ADA Project Assistant-1 Recruitment 2026 Notification Out | Apply Online for 111 Vacancies, Eligibility, Salary & Last Date

ADA Project Assistant-1 Recruitment 2026 Notification

 

Application LINK

A major recruitment opportunity has been announced by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), an autonomous body functioning under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, headquartered in Bangalore. Through Advertisement No. ADA:ADV-138:2026 dated 3rd August 2026, ADA has invited applications from meritorious Indian Nationals for engagement as Project Assistant-1 on a tenure basis. A total of 111 tentative vacancies have been notified across seven engineering disciplines.

This article, brought to you by Manabadi, is built strictly from the official ADA notification and is designed to leave no doubt in the mind of any candidate – every table, eligibility clause, and procedural detail from the source document has been reproduced here in full, along with expanded explanations and frequently asked questions to help applicants navigate the process smoothly.

Students and job aspirants are advised to read this article carefully before beginning the registration process, as ADA has laid out strict qualification and documentation requirements that must be fulfilled precisely.

ADA Project Assistant-1 Recruitment 2026: Overview

It should be noted that ADA has clearly labelled the number of vacancies as “tentative (including anticipated) vacancies,” meaning the final number of positions filled may vary based on actual organisational requirements at the time of selection.

About Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)

The Aeronautical Development Agency functions under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, and is engaged in aeronautical design, development, and research programmes. This recruitment drive is being conducted for its Bangalore establishment located at PB No. 1718, Vimanapura Post, Bangalore – 560017. It is reiterated that Manabadi consistently sources and verifies all such recruitment notifications directly from official portals to bring accurate and dependable updates to students and job seekers across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and the rest of India.

ADA Project Assistant-1 Vacancy Details: Discipline-Wise Breakup (Table-A)

The complete vacancy distribution, as notified in Table-A of the official advertisement, has been reproduced below. Candidates are strongly advised to check which “Equivalent Engineering Discipline/Branch/Field” applies to their qualification before applying, as ADA has specified acceptable equivalent disciplines against each core branch.

1. Computer Science Engineering – 15 Vacancies

• Equivalent disciplines accepted: Information Science / Information Technology
• Tentative vacancies: 15

2. Electronics & Communication Engineering – 20 Vacancies

• Equivalent disciplines accepted: Electronics / Telecommunication / Electronics & Instrumentation
• Tentative vacancies: 20

3. Aeronautical Engineering – 10 Vacancies

• Equivalent disciplines accepted: Aerospace
• Tentative vacancies: 10

4. Electrical & Electronics Engineering – 20 Vacancies

• Equivalent disciplines accepted: Electrical / Electrical & Instrumentation / Power Electronics
• Tentative vacancies: 20

5. Mechanical Engineering – 43 Vacancies

• Equivalent disciplines accepted: Production / Industrial Production
• Tentative vacancies: 43 (this is the single largest vacancy block in this recruitment cycle)

6. Metallurgy Engineering – 1 Vacancy

• Equivalent disciplines accepted: Material Science
• Tentative vacancies: 01

7. Civil Engineering – 2 Vacancies

• Equivalent disciplines accepted: Structural
• Tentative vacancies: 02

Total tentative vacancies across all seven disciplines: 111

It is clarified for students who may be confused about eligibility due to differently named degrees: ADA has explicitly permitted candidates holding degrees in the “equivalent” branches listed above to apply under the corresponding core discipline. For example, a candidate holding a B.Tech in Information Technology is eligible to apply under the Computer Science Engineering category, and a candidate holding a B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering is eligible under the Aeronautical Engineering category.

ADA Project Assistant-1 Eligibility Criteria: Complete Qualification Structure (Explained in Detail)

This is the section where most confusion arises among applicants, since ADA has structured eligibility into two separate qualification tiers for each discipline, each tier tied to a different selection method. Both tiers have been broken down below with full clarity, discipline by discipline.

Eligibility Tier 1 – Selection by “Interview Only”

For candidates falling under this tier, no written test is required; the selection is conducted purely through interview. The qualifying options under this tier are:

• Option (a): B.E./B.Tech (in First Class) with a Valid GATE Score
• Option (b): M.E./M.Tech from IIT or NIT
• Option (c): (applicable only to Computer Science Engineering and Electronics & Communication Engineering disciplines) B.Sc + M.Sc with a valid GATE/NET Score

It is important to note that Option (c) – the B.Sc + M.Sc with GATE/NET route – has been offered by ADA only for Computer Science Engineering and Electronics & Communication Engineering disciplines, and does not appear as an eligibility route for Aeronautical, Electrical & Electronics, Mechanical, Metallurgy, or Civil Engineering disciplines, based strictly on what is listed in the official Table-A.

Eligibility Tier 2 – Selection by “Shortlisting by Written Test Followed by Interview”

Candidates who do not possess a valid GATE score or an M.E./M.Tech from IIT/NIT can still apply under this tier, but they will be required to appear for a written test before being called for interview. The qualifying options under this tier are:

• Option (d): B.E./B.Tech with M.E./M.Tech (from institutions other than IIT/NIT)
• Option (e): B.E./B.Tech with 2 years of relevant Experience
• Option (f): (applicable only to Computer Science Engineering and Electronics & Communication Engineering disciplines) B.Sc + M.Sc with 2 years of relevant experience
• Option (g): B.E./B.Tech (First Class), with no additional qualification or experience required

This means that even a fresher holding only a B.E./B.Tech degree in First Class, without GATE, without M.Tech, and without work experience, remains eligible to apply – such a candidate will be routed through the written test and interview process under Option (g).

Consolidated Eligibility Table (All Disciplines)

Important clarification on experience: ADA has specifically stated that Part-time experience, Apprenticeship training, Period of training, Teaching Experience, and experience gained as a trainee will not be considered while calculating the number of years of experience for eligibility purposes. Only regular, relevant work experience counts.

ADA Project Assistant-1: Written Examination Pattern

For candidates being evaluated through the written test route, ADA has specified the following:

• The written exam syllabus will be the same as the GATE syllabus for the respective engineering discipline.
• The exam will carry negative marking for wrong answers.
• Candidates have been advised to bring a scientific calculator to the written test.
• Electronic items such as Mobile Phones, Pen Drives, and Smart Watches are strictly prohibited inside the ADA campus/venue during the written test.

Since the syllabus mirrors GATE, candidates who have already prepared for GATE in their respective discipline (Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, Aeronautical, Electrical & Electronics, Mechanical, Metallurgy, or Civil Engineering) will find this written test pattern familiar and should revise their core GATE-level concepts accordingly.

ADA Project Assistant-1: Age Limit

The upper age limit for all candidates has been fixed at 28 years. Age relaxation is permissible for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) categories, as per applicable government rules.

The date for determining both qualification and age eligibility has been fixed as the closing date of registration, i.e., 13th August 2026. This means candidates must ensure they meet the age criterion, and possess (or will possess) the required qualification, as on this specific date.

ADA Project Assistant-1: Stipend and Tenure Details

Stipend Structure

This structure indicates that candidates possessing an additional qualification (such as M.E./M.Tech), a valid GATE/NET score, or relevant work experience will be placed in the higher stipend bracket of Rs. 37,000/- plus HRA, while those qualifying purely on the basis of a First Class B.E./B.Tech degree (Option g) will receive Rs. 31,000/- plus HRA.

Tenure of Engagement

The engagement will initially be for a period of two years. This tenure may be extended for a further two-year period, granted one year at a time, and such extension will be subject to satisfactory performance as assessed by a Review Committee constituted by ADA.

Candidates must note that this is strictly a tenure-based engagement and, as clarified explicitly by ADA in the general conditions, confers no right whatsoever – implicit or explicit – for continuation beyond the tenure period, or for absorption, or for regularisation within ADA.

ADA Project Assistant-1: Registration Process, Dates & Venue

Key Dates

It is clarified that the exact written test date among the three tentative options will depend on the number of candidates who register, and this decision, along with the schedule for the Interview, will be published separately on the ADA website. Candidates are advised by ADA itself to frequently visit the official ADA website for such updates, since no separate individual communication may be guaranteed for every scheduling update.

Venue

Both the written test and the interview will be conducted in Bangalore, at the ADA premises or a venue notified subsequently by ADA.

How to Register

1. Candidates must visit the official website: https://ada.gov.in
2. Complete the online registration process before 13th August 2026, 1700 hrs.
3. Candidates must report for the Written Test/Interview with:
   • The duly filled application form (format provided by ADA)
   • Original certificates and supporting documents
   • Self-attested copies of certificates/supporting documents

It has been explicitly clarified by ADA that “Registration is not application” – meaning simply registering online does not complete the process. Candidates are required to plan their logistics properly and must carry the duly filled physical application form along with all relevant original and self-attested documents at the time of reporting for the written test/interview.

ADA Project Assistant-1: Documents Required at the Time of Interview/Written Test

Based strictly on the general conditions listed in the official notification, candidates must carry the following at the time of interview:

• Duly filled Application Form (as per the format provided by ADA)
• Attested copies of certificates/supporting documents related to qualification, experience, and caste
• A recent passport-size photograph, to be affixed on the right top corner of the first page of the application
• If any certificate/document is in a language other than English, a duly self-attested English transcript of the same must be attached
• All original certificates/supporting documents, for verification purposes
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) – mandatory only for candidates presently employed in a Government department, PSU, or Autonomous Body
• Original Aadhar Card

ADA Project Assistant-1: General Conditions and Important Instructions

The following conditions have been laid down by ADA and must be carefully understood by every applicant:

• Only Indian Nationals are eligible to apply.
• The engagement is purely on a Tenure basis and does not confer any right to continuation, absorption, or regularisation in ADA, whether implied or explicit.
• ADA has reserved the right to operate the selection panel in a flexible manner across different disciplines, based on both the currently notified vacancies and future anticipated vacancies, for a period of six months from the process.
• The qualification and age of a candidate will be assessed as on the closing date of registration, i.e., 13th August 2026.
• Presently employed candidates in Government departments/PSUs/Autonomous Bodies must produce an NOC from their current employer at the time of interview.
• Carrying electronic items (Mobile Phones, Pen Drives, Smart Watches, etc.) is strictly prohibited inside the ADA campus/venue for the written test.
• No TA/DA (Travelling Allowance/Dearness Allowance) will be admissible for attending the interview/written test, irrespective of whether the candidate is selected or not.
• Any misrepresentation or falsification of facts, detected at any stage of the selection process or even after selection, or any instance of misconduct/misbehaviour at any stage, will lead to cancellation of candidature without prior notice, along with suitable legal action. No correspondence will be entertained regarding such cancellations.
• Part-time experience, apprenticeship training, training periods, teaching experience, or trainee experience will not be counted while calculating the number of years of relevant experience.
• Candidates are advised to frequently visit the ADA website for updates regarding schedules and announcements.

ADA Project Assistant-1 Application Form: Fields to be Filled

The application form format has been provided by ADA along with the notification. It is a two-page form requiring the following details, all of which have been marked mandatory:

Page 1:

• Engagement Discipline (as per Table-A, Column B & C)
• Criteria (as per Table-A, Column E)
• Full Name in Block Letters (as per 10th Marksheet)
• Father’s Name
• Gender (Male/Female)
• Category (Gen/SC/ST/OBC-NCL)
• Date of Birth
• Nationality
• Correspondence Address
• Permanent Address
• Mobile Number
• Email ID
• Aadhar Number
• Educational Qualification table (from 10th Standard onwards), covering: Examination Passed, Subject(s), Board/University, Month & Year of Passing, Division/Class/Grade, and Percentage(%)/CGPA – with self-attested copies of Marksheet/Certificate to be enclosed

Page 2:

• Relevant Experience table (if any), covering: Name of Post/Designation, Name of the Organization/Dept, Period of Service (From-To), and Total Period of Experience (in YY/MM format) – proof to be enclosed
• Details of Valid NET/GATE table, covering: Year, Score, Marks, Rank, Registration Number, and Validity — proof to be enclosed
• A signed Declaration stating that the furnished particulars are correct and that concealment/distortion of information will lead to summary termination of the Project Assistantship without prior notice
• Date, Place, Signature, and Name of the candidate
• A space for affixing a recent passport-size photograph on the right top corner of the first page

Candidates should note that a passport-size photograph must be affixed on the application form, and this photograph requirement is separate from any photograph uploaded during the online registration process.

Why This Recruitment Matters for Engineering Graduates

With 111 tentative vacancies spread across seven core engineering disciplines, and with Mechanical Engineering alone accounting for 43 posts (the largest single share), this ADA recruitment drive represents a significant opportunity for engineering graduates and postgraduates across the country, including students from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana who regularly follow Manabadi for updates on Defence and PSU recruitment. The dual-track eligibility structure – allowing both GATE/M.Tech-qualified candidates to skip the written exam via direct interview, and fresh B.E./B.Tech graduates to compete via the written test route – ensures a wide pool of eligible applicants across experience levels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – ADA Project Assistant-1 Recruitment 2026

Q1. What is the last date to register for ADA Project Assistant-1 Recruitment 2026?
The online registration closes on 13th August 2026, at 1700 hrs.

Q2. How many total vacancies have been announced?
A total of 111 tentative (including anticipated) vacancies have been announced across seven engineering disciplines.

Q3. Which discipline has the highest number of vacancies?
Mechanical Engineering has the highest number of vacancies, with 43 tentative posts.

Q4. Which discipline has the lowest number of vacancies?
Metallurgy Engineering has the lowest number, with only 1 tentative vacancy.

Q5. Is GATE score mandatory to apply?
No. A valid GATE score is not mandatory. Candidates without a GATE score can still apply if they hold an M.E./M.Tech (Option d), have 2 years of relevant experience (Options e/f), or simply hold a First Class B.E./B.Tech degree (Option g) — though these candidates will go through the written test and interview route rather than the interview-only route.

Q6. What is the age limit for this recruitment?
The age limit is 28 years, with relaxation applicable for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates as per rules, calculated as on 13th August 2026.

Q7. What will be the stipend for selected candidates?
Candidates with only a B.E./B.Tech (First Class) will receive Rs. 31,000/- per month plus HRA, while all other candidates (with M.Tech/GATE/NET/experience) will receive Rs. 37,000/- per month plus HRA.

Q8. What is the syllabus for the written test?
The written test will follow the same syllabus as GATE for the respective discipline, and will include negative marking for wrong answers.

Q9. Where will the written test and interview be conducted?
Both will be conducted in Bangalore, at a venue to be notified on the ADA website.

Q10. What are the tentative written test dates?
The tentative dates are 16th August, 23rd August, or 30th August 2026, with the final date depending on the number of registered candidates.

Q11. Will this job lead to a permanent position in ADA?
No. ADA has clearly stated that the engagement is tenure-based only and does not confer any right to continuation, absorption, or regularisation in ADA.

Q12. What is the initial tenure of engagement, and can it be extended?
The initial tenure is two years, extendable by a further two years, one year at a time, subject to satisfactory performance as assessed by a Review Committee.

Q13. Can candidates from equivalent branches apply?
Yes. ADA has listed equivalent disciplines for each core branch — for example, Information Science/Information Technology graduates can apply under Computer Science Engineering, and Aerospace graduates can apply under Aeronautical Engineering.

Q14. Is work experience mandatory to apply?
No, work experience is not mandatory. A First Class B.E./B.Tech degree alone (Option g) is sufficient to apply, though such candidates will be routed through the written test and interview.

Q15. Does teaching or apprenticeship experience count toward the 2-year experience requirement?
No. ADA has clearly excluded part-time experience, apprenticeship training, training periods, teaching experience, and trainee experience from being counted toward the required years of relevant experience.

Q16. Are electronic devices allowed at the exam venue?
No. Mobile phones, pen drives, and smart watches are strictly prohibited inside the ADA campus/venue during the written test.

Q17. Is TA/DA provided for attending the interview or written test?
No. ADA has clearly stated that no TA/DA will be admissible, irrespective of the outcome of selection.

Q18. Do currently employed government candidates need any special document?
Yes. Candidates presently employed in a Government department, PSU, or Autonomous Body must produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer at the time of interview.

Q19. Is online registration itself considered as application submission?
No. ADA has clarified that “Registration is not application.” Candidates must also carry the duly filled physical application form along with all supporting original and self-attested documents at the time of reporting for the written test/interview.

Q20. What happens if a candidate is found to have furnished false information?
Any misrepresentation or falsification of facts, detected at any stage, will result in cancellation of candidature without notice, along with suitable legal action, and no correspondence will be entertained in this regard.

Conclusion

The ADA Project Assistant-1 Recruitment 2026 offers a substantial number of openings – 111 tentative vacancies – for engineering graduates across Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, Aeronautical, Electrical & Electronics, Mechanical, Metallurgy, and Civil Engineering disciplines. Eligible candidates are strongly advised to complete their online registration well before the 13th August 2026, 1700 hrs deadline, and to prepare their application forms and supporting documents in advance, given the strict documentation requirements outlined by ADA. Manabadi will continue to track this recruitment closely and bring further updates on the written test schedule, interview dates, and any additional notifications released by ADA on its official website, so that students never miss a critical update in their career journey. Stay connected with Manabadi for verified, timely, and detailed coverage of this and other recruitment and admission opportunities.