UPESSC Principal Recruitment 2026 Out: Apply Online for 111 Posts

UPESSC Principal Recruitment 2026: The Uttar Pradesh Education Services Selection Commission (UPESSC), Prayagraj, has issued the official notification for UPESSC Principal Recruitment 2026 under Advertisement No. 02/2026. This recruitment drive aims to fill 111 vacancies for the post of Principal (प्राचार्य) in non-government aided co-education and women's higher education degree colleges across Uttar Pradesh.

Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the official UPESSC portal. Online registration and OTR registration start on July 21, 2026, and the last date to deposit the application fee is August 20, 2026. The selection involves a written test carrying 360 marks followed by an interview of 40 marks.

UPESSC Principal Recruitment 2026 Overview

Below is a summary table containing key details of the UPESSC Principal notification:

UPESSC Principal Recruitment 2026 Important Dates

Candidates must track the following schedule to complete OTR registration, application submission, and fee payment within the prescribed timeframe:

UPESSC Principal Notification 2026 PDF Download

UPESSC has issued Advertisement No. 02/2026 for the recruitment of Principal in aided co-education and women’s degree colleges of Uttar Pradesh. The recruitment covers a total of 111 Principal posts across the state. UPESSC Principal will be selected through a written exam and interview process, whose details are given below in the selection process section. Click the button below to download the notification PDF-

UPESSC Principal Notification 2026 PDF Download

UPESSC Principal Recruitment 2026 Apply Online

Candidates can apply online for UPESSC Principal Recruitment 2026 through the official website of the commission. Only online applications through the OTR (One Time Registration) based system will be accepted for this recruitment. No other mode of application will be considered valid. Below is the link to apply for UPESSC Principal Recruitment:

UPESSC Principal Recruitment 2026 Apply Online

UPESSC Principal Vacancy 2026 Details

A total of 111 vacancies have been announced by the commission across higher education degree colleges. The post distribution is as follows:

Note: The number of vacancies may increase or decrease as per government or departmental requirements.

How to Apply Online for UPESSC Principal Recruitment 2026

Follow these steps to submit your online application:

1. Complete One Time Registration (OTR):

Visit the official website www.upessc.up.gov.in and complete the mandatory One Time Registration (OTR) process.

2. Fill Out the Application Form:

Log in using your OTR credentials, enter your professional details, academic records, teaching experience, and API research score parameters.

3. Upload Required Documents:

Upload your scanned photograph (30 KB to 300 KB), signature on a white background (10 KB to 200 KB), and relevant certificates in PDF format (50 KB to 500 KB).

4. Pay Application Fee & Submit:

Pay the ₹3,000 application fee through the online payment gateway, review all details carefully, and submit the final application form. Save at least three printed copies for official submission during the interview stage.

UPESSC Principal Application Fee 2026

The application fee for all candidate categories is uniform:

Payment Mode: Online via Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking on the commission's payment gateway.

UPESSC Principal Eligibility Criteria 2026

Applicants must meet all the minimum required educational qualifications, experience criteria, and age limits as on July 1, 2026.

1. Educational Qualification & Experience

• Ph.D. Degree: Must possess a Ph.D. degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized university.

• Teaching / Research Experience: Minimum of 15 years of teaching, research, or administrative experience as an Associate Professor or Professor in universities, colleges, or higher education institutions.

• Research Publications: At least 10 research publications in peer-reviewed or UGC-listed journals.

• API Research Score: Minimum of 110 research score points calculated according to Table 2 (Appendix 2) of the regulations.

Note for Law and B.Ed. Colleges: Candidates applying for Principal posts in Law Colleges must fulfill Bar Council of India (BCI) norms, while those applying for B.Ed./Teacher Training Colleges must meet NCTE norms.

2. Age Limit (as on July 1, 2026)

• Maximum Age: 62 years. Candidates born on or before July 1, 1964, are not eligible.

3. Tenure

• The appointment of a college Principal will be for an initial tenure of 5 years.

• The tenure can be extended for a second 5-year term based on performance evaluation by a university-constituted committee. After completing the term, the incumbent returns to their parent institution/grade as Professor.

UPESSC Principal Salary & Pay Scale

The Principal post falls under Level-14 of the revised pay matrix:

UPESSC Principal Exam Pattern 2026

Selection for the post of Principal is based on a written test, evaluation of academic research score, and an interview round.

Exam Pattern 

1. Written Examination (360 Marks):

• Contains 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

• Each correct answer awards 3 marks.

• Incorrect or multiple answers lead to a negative marking of 1 mark (-1 mark per wrong response).

2. Interview (40 Marks): Shortlisted candidates from the written exam based on merit will be called for an interview.

3. Research Score Check: Only candidates scoring at least 110 research score points in the API score card are eligible for final merit listing.

Documents Required for Application & Interview Stage

Candidates shortlisted for the interview round must present original copies and two self-attested sets of the following documents:

1. Printout of the submitted Online Application Form (2 copies).

2. High School (10th) & Intermediate (12th) Marksheets and Certificates.

3. Graduation & Post-Graduation Marksheets and Degree Certificates.

4. B.Ed. / M.Ed. / LL.B. / LL.M. Marksheets & Degrees (if applicable).

5. Ph.D. / M.Phil. Degree Certificates.

6. Experience Certificate establishing 15 years of teaching/research/administration service as Associate Professor or Professor.

7. Proof of minimum 10 research publications in peer-reviewed or UGC-listed journals.

8. API Research Score format (Appendix 2) with supporting documentation.

9. No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer (for serving candidates).

10. College Preference/Option Form (Appendix 4).

11. Disability Certificate (if applicable).

12. Character certificates from the last attended institute and two reputable individuals.