DRDO ADA Recruitment 2026: Apply online for DRDO ADA positions via the official DRDO ADA portal before the August 13, 2026 deadline. This comprehensive guide provides the official notification PDF, eligibility criteria, and direct links to ensure a successful application for the latest DRDO ADA vacancies.
DRDO ADA Recruitment 2026: Overview & Latest Updates
DRDO Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) Recruitment 2026 Details are given below
| Exam Name | Engagement of Project Assistants on Tenure Basis (2026) |
| Post Name | Project Assistant-I (Disciplines: Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, Aeronautical, Electrical & Electronics, Mechanical, Metallurgy, Civil Engineering) |
| Conducting Body | Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India |
| Application Fee | Nil / Free |
DRDO ADA Notification 2026: Important Dates & Schedule
Important dates for the DRDO ADA position in 2026 are listed here.
| Application Start Date | August 4, 2026 (Notification issued on August 3, 2026) |
| Application Last Date | August 13, 2026 (up to 17:00 hrs) |
| Exam Date | Notify Later |
| Admit Card | Notify Later |
DRDO ADA 2026 Vacancy: Category-wise Distribution
| Engineering Discipline | Equivalent Acceptable Branch | Total Vacancies |
| Mechanical Engineering | Production / Industrial Production | 43 |
| Electronics & Communication Engineering | Electronics / Telecommunication / Electronics & Instrumentation | 20 |
| Electrical & Electronics Engineering | Electrical / Electrical & Instrumentation / Power Electronics | 20 |
| Computer Science Engineering | Information Science / Information Technology | 15 |
| Aeronautical Engineering | Aerospace | 10 |
| Civil Engineering | Structural | 02 |
| Metallurgy Engineering | Material Science | 01 |
| Total Vacancies | 111 |
Note on Social Category (SC / ST / OBC / EWS / UR) Reservation:
The official recruitment notification does not provide a specific numerical breakdown by social reservation category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/UR) for each post. However, it confirms that age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates is applicable as per Government of India rules.
DRDO ADA Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit & Nationality
DRDO ADA Recruitment Eligibility for Female And Male, Age Limit and Educational Qualification are given below
| Category | Maximum Age Limit | Age Relaxation | Maximum Permissible Age |
| General / Unreserved (UR) / EWS | 28 Years | Nil | 28 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 28 Years | 3 Years | 31 Years |
| SC / ST | 28 Years | 5 Years | 33 Years |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) | 28 Years | 10 Years (as per GoI Rules) | 38 Years |
Crucial Cut-off Date:
The upper age limit is calculated as of the closing date of online registration, which is August 13, 2026
- Nationality: Indian
DRDO ADA Educational Qualification: Can Final Year Students Apply?
The educational requirements for DRDO ADA recruitment are shown below.
| Exam Name | Engagement of Project Assistants on Tenure Basis (2026) |
| Post Name | Project Assistant-I (Disciplines: Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, Aeronautical, Electrical & Electronics, Mechanical, Metallurgy, Civil Engineering) |
| Conducting Body | Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India |
| Educational Qualification | Educational Qualification Pathways You are eligible for Project Assistant-I if you hold any of the following qualification routes in First Class: B.E. / B.Tech in the relevant engineering branch with a valid GATE Score. M.E. / M.Tech in the relevant engineering branch from an IIT or NIT. B.Sc. + M.Sc. with a valid GATE / NET Score (Applicable only to Computer Science & ECE disciplines). B.E. / B.Tech combined with M.E. / M.Tech (from non-IIT/NIT institutes). B.E. / B.Tech in the relevant engineering branch with 2 years of relevant work experience. B.Sc. + M.Sc. with 2 years of relevant work experience (Applicable only to Computer Science & ECE disciplines). B.E. / B.Tech degree alone in the relevant engineering discipline. Acceptable Disciplines & Branches Computer Science Engineering: Computer Science, Information Science, or Information Technology. Electronics & Communication Engineering: Electronics, Telecommunication, or Electronics & Instrumentation. Electrical & Electronics Engineering: Electrical, Electrical & Instrumentation, or Power Electronics. Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical, Production, or Industrial Production. Aeronautical Engineering: Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering. Civil Engineering: Civil or Structural Engineering. Metallurgy Engineering: Metallurgy or Material Science. Note on Experience: Part-time experience, apprenticeship training, teaching experience, or training periods will not be counted towards the 2 years of work experience requirement. |
DRDO ADA Recruitment Notification PDF Download
Official DRDO ADA 2026 Notification: Complete Details & PDF Download Link
DRDO ADA Salary Structure 2026: Pay Scale, Perks, and Allowances
| Component | Category 1: B.E. / B.Tech (Standalone) | Category 2: M.Tech / GATE Qualified / Experienced |
| Applicable Eligibility Criteria | Candidates possessing only B.E. / B.Tech (First Class) with no extra qualification or experience. | Candidates with valid GATE/NET score, M.E./M.Tech (from IIT/NIT or other universities), or 2 years of relevant experience. |
| Fixed Monthly Stipend (Basic Pay) | ₹31,000 per month | ₹37,000 per month |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | + HRA as per GoI rules (Bangalore / Class X City rate, typically 27% to 30% of stipend) | + HRA as per GoI rules (Bangalore / Class X City rate, typically 27% to 30% of stipend) |
| Estimated Gross Monthly Salary | ~ ₹39,370 – ₹40,300 / month | ~ ₹46,990 – ₹48,100 / month |
| Mode of Employment | Tenure basis (Initial 2 years, extendable up to 4 years) | Tenure basis (Initial 2 years, extendable up to 4 years) |
Perks, Benefits & Key Rules
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Provided as per Central Government rules for Bangalore (X Category City).
- No TA/DA: No Traveling Allowance (TA) or Daily Allowance (DA) will be paid for attending the written test or interview in Bangalore.
- Tenure Structure: Initially engaged for 2 years, extendable for an additional 2 years (1 year at a time) subject to satisfactory performance reviewed by an assessment committee.
DRDO ADA Selection Process 2026
The DRDO ADA Exam Screening Procedure is given below.
- Pathway 1: Direct Interview (No Written Exam)
- Pathway 2: Shortlisting via Written Test + Interview
| DRDO ADA Vacancy 2026 |
How to Apply Online for DRDO ADA Recruitment 2026
DRDO ADA Online Form 2026: Step-by-step instructions are provided here.
Step 1: Visit the Portal
Go to the official Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) recruitment portal during the active registration window.
Step 2: Complete Online Registration
Click on the online registration link for Advertisement No. ADV-138:2026 and register your basic details to create your credentials.
Step 3: Download & Print Application Form
Download the official blank application form format provided in the recruitment notification and print it out.
Step 4: Fill Out Application Form
Manually fill in all mandatory fields on the printed application form (personal details, educational qualifications, GATE/NET score, work experience, etc.).
Step 5: Paste Passport Photograph
Affix a recent passport-size photograph on the top right corner of the first page of the filled application form.
Step 6: Gather & Self-Attest Documents
Prepare clear copies of all required supporting documents (10th marksheet onwards, degree certificates, experience letters, caste certificate, valid GATE/NET scorecard, etc.) and self-attest each copy.
Step 7: Carry Documents to Selection Venue
Bring the duly filled application form, self-attested document copies, original certificates, and your valid photo ID card directly to the venue in Bangalore on your scheduled written test/interview date.
DRDO ADA Recruitment 2026 Official Website
The official DRDO ADA Online Recruitment Website for 2026 is
DRDO ADA Exam Pattern
Exam patterns for DRDO ADA are provided below.
Pathway 1: Direct Interview (No Written Exam)
You qualify directly for Interview Only if you meet any of the following criteria in First Class:
- 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 / NET Score (Applicable only to CSE and ECE disciplines).
Pathway 2: Shortlisting via Written Test + Interview
You must undergo a Written Test followed by an Interview if you apply under any of these criteria:
- B.E. / B.Tech (standalone degree without GATE).
- B.E. / B.Tech with M.E. / M.Tech (from non-IIT/NIT institutions).
- B.E. / B.Tech with 2 years of relevant experience.
- B.Sc. + M.Sc. with 2 years of relevant experience (Applicable only to CSE and ECE disciplines).
Written Test Pattern & Guidelines
- Syllabus: Same syllabus as GATE for the respective engineering discipline.
- Marking Scheme: Includes negative marking for incorrect answers.
- Allowed Tools: Candidates must bring their own scientific calculators for the test.
- Tentative Written Test Dates: August 16, August 23, or August 30, 2026 (Exact dates depend on registered candidate volume and will be notified on
ada.gov.in). - Venue: Bangalore.
Reporting & Document Verification Checklist
All registered candidates must report in person at the designated venue in Bangalore with:
- Application Form: Print out and submit the official application form with a recent passport-size photograph attached on the top-right corner.
- Original Documents & Self-Attested Copies: Qualification certificates/marksheets, experience letters (if applicable), and Caste/Category certificates.
- Identity Proof: Original government-issued photo ID card.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): Required at the time of the interview for candidates currently employed in Government Departments, PSUs, or Autonomous Bodies.
DRDO ADA EXAM Important Link
DRDO ADA EXAM Related some Important Link are given below
| Application Online | CLICK HERE |
| Official Website | CLICK HERE |
| Latest Job Notification | CLICK HERE |
| Join Premium Whatsapp Channel | CLICK HERE |
| Join Telegram Channel | CLICK HERE |
We wish you success on the DRDO ADA exam and hope you achieve your dream job.
