ADA Director General Recruitment 2026 - Notification, Eligibility, Salary, Last Date

Recruitment Overview

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), an autonomous body under the Department of Defence (R&D), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has invited applications for the prestigious post of Director General-ADA. ADA is entrusted with the Design and Development of Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas), LCA Mk-II, AMCA, and other advanced technology projects. This is a high-level opportunity for eminent scientists and senior government officers.

Recruitment Type: This is a Direct Recruitment based on merit and extensive experience, not a competitive examination.

Key Highlights Table

Vacancy Details

Eligibility Criteria (In-Depth)

Educational Qualification

• Essential: Minimum qualification of either Masters in Science or B.E / B.Tech.
• Desirable: M.E/M.Tech/MS/Ph.D in the relevant subject.

Experience Requirements

Candidates must meet specific qualitative requirements (QRs) based on their current status:

Category A: Internal Candidates (ADA Scientists)

• Must be a serving Scientist ‘H’ of ADA.
• Minimum 3 years service in the grade as on the vacancy date.
• Domain expertise in design/development of aircraft and subsystems.
• Must have held positions such as Programme Director (CA), Director-ADA, or Project Director/Technology Director (min 2 years experience).

Category B: External Candidates

• Eminent Scientist in Pay Level-15 (Rs. 182,200–224,100) or above with min 3 years service.
• Holding a post equivalent to Director in Central/State Govt organisations.
• 25 years experience in design & development of aircraft, launch vehicles, missiles, spacecraft, or Combat UAVs.

Age Limit

• Maximum Age: 58 Years.
• Age Cut-off Date: Age is calculated as of 01-Jan-2026.
• Residual Service: Candidates must have at least 2 years residual service as of 01-Jan-2026.

Selection Process

This is a Direct Recruitment process. Selection will likely be based on a rigorous screening of applications, professional experience, and an interview. There is no written examination mentioned.

1. Screening of Applications against Qualitative Requirements.
2. Shortlisting based on experience and qualifications.
3. Interview/Presentation (likely for final selection).

Application Fee

Not explicitly mentioned in the notification. Candidates should verify if any fee is applicable during the application process or refer to the detailed PDF.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Download Form: Visit the official website and download the prescribed Biodata Format.
   Link: https://www.ada.gov.in/currentdocs/ADV-137_BIODATA_FORMAT.pdf
2. Fill Application: Complete the application form with accurate details.
3. Prepare Documents: Gather self-attested copies of:
   • Proof of Age (Matriculation/High School Certificate).
   • Degree Certificates (Masters/B.E/B.Tech) and Desirable Qualifications (Ph.D/ME/MTech).
   • Experience Certificates detailing length and nature of work.
   • Proof of Pay Level (Level-15) and Director level post (for External Candidates).
   • APARs (Performance Appraisal Reports) for the last 05 years (attested by Under Secretary level officer).
   • Vigilance Clearance Certificate.
4. Submission - Internal Candidates: Submit through proper channel within ADA.
5. Submission - External Candidates: Submit through Cadre Controlling Authority.
6. Send Hard Copy: Send the print-out and documents to the following address so as to reach by 13th March 2026:
   Director (Admin & HR), Aeronautical Development Agency, PB NO 1718, Vimanapura Post, Bengaluru – 560017
7. Send Soft Copy (Optional): A scanned advance copy may be emailed to [email protected]. Note: Advance copy is not valid if the original is not received by post.

Important Dates

• Notification Release Date: 28 January 2026 (Ref: ADA:ADV-137:2026)
• Application Closing Date: 13 March 2026
• Closing Time: 17:00 Hrs

Important Links

Contact Details

For queries regarding this advertisement, contact:
Phone: 080-2522 4153
Email: [email protected]