DRDO ADA Project Assistant-I Recruitment 2026 — 111 Posts, Apply by 13 Aug (Karnataka)

Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has released Project Assistant-I Recruitment 2026 under Advertisement No. ADA:ADV-138:2026 for 111 tentative posts across seven engineering disciplines. This is a Karnataka central govt jobs 2026 opportunity for engineering graduates in Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, Aeronautical, Electrical & Electronics, Mechanical, Metallurgy, and Civil Engineering. Candidates holding a First Class B.E./B.Tech from a recognised university, with the exact selection route depending on GATE/NET qualification, M.Tech from IIT/NIT, or relevant experience, are eligible to register online. Selected Project Assistant-I candidates will be engaged on a tenure basis, initially for two years, extendable up to two more years based on satisfactory performance, working on ADA's aeronautical and aerospace research projects. The selection process is either an Interview only, or a Written Test (following the GATE syllabus with negative marking) followed by an Interview, depending on the qualification pathway. Monthly stipend is ₹31,000 for candidates with only a B.E./B.Tech, or ₹37,000 for candidates with higher qualifications or experience, plus HRA as per rules. The ADA Project Assistant-I 2026 online registration is available at ada.gov.in/adv138. The registration closes on 13 August 2026 at 1700 hrs. There is no application fee. Candidates must read the complete official ADA notification PDF before applying, since eligibility, selection method, and stipend depend entirely on the qualification pathway and engineering discipline chosen.

• First Class B.E./B.Tech (or equivalent) from a recognised university, in Computer Science Engineering (15 posts), Electronics & Communication Engineering (20 posts), Aeronautical Engineering (10 posts), Electrical & Electronics Engineering (20 posts), Mechanical Engineering (43 posts), Metallurgy Engineering (1 post), or Civil Engineering (2 posts)
• Higher qualification/experience pathways also accepted: valid GATE score, M.E./M.Tech from IIT/NIT, B.Sc+M.Sc with valid GATE/NET (CS & ECE only), B.E./B.Tech with M.E./M.Tech, or B.E./B.Tech with 2 years' relevant experience
• Selection method depends on pathway: Interview Only (GATE/M.Tech-IIT-NIT/NET routes) or Written Test + Interview (other routes)

• Maximum 28 years, as on 13 August 2026
• Age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) as per rules

• First Class B.E./B.Tech (or equivalent) in the relevant engineering discipline from a recognised university
• Higher pathways: valid GATE score, M.E./M.Tech from IIT/NIT, B.Sc+M.Sc with GATE/NET (CS & ECE only), B.E./B.Tech with M.E./M.Tech, or 2 years' relevant experience
• Maximum age 28 years as on 13 August 2026, with relaxation for SC/ST/OBC-NCL
• Part-time experience, apprenticeship, training periods, and teaching experience do not count toward relevant experience

• No application/registration fee mentioned in the official notification

• Candidates with only B.E./B.Tech (First Class): ₹31,000 per month + HRA as per rules
• All other candidates (higher qualification/experience pathways): ₹37,000 per month + HRA as per rules

1. Visit ada.gov.in and register online for Project Assistant-I, selecting the relevant Engineering Discipline and qualification pathway
2. Complete online registration on or before 13 August 2026, 1700 hrs
3. Separately fill the application form in the prescribed format, affix a recent passport-size photograph on the top right corner
4. Keep originals and self-attested copies of all supporting documents ready, including educational certificates, experience proof, and caste certificate (if applicable)
5. Attach a self-attested English transcript for any document in a language other than English
6. Frequently check the ADA website for the confirmed written test/interview date
7. Report for the written test/interview in Bangalore on the notified date
8. Carry the duly filled application form, original documents, original Aadhaar card, and a scientific calculator for the written test
9. Bring an NOC from your employer if currently employed in a Government department/PSU/Autonomous Body
10. Note that online registration alone does not constitute a complete application — bring the full documentation to the test/interview venue