test and interview process instead of a direct interview.
Q7. Where will the written test and interview be conducted?
Both the written test and interview for ADA Project Assistant-1 Recruitment 2026 will be held in Bangalore.
Summing Up…
If you’re an engineering graduate hoping to build a career in India’s defence research ecosystem, the ADA Project Assistant-1 Recruitment 2026 is an opportunity worth pursuing. With 111 posts, a stipend of up to ₹37,000 per month plus HRA, and the chance to work on projects tied to the Tejas programme, this notification deserves your full attention. Register online before 13th August 2026, keep a printed copy of your application handy, and start revising the GATE syllabus for your discipline right away in case you land in the written test route. Bookmark govtserviceinfo.com and follow us for daily Sarkari Naukri alerts so you never miss a deadline like this one.
Disclaimer: All information in this article has been sourced from the official recruitment notification published by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). GovtServiceInfo.com is not a recruiting authority and does not accept job applications. We strongly recommend reading the full official notification before applying and verifying all details — especially dates, eligibility, and fees — directly from the official website, ada.gov.in. We are not responsible for any changes made by the recruiting authority after the date of publication.







