The Uttar Pradesh Shiksha Seva Chayan Ayog (UPESSC), based in Prayagraj, has officially released Advertisement Number 02/2026 for the recruitment of Principals (Prachary) in aided degree colleges throughout Uttar Pradesh. This hiring drive presents a tremendous career opportunity for senior academics looking to step into leadership roles in higher education. Eligible candidates can review the official UPESSC Principal Recruitment Notification 2026 PDF for detailed guidelines.
UPESSC Principal Recruitment 2026: Overview
A total of 111 positions have been sanctioned under this recruitment cycle across co-educational and women's degree colleges. Below is a comprehensive overview of the key recruitment highlights:
| Organisation | Uttar Pradesh Shiksha Seva Chayan Ayog (UPESSC) |
| Post | Principal |
| Advt No. | 02/2026 |
| Vacancies | 111 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Registration Dates | 21st July to 20th August 2026 |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 144,200- Rs. 218,200 (Pay Level 14) |
| Job Location | Uttar Pradesh |
| Official website | www.upessc.up.gov.in |
Important Dates & Schedule
Aspirants must keep track of critical milestones to avoid missing deadlines for application submissions, fee payments, corrections, and the written test.
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Notification release date | 21st July 2026 |
| Apply Online Starts | 21st July 2026 |
| Last date to apply online | 20th August 2026 |
| Application Form correction last date | 23rd August 2026 |
| UPESSC Principal Exam Date | 24th September 2026 |
Vacancy Distribution
The vacancies are segregated between co-educational settings and women-exclusive higher education degree institutions across the state.
| College Type | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Co-education Degree Colleges | 89 |
| Women’s Degree Colleges | 22 |
| Total | 111 |
Eligibility Criteria & Qualifications
Candidates must satisfy strict academic, experience, and age constraints to be considered for the Principal role.
Educational Qualification Requirements
- A Ph.D. degree is mandatory.
- The candidate should hold the post of Professor/Associate Professor in a university, college, or other institution of higher education with at least 15 years of teaching/research experience.
- The candidate must have at least 10 research publications in peer-reviewed or UGC-listed journals.
- The candidate must have secured a minimum of 110 research/academic score as per the API (Academic Performance Indicator) proforma given in the notification.
Age Limit & Tenure
The upper age limit is set at 62 years as of 1st July 2026. Selected candidates will serve an initial tenure of 5 years, which can be extended for an additional 5-year term subject to a performance review.
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved / Other Backward Class / Economically Weaker Section and Others | Rs. 3000/- |
| Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe | Rs. 3000/- |
| Disabled | Rs. 3000/- |
Salary Structure & Pay Scale
Selected candidates will be placed in a lucrative remuneration bracket under Pay Level 14.
| Post Name | Pay Level | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Principal | Pay Level 14 | Rs. 144200/- to Rs. 218200/- |
Written Examination Structure & Marking Scheme
The recruitment selection includes a written examination comprising 120 multiple-choice questions carrying a total of 360 marks, followed by an interview worth 40 marks.
| Parts | Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | General Knowledge | 40 | 120 |
| Part B | Administrative Aptitude Test | 80 | 240 |
| Total | 120 | 360 |
Marking Scheme
- Each correct answer will be awarded 3 marks.
- One mark will be deducted for every wrong answer or for marking more than one option (negative marking).
- The cut-off and scores of candidates will be published on the website after the selection process is completed.
Steps to Apply Online for UPESSC Principal Vacancy 2026
Interested candidates can access the Click to Apply Online for UPESSC Principal Recruitment 2026 (Link Active) portal by following these steps:
- Candidates have to visit the official website of Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission at www.upessc.up.gov.in
- Firstly, fill in One-Time Registration (OTR) by providing a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in the online application form with your personal, educational, and professional details carefully.
- Upload the required documents, including your recent passport-size photograph, signature, and other certificates.
- Pay the application fee of Rs. 3,000 through the available online payment gateway.
- Preview the application form and verify all the details entered before final submission.
- Submit the application form and download or print the confirmation page and fee receipt for future reference.
After applying, candidates should track their application status and keep their registration credentials ready for downloading admit cards ahead of the written examination scheduled for 24th September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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