UPESSC Principal Recruitment 2026: 1,172 Posts, Eligibility, Salary

UPESSC Principal Recruitment 2026: 1,172 Posts, Eligibility, Salary, Exam Date & Apply Online

The Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission (UPESSC), Prayagraj, has released the notification for the Principal (Non-Government Aided Schools) Selection Examination 2026, Advertisement No. 09/2026. The recruitment is for Principal posts in non-government aided schools across Uttar Pradesh.

A total of 1,172 vacancies have been announced, including 1,037 posts in boys’ schools and 135 posts in girls’ schools. Candidates must complete the mandatory One-Time Registration (OTR) process before proceeding with the online application.

The application process started on 23 October 2026. Read the eligibility criteria, vacancy details, salary, application fee, important dates and selection process below.

UPESSC Principal Recruitment 2026: Overview

Important Dates

Candidates should complete their registration, application and fee payment within the prescribed deadlines.

UPESSC Principal Vacancy 2026

The commission has announced 1,172 vacancies in non-government aided schools.

The official notification contains the school-wise vacancy details. Candidates should check the notification for the list of institutions and their locations.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates should verify their educational qualifications and professional experience before applying.

Educational Qualification

Applicants must fulfil the following requirements:

1. A postgraduate degree with at least 50% marks from a recognised university or institution.

2. A B.Ed. or B.P.Ed. degree from a course recognised by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).

3. The prescribed teaching or Principal experience.

Required Experience

Candidates must satisfy either of the following experience requirements:

• At least four years of teaching experience as a Lecturer or Assistant Teacher in higher classes (Classes 9–12) in an institution recognised by the Central or State Government; or

• At least four years of working experience as a Principal in a junior high school, duly issued or verified by the competent authority.

Refer to the official notification for the complete eligibility conditions.

Age Limit

The minimum age is 30 years as of 1 July 2026. The notification specifies the superannuation age as 62 years.

Candidates should consult the detailed notification and applicable service rules for other age-related conditions and relaxation provisions.

Application Fee

The application fee specified in the notification is ₹1,500 for all the following categories.

UPESSC Principal Salary 2026

Selected candidates will receive a salary under Pay Level 10, with a prescribed pay scale of ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500. Applicable allowances and service conditions will be governed by the relevant rules.

Selection Process

The selection process consists of a written examination and an interview.

The final merit list will be based on the combined marks obtained in the written examination and interview.

Tie-Breaking Rules

In the event of a tie, the notification provides the following order:

1. Higher written examination marks.

2. Higher interview marks.

3. Higher postgraduate percentage.

4. Higher B.Ed. or B.P.Ed. percentage.

5. Older age, if the tie remains unresolved.

UPESSC Principal Exam Pattern 2026

The written examination consists of 120 objective-type questions for 360 marks.

Candidates should account for negative marking while preparing. Check the official website for the prescribed syllabus.

Documents Required for Application

Keep the required educational certificates, experience certificates and other supporting documents ready.

The notification specifies these upload requirements:

• Photograph: JPG/JPEG, 10–100 KB.

• Signature: JPG/JPEG, 10–100 KB.

• Documents: PDF, 20–200 KB.

Follow the portal instructions for the exact documents required for your application.

How to Apply for UPESSC Principal Recruitment 2026

Candidates should complete the OTR process and then proceed to the recruitment application.

1. Open the direct OTR portal: https://apply.upessc.org/

2. Create your One-Time Registration (OTR) account if you do not already have one.

3. Sign in using your registration credentials.

4. Locate the application for Principal (Non-Government Aided Schools) Selection Examination 2026, Advertisement No. 09/2026.

5. Fill in your personal details, educational qualifications and required experience.

6. Upload your photograph, signature and supporting documents in the prescribed formats.

7. Pay the application fee of ₹1,500 through the available payment facility.

8. Review the information entered in the application form carefully.

9. Submit the application and save a copy of the completed form and payment receipt.

Important: The OTR portal is for registration. After signing in, select the correct recruitment advertisement before filling out the application form.

Important Instructions for Candidates

• OTR registration is mandatory.

• Applications must be submitted online through the prescribed process.

• The application must be completed in English, as instructed in the notification.

• The correction deadline is 25 November 2026; check the notification for the fields that can be corrected.

• Female candidates may be eligible for posts in boys’ and girls’ institutions subject to the notification’s conditions and must select the applicable school category while applying.

• Male candidates are not eligible for Principal posts in girls’ institutions under the stated conditions.

• Currently employed candidates must bring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the interview.

• Check the official website regularly for examination, interview and document-verification updates.

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many vacancies are available in UPESSC Principal Recruitment 2026?

There are 1,172 vacancies: 1,037 in boys’ schools and 135 in girls’ schools.

2. What is the direct OTR registration link?

Candidates can visit https://apply.upessc.org/ to access the OTR portal.

3. Is OTR mandatory?

Yes. Candidates must complete OTR before proceeding with the recruitment application.

4. What is the last date for fee payment?

The last date for application fee payment is 22 November 2026.

5. When will the written examination be held?

The written examination is scheduled for 7 January 2027, according to the notification.

6. What is the minimum age requirement?

Candidates must be at least 30 years old as of 1 July 2026.

7. What is the prescribed salary?

The pay scale is ₹56,100–₹1,77,500 under Pay Level 10.

8. What is the selection process?

Selection comprises a written examination worth 360 marks and an interview worth 40 marks.

9. Where can candidates find the official notification?

Visit https://www.upessc.up.gov.in and locate the Principal Selection Examination 2026 notification under Advertisement No. 09/2026.

Conclusion

UPESSC Principal Recruitment 2026 offers 1,172 vacancies in non-government aided schools across Uttar Pradesh. Eligible candidates should verify their educational qualifications and experience, complete OTR registration, submit the recruitment application before the deadline and prepare for the written examination scheduled for 7 January 2027.

Direct OTR Link: https://apply.upessc.org/

For the complete school-wise vacancy list and official recruitment instructions, consult the notification on the UPESSC website.