DIAT Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online For Project Assistant / Lab Assistant Posts

Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Pune, an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has announced recruitment for Project Assistant and Lab Assistant positions in 2026. DIAT is a deemed-to-be university offering advanced research and education in defence technology and related sciences. These positions are temporary/contractual roles supporting ongoing research projects and laboratory operations across various engineering and scientific departments. Candidates selected will work alongside faculty and researchers on cutting-edge defence-related projects. The positions offer opportunities to gain valuable research experience in a premier defence research environment. This recruitment is open to candidates across India with relevant engineering qualifications.

Important Dates (Typical / Indicative)

Vacancy Details (Typical / Indicative)

Note: Exact vacancy numbers will be specified in the official notification. Distribution is project-wise and subject to availability.

Educational Qualification

For Project Assistant:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology (BE/B.Tech) in relevant disciplines: Mechanical, Electronics, Computer Science, Electrical, Aerospace, Instrumentation, or related fields
• First Class (60% marks or equivalent CGPA) from a recognized university
• OR Master's degree in relevant Science subjects (M.Sc Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) with 60% marks

For Lab Assistant:

• Diploma in Engineering (3 years) in relevant branches from recognized polytechnic
• OR B.Sc with 55% marks in relevant subjects
• Basic computer knowledge and laboratory skills required

Age Limit

Age calculated as on the closing date of online application.

Nationality

Applicant must be a citizen of India. Candidates will be required to provide valid citizenship proof during document verification.

How to Apply Online

1. Visit the official DIAT website at www.diat.ac.in and navigate to the Recruitment/Career section
2. Read the detailed notification PDF carefully and note the eligibility criteria
3. Click on the "Apply Online" link for the respective post (Project Assistant / Lab Assistant)
4. Register as a new user by providing basic details (name, email, mobile number)
5. Login using the registration credentials sent to your email/mobile
6. Fill the online application form with personal, educational, and employment details accurately
7. Upload scanned copies of required documents:

• Recent passport-size photograph (JPEG, max 50 KB)
• Signature (JPEG, max 30 KB)
• Educational certificates and mark sheets (PDF, max 200 KB each)
• Category certificate if applicable (PDF, max 200 KB)

1. Pay the application fee through online mode (Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI)
2. Review the filled application form thoroughly before final submission
3. Submit the application and save the system-generated registration number
4. Download and print the completed application form for future reference

Application Fees (Typical / Indicative)

Fee is non-refundable. Payment gateway charges apply as applicable.

1. Screening of Applications: Initial shortlisting based on educational qualifications, marks obtained, relevant experience, and fulfillment of eligibility criteria as mentioned in the notification

1. Written Test / Skill Test (if applicable): Depending on the number of applications and project requirements, a written test covering technical knowledge, aptitude, and general awareness may be conducted for Project Assistant posts. Lab Assistants may undergo practical skill assessment

1. Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for personal interview before a selection committee comprising subject experts and project investigators. Interview assesses technical knowledge, research aptitude, communication skills, and suitability for the project

1. Document Verification: Candidates provisionally selected after interview must produce original certificates for verification including educational degrees, category certificates, ID proof, and experience certificates

1. Medical Examination: Selected candidates may be required to undergo medical fitness examination as per DIAT/Government of India norms

1. Final Merit List: Final selection is based on performance in interview, academic record, and document verification. Merit list will be prepared and displayed on the DIAT website

Selection Test Pattern (If Conducted)

For Project Assistant (Typical / Indicative)

Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer

For Lab Assistant (Practical/Skill Test)

Note: Exam pattern varies by project requirements. Interview carries significant weightage (typically 40-50% of total selection score).

For Project Assistant - Technical Subjects

Engineering Disciplines (Branch-specific)

• Core engineering concepts from qualifying degree
• Fundamentals of the respective engineering branch
• Basic circuits, mechanics, thermodynamics (as applicable)
• Material science and engineering materials
• Engineering mathematics and numerical methods
• Computer programming basics (C, C++, Python)
• CAD/CAM and design software knowledge

Research Methodology

• Scientific research methods and approaches
• Data collection and analysis techniques
• Statistical tools and interpretation
• Technical report writing and documentation
• Laboratory safety and protocols

Quantitative Aptitude

• Number systems and simplification
• Percentages, ratios, and proportions
• Time and work, time and distance
• Data interpretation (tables, graphs, charts)
• Basic algebra and geometry

Reasoning Ability

• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• Pattern recognition and series
• Coding-decoding and puzzles
• Blood relations and directions
• Verbal and non-verbal reasoning

General Awareness

• Current affairs (national and international)
• Indian defence sector developments
• Science and technology updates
• Awards and honours
• Government schemes and initiatives

For Lab Assistant

Laboratory Techniques

• Basic laboratory equipment and instruments
• Measurement techniques and calibration
• Safety protocols and emergency procedures
• Chemical handling and storage
• Waste disposal methods

Practical Skills

• Equipment operation and maintenance
• Sample preparation techniques
• Record keeping and documentation
• Quality control procedures
• Housekeeping and lab management

Basic Science Concepts

• Physics: mechanics, optics, electricity
• Chemistry: reactions, solutions, compounds
• Mathematics: basic calculations, units conversion
• Computer basics: MS Office, email, internet

General Knowledge

• DRDO and defence research organizations
• Current scientific developments
• Basic environmental awareness

Salary Structure (Typical / Indicative)

Note: These are contractual/project positions. Salary is typically consolidated and varies based on project funding, qualifications, and experience. No traditional government pay scale applies. Some positions may offer additional benefits like EPF contribution, group insurance, and leave entitlements as per project terms.

Project Assistant and Lab Assistant positions at DIAT are contractual and tied to specific project durations (typically 1-3 years, extendable based on project requirements and performance). While these are not permanent positions with traditional promotion paths, exceptional performers may get opportunities to work on subsequent projects, pursue higher research degrees (M.Tech, Ph.D.) at DIAT with possible relaxations, or transition to research fellowships. The experience gained in defence research projects significantly enhances career prospects in DRDO labs, defence PSUs, and private defence contractors.

Admit cards for written test/skill test (if conducted) will be released on the official DIAT website approximately 7-10 days before the examination date. Candidates must download the admit card using their registration number and date of birth. For interview rounds, separate call letters with date, time, and venue details will be sent to shortlisted candidates via registered email. No physical admit cards are dispatched by post.

Results of written test/skill test (if conducted) will be declared on the DIAT website within 2-3 weeks of examination. The final selection list after interviews will be published on the official website and candidates will be informed via email/phone. Selected candidates must join within the stipulated timeframe mentioned in the offer letter, failing which the offer may be withdrawn and next candidate from the waiting list may be considered.

Cutoff marks vary significantly based on the number of applicants, difficulty level of test, and project requirements. Typically, Project Assistants need to score around 55-65% marks in written test (if conducted) to qualify for interview, with category-wise relaxation of 5-10% for reserved categories. Interview performance carries 40-50% weightage in final selection. Lab Assistant positions have practical skill-based assessment where minimum 50% score is generally expected.

Exam centres are typically located in major cities across India:

• West: Pune (Primary Centre - DIAT Campus), Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Nagpur
• North: Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Jaipur
• South: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi
• East: Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Ranchi
• Northeast: Guwahati
• Central: Bhopal, Indore

Note: Most interviews are conducted at DIAT Pune campus. Candidates may need to arrange their own travel and accommodation.