ADA Project Assistant-I Recruitment 2026 — 111 Vacancies

ADA (Aeronautical Development Agency) is hiring 111 Project Assistant-I across seven engineering disciplines in Bengaluru. If you have a B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech, or B.Sc + M.Sc with first class in a relevant engineering field, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 13 August 2026. Age limit is 28 years (relaxation for SC/ST/OBC-NCL), and the monthly pay is around Rs. 31,000 to Rs. 37,000 plus HRA.

Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) Project Assistant-I Recruitment 2026 - 111 Posts

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Defence based in Bengaluru, is the organisation behind India's indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme and works closely with HAL and DRDO on advanced aeronautical projects. It has released Advertisement No. ADV-138/2026 for 111 Project Assistant-I posts on a tenure basis. These positions are spread across seven engineering disciplines — Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, Aeronautical, Electrical & Electronics, Mechanical, Metallurgy, and Civil Engineering. Mechanical Engineering has the highest share with 43 posts, making this one of the biggest openings this year for engineering graduates who want to work on India's fighter jet development programme. Both freshers and candidates with relevant experience can apply, depending on the discipline you choose, and the role gives you hands-on exposure to real aircraft design, testing, and development work at one of the country's premier aeronautical research establishments.

Vacancy Breakdown by Discipline

• Mechanical Engineering: 43 posts
• Electronics & Communication Engineering: 20 posts
• Electrical & Electronics Engineering: 20 posts
• Computer Science Engineering: 15 posts
• Aeronautical Engineering: 10 posts
• Civil Engineering: 2 posts
• Metallurgy Engineering: 1 post

These vacancy numbers are tentative and can change as per ADA's requirement. Since Mechanical, Electrical & Electronics, and Electronics & Communication together make up more than 75% of the openings, candidates from these branches have the widest choice this year, though every discipline listed here has a genuine, dedicated intake.

Who Can Apply?

Computer Science Engineering (15 posts):

• B.E./B.Tech with a valid GATE score, or M.E./M.Tech from an IIT/NIT
• OR B.Sc + M.Sc with a valid GATE/NET score, or B.E./B.Tech + M.E./M.Tech
• OR B.E./B.Tech / B.Sc + M.Sc with 2 years of relevant experience in software or systems work

Electronics & Communication Engineering (20 posts):

• First Class degree in Electronics / Telecommunication / Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering

Aeronautical Engineering (10 posts):

• First Class degree in Aerospace Engineering

Electrical & Electronics Engineering (20 posts):

• First Class degree in Electrical Engineering / Electrical & Instrumentation / Power Electronics

Mechanical Engineering (43 posts):

• First Class degree in Mechanical Engineering

Metallurgy Engineering (1 post):

• First Class degree in Material Science

Civil Engineering (2 posts):

• First Class degree in Structural Engineering

Your qualifying degree must be from a recognised university or institute for all disciplines.

Age Limit

• You should not be older than 28 years to apply.
• Age Relaxation: SC/ST/OBC-NCL candidates get relaxation as per Government of India rules.

Salary

• Selected candidates will get a consolidated monthly stipend of Rs. 31,000 to Rs. 37,000 depending on discipline and qualification.
• You will also get HRA as applicable, taking total monthly emoluments up to around Rs. 48,100 at current rates.
• This is a tenure-based engagement for 2 years, extendable up to 4 years based on your performance — a good stepping stone for a longer career in defence R&D.

Application Fee

• There is no application fee for ADA Project Assistant-I Recruitment 2026. Registration is free for all categories.

Selection Process

The selection will be done through one of the following routes:

1. Written Test and Interview for most candidates, based on discipline requirements.
2. Interview Only for candidates with a valid GATE score or an M.Tech from an IIT/NIT.

Shortlisted candidates will be called for interviews on 16, 23, and 30 August 2026 at Bengaluru, where a panel typically checks your core engineering fundamentals, project or academic work, and suitability for the specific discipline you applied under. Carry your printed application along with all supporting documents when you report for the test/interview, since no separate call letter may be issued in advance.

How to Apply

1. Go to the ADA registration portal at ada.gov.in/adv138.
2. Read the detailed Advertisement No. ADV-138 on the ADA website carefully before registering.
3. Select your engineering discipline and application category.
4. Enter your name, father's name, date of birth, Aadhaar number, email ID, and mobile number.
5. Submit the online registration form before the last date and save a copy of your confirmation for reference.

Double-check your discipline selection and Aadhaar details before submitting — the form does not allow corrections after the last date.

Important Dates

• Application Start Date: 3 August 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 13 August 2026
• Interview Dates: 16, 23 and 30 August 2026

• Support design, analysis, and testing activities for aircraft systems and sub-systems
• Assist senior scientists and engineers with ongoing project work
• Prepare technical drawings, reports, and project documentation
• Operate and maintain lab equipment, software tools, and test rigs
• Collect and analyze data during trials and experiments
• Coordinate with cross-functional engineering teams on project deliverables
• Follow safety protocols and quality standards during testing and fabrication