Big news for engineering students! The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), working under the Ministry of Defence, has released Advertisement No. 138 for the engagement of Project Assistant-1 on a tenure basis. There are 111 tentative vacancies across seven engineering disciplines. What makes this special is the pay — selected candidates get a monthly stipend of ₹31,000 or ₹37,000 plus HRA, and the notification does not prescribe any application fee. If you dream of working on India’s fighter aircraft programmes, this is your chance.
The online registration closes on 13 August 2026 at 5:00 PM, so please do not wait till the last day. This drive is perfect for B.E./B.Tech and M.E./M.Tech candidates, especially those holding a valid GATE score; B.Sc. + M.Sc. candidates are eligible for the Computer Science and Electronics & Communication disciplines only. In this article, we explain the vacancies, eligibility, stipend, selection method and the full application process in very simple language. Do read till the end.
Key Highlights — ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026
Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is the national agency that designs India’s Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas) and the advanced fighter programmes. It works under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, from its campus in Bangalore. Working here means being part of real aircraft design and development work — a very strong start for any young engineer. With a consolidated monthly stipend plus HRA and hands-on work on live aircraft programmes, these posts are worth a close look.
| Post Name | Project Assistant-1 |
| Total Vacancies | 111 (tentative, including anticipated) |
| Stipend | ₹31,000 or ₹37,000 per month plus HRA |
| Job Location | Bangalore, Karnataka |
| Tenure | 2 years, extendable by up to 2 more years (one year at a time) |
| Last Date to Register | 13 August 2026 (5:00 PM) |
Vacancy Breakdown — ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026
The 111 posts are divided across seven engineering disciplines. Mechanical Engineering has the highest share, so mechanical candidates have a very good chance here. Please note ADA has clearly written that these numbers are tentative and it may move the panel flexibly between disciplines for six months.
| Engineering Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 43 |
| Electronics & Communication | 20 |
| Electrical & Electronics | 20 |
| Computer Science | 15 |
| Aeronautical Engineering | 10 |
| Civil Engineering | 2 |
| Metallurgy Engineering | 1 |
| Total | 111 |
Equivalent branches are accepted for every discipline, so do check this list carefully before deciding you are not eligible:
- Computer Science: Information Science, Information Technology
- Electronics & Communication: Electronics, Telecommunication, Electronics & Instrumentation
- Electrical & Electronics: Electrical, Electrical & Instrumentation, Power Electronics
- Mechanical: Production, Industrial Production
- Aeronautical: Aerospace
- Metallurgy: Material Science
- Civil: Structural
Eligibility Criteria — ADA Project Assistant 2026
Nationality
Only Indian Nationals can apply for this engagement. This is the very first condition in the notification, so please confirm it before you spend time on the form.
Educational Qualification
All qualifications must be in First Class. ADA has given multiple eligible routes, so read them carefully and pick the one that matches your certificates. Candidates with a valid GATE score get the easiest path.
- B.E./B.Tech with a valid GATE score
- M.E./M.Tech from an IIT or NIT
- B.E./B.Tech along with M.E./M.Tech
- B.E./B.Tech with 2 years of relevant experience
- B.E./B.Tech (degree alone is also accepted)
- For Computer Science and Electronics & Communication only: B.Sc. + M.Sc. with a valid GATE/NET score, or B.Sc. + M.Sc. with 2 years of relevant experience
Important: Part-time experience, apprenticeship training, training periods, teaching experience and trainee experience will not be counted as relevant experience.
Age Limit
The maximum age is 28 years, calculated as on 13 August 2026 (the closing date of registration). Age relaxation is allowed for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates as per rules. The notification does not print the exact number of relaxation years, so please read the official PDF for the fine print.
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| All candidates | 28 years |
| SC / ST / OBC (NCL) | As per rules |
What is the Salary for ADA Project Assistant 2026?
This is where ADA really stands out. The agency pays a consolidated monthly stipend and there are two clear slabs depending on your qualification. The higher slab is for candidates who bring something extra — a GATE score, a master’s degree, or work experience.
- ₹31,000 per month plus HRA — for candidates having only a B.E./B.Tech (First Class)
- ₹37,000 per month plus HRA — for all other candidates, meaning those who hold a qualification beyond a B.E./B.Tech, such as M.E./M.Tech, B.Sc. + M.Sc., or a B.E./B.Tech backed by relevant experience
The notification defines the lower slab strictly as candidates having only a B.E./B.Tech (First Class). It does not say which slab applies to a B.E./B.Tech holder who has a valid GATE score, so please confirm that point with ADA before assuming the higher figure.
Do remember this is a tenure-based engagement, not a permanent government job. The initial tenure is two years, which may be extended by two more years (one year at a time) based on your performance review. ADA has clearly stated the engagement gives no right to absorption or regularisation. Also, no TA/DA is paid for attending the written test or interview.
What is the Selection Process for ADA Project Assistant 2026?
ADA has kept two different selection tracks, and which one applies to you depends purely on the qualification route you applied under. Understanding this early will save you a lot of confusion.
- Interview only — for candidates who qualify through a valid GATE score, an M.E./M.Tech from an IIT/NIT, or (for CS and ECE) a B.Sc. + M.Sc. with a valid GATE/NET score.
- Shortlisting by written test, followed by interview — for all remaining qualification routes, including plain B.E./B.Tech, B.E./B.Tech with M.E./M.Tech and the experience-based routes. Note the wording — the test is used to shortlist, so not everyone who sits it goes on to the interview.
Separately from these two tracks, every candidate must carry the duly filled application form along with originals and self-attested copies of all qualification, experience and caste certificates when reporting for the written test or the interview — not just at the interview. Misrepresentation or falsification of facts at any stage, or misconduct at the venue, will get your candidature cancelled without notice and may invite legal action.
Written Test Pattern
The written test will follow the same syllabus as GATE, and there is negative marking for wrong answers. Candidates are advised to carry a scientific calculator to the test centre. Do note that the notification does not state the number of questions, the total marks or the duration of the paper. Both the written test and the interview will be held in Bangalore, and electronic items like mobile phones, pen drives and smart watches are strictly banned inside the venue.
How to Apply Online for ADA Project Assistant 2026?
This one has a twist that many candidates miss — ADA says clearly that registration is not the application. You must register online first, and then carry a physical filled-in application form to the test or interview. Follow these steps carefully:
- Visit the official ADA registration page (direct link given in the Important Links section below).
- Complete the online registration with your personal, educational and discipline details before 13 August 2026, 5:00 PM.
- Download the application form format attached with the official notification PDF.
- Fill the form completely by hand and affix a recent passport-size photograph on the top right of the first page.
- Arrange self-attested copies plus originals of all certificates — qualification, marksheets, experience proof, GATE/NET scorecard, caste certificate and Aadhaar.
- If you are already working in a Government department, PSU or autonomous body, obtain a No Objection Certificate from your employer.
- Report in person at Bangalore on the announced date with the filled form and documents for the written test or interview.
Any certificate that is in a language other than English must carry a self-attested English transcript. Only registered candidates will be allowed to appear, so registration is the one step you cannot skip.
Important Dates — ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026
Please note the written test dates are tentative. ADA will publish the confirmed date on its website based on how many candidates register, so keep checking regularly.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 3 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Registration | 13 August 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Age & Qualification Cut-off Date | 13 August 2026 |
| Tentative Written Test Dates | 16, 23 or 30 August 2026 |
Application Fees — ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026
Good news for students — the notification does not prescribe any application fee. There is no mention of an application fee, examination fee, registration fee or processing charge for any category anywhere in the notification. Since no fee is prescribed, no payment gateway or fee-exemption certificate is needed at the registration stage.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| All Categories | Not mentioned in the notification |
Important Links — ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026
| Details | Link |
|---|---|
| Download Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Apply Online / Registration Link | Click Here |
| Visit ADA Official Website | ada.gov.in |
FAQs — ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026
1. What is the last date to register for ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026?
The online registration closes on 13 August 2026 at 5:00 PM.
2. How many vacancies are there in ADA Project Assistant Recruitment 2026?
There are 111 tentative vacancies for Project Assistant-1 across seven engineering disciplines, with Mechanical Engineering having the highest share at 43 posts.
3. What is the stipend for ADA Project Assistant?
Selected candidates get ₹31,000 per month plus HRA (plain B.E./B.Tech holders) or ₹37,000 per month plus HRA (candidates with higher qualifications like M.E./M.Tech, GATE score, or relevant experience).
4. Is there any application fee for this recruitment?
No, the notification does not prescribe any application fee for any category.
5. What is the age limit for ADA Project Assistant 2026?
The maximum age is 28 years as on 13 August 2026, with age relaxation applicable for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates as per rules.
6. Is this a permanent government job?
No, this is a tenure-based engagement for 2 years, extendable by up to 2 more years based on performance review. It does not give any right to absorption or regularisation.
7. Is registering online enough, or do I need to submit a physical form too?
Online registration alone is not enough. Candidates must also fill a physical application form (downloaded from the notification PDF) and carry it along with original and self-attested documents to the written test or interview venue.
8. Are B.Sc. + M.Sc. candidates eligible for this recruitment?
Yes, but only for the Computer Science and Electronics & Communication disciplines, provided they hold a valid GATE/NET score or 2 years of relevant experience.
9. Where will the written test and interview be conducted?
Both the written test and the interview will be conducted in Bangalore, Karnataka.
10. Is TA/DA paid for attending the written test or interview?
No, ADA has clearly stated that no TA/DA is paid for attending either the written test or the interview.
