The UPESSC Recruitment 2026 application process is underway for 2,647 Principal and Headmaster vacancies in aided non-government secondary schools across Uttar Pradesh. The Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission, Prayagraj, has released two separate advertisements for the recruitment: Advertisement No. 08/2026 for Principal posts and Advertisement No. 09/2026 for Headmaster posts.
Of the total vacancies, 1,475 are for Principal posts, and 1,172 are for Headmaster posts. Online registration and application started on October 23, 2026, while candidates must complete the application and fee-payment process by November 22, 2026. The correction window will remain available until November 25, 2026.
Both posts are intended for experienced education professionals. Candidates generally need a postgraduate degree with at least 50% marks, the prescribed teacher-training qualification and a minimum of four years of relevant teaching or school-leadership experience. The common written examination for both recruitments is scheduled for January 7, 2027.
Table of Contents
UPESSC Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission |
| Short Name | UPESSC |
| Posts | Principal and Headmaster |
| Total Vacancies | 2,647 |
| Principal Vacancies | 1,475 |
| Headmaster Vacancies | 1,172 |
| Principal Advertisement | 08/2026 |
| Headmaster Advertisement | 09/2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| OTR | Mandatory |
| Application Start Date | October 23, 2026 |
| Fee Payment Deadline | November 22, 2026 |
| Correction Deadline | November 25, 2026 |
| Selection | Written Examination + Interview |
UPESSC Vacancy 2026
The recruitment is divided between Principal posts in aided Intermediate Colleges and Headmaster posts in aided High Schools.
| Post | Boys’ Schools | Girls’ Schools | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Principal | 1,318 | 157 | 1,475 |
| Headmaster | 1,037 | 135 | 1,172 |
| Total | 2,355 | 292 | 2,647 |
The number of vacancies may be increased or decreased according to institutional requirements and the Commission’s final decision.
The detailed advertisements also contain school-wise requisition lists, allowing candidates to see the institutions and districts against which vacancies have been reported.
UPESSC Principal Recruitment 2026
Advertisement No. 08/2026 covers 1,475 Principal vacancies in aided non-government Intermediate Colleges.
| School Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Boys’ Schools | 1,318 |
| Girls’ Schools | 157 |
| Total | 1,475 |
The notified Principal vacancies are shown as unreserved posts in the recruitment schedule.
Female candidates may apply according to the school-category rules prescribed in the notification. Male candidates are not eligible for Principal vacancies in girls’ institutions.
UPESSC Headmaster Recruitment 2026
Advertisement No. 09/2026 covers 1,172 Headmaster vacancies in aided non-government High Schools.
| School Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Boys’ Schools | 1,037 |
| Girls’ Schools | 135 |
| Total | 1,172 |
These vacancies are also notified as unreserved posts.
Candidates should check the school-wise vacancy list in the detailed advertisement before applying.
UPESSC Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
Both advertisements follow the same recruitment schedule.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | October 23, 2026 |
| Online Registration/Application Starts | October 23, 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment | November 22, 2026 |
| Last Date for Application Correction | November 25, 2026 |
| Written Examination | January 7, 2027 |
Candidates should treat November 22, 2026, as the practical deadline for completing the application and payment process.
UPESSC Principal Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates applying for Principal should satisfy the prescribed academic and experience requirements.
Educational Qualification
Applicants should possess:
- A postgraduate degree with at least 50% marks from a recognised university, deemed university or recognised institution; and
- A B.Ed degree from an NCTE-recognised institution/course.
Experience Requirement
Candidates should have at least four years of relevant experience through one of the prescribed routes.
This may include:
- Four years of teaching experience as a Lecturer or Assistant Teacher in Classes 9 to 12 in a recognised institution; or
- Four years of experience as Headmaster of a recognised High School.
The required experience should be properly supported by a certificate issued by the competent authority.
UPESSC Headmaster Eligibility Criteria 2026
Headmaster applicants also require a postgraduate qualification and professional teacher-training qualification.
Educational Qualification
Candidates should generally possess:
- A postgraduate degree with at least 50% marks; and
- B.Ed or B.P.Ed, as permitted under the prescribed eligibility conditions.
The professional qualification must be from a recognised institution and satisfy the relevant regulatory requirements.
Experience Requirement
Candidates need at least four years of teaching or administrative experience.
The recognised experience routes include:
- Teaching as a Lecturer or Assistant Teacher in Classes 9 to 12; or
- Serving as Headmaster of a recognised Junior High School.
Candidates should ensure that their experience certificate covers the full prescribed period and is issued or countersigned by the authority specified in the notification.
UPESSC Age Limit 2026
Age is determined as on July 1, 2026.
| Particular | Age |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 30 years |
| Upper/Superannuation Age | 62 years |
| Age Calculation Date | July 1, 2026 |
Candidates who have not attained 30 years as on the reference date are not eligible.
Similarly, candidates who have already crossed the applicable superannuation-age condition cannot be considered for appointment.
UPESSC Principal Salary 2026
Principal posts carry Pay Level 12.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level 12 |
| Pay Scale | ₹78,800–₹2,09,200 |
Selected candidates will also receive allowances and benefits according to applicable state government and aided-school service rules.
UPESSC Headmaster Salary 2026
Headmaster posts carry Pay Level 10.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level 10 |
| Pay Scale | ₹56,100–₹1,77,500 |
Actual gross and in-hand salary will depend on applicable allowances, deductions and prevailing service conditions.
UPESSC Application Fee 2026
The fee differs according to the post rather than category.
Principal Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹2,000 |
| OBC | ₹2,000 |
| EWS | ₹2,000 |
| SC | ₹2,000 |
| ST | ₹2,000 |
| PwBD | ₹2,000 |
Headmaster Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹1,500 |
| OBC | ₹1,500 |
| EWS | ₹1,500 |
| SC | ₹1,500 |
| ST | ₹1,500 |
| PwBD | ₹1,500 |
Candidates should note that the fee is the same across categories for the respective post.
Payment must be completed through the prescribed online mode.
UPESSC Selection Process 2026
Selection for both Principal and Headmaster consists of:
- Written Examination
- Interview
- Document Verification
- Final Merit List
The total selection process carries 400 marks.
| Stage | Marks |
|---|---|
| Written Examination | 360 |
| Interview | 40 |
| Total | 400 |
Candidates will first have to perform well enough in the written examination to be shortlisted for interview.
Experience Certificate is Important
The experience requirement is one of the most important parts of this recruitment.
Candidates should not rely on informal appointment letters or unsupported teaching claims.
The experience certificate must:
- Clearly identify the institution;
- Mention the post held;
- State the period of service;
- Confirm the classes or level taught where relevant;
- Be issued by the prescribed competent authority; and
- Carry countersignature where required.
Applicants should arrange these documents well before the deadline.
OTR is Mandatory
Candidates must complete One Time Registration (OTR) before submitting the recruitment application.
Applicants who already have a valid UPESSC OTR profile can log in using their existing credentials.
New applicants should complete OTR using:
- Valid mobile number
- Active email ID
- Personal details
- Date of birth
- Qualification information
- Identity details
The information entered during OTR should match the candidate’s certificates.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep the following documents ready:
- Class 10 certificate
- Class 12 certificate
- Graduation degree and mark sheets
- Postgraduate degree and mark sheets
- B.Ed certificate
- B.P.Ed certificate, where applicable
- Experience certificate
- Valid photo ID
- Recent photograph
- Signature
- OTR details
- Category certificate, where relevant
- PwBD certificate, where applicable
- Other certificates required in the advertisement
Original documents will be required during verification.
How to Apply for UPESSC Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official UPESSC website and complete or log in through the mandatory One Time Registration (OTR) system.
- Select Advertisement No. 08/2026 for Principal or Advertisement No. 09/2026 for Headmaster, depending on the post for which you are eligible.
- Enter your educational qualification, teaching experience, personal information and school-category preference carefully, then upload the required photograph, signature and certificates.
- Pay the applicable fee, ₹2,000 for Principal or ₹1,500 for Headmaster, through the prescribed online payment facility and review the entire application.
- Complete the application process by November 22, 2026, save the submitted form and fee receipt, and use the correction facility by November 25, 2026 if an eligible field needs amendment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are available in UPESSC Recruitment 2026?
There are 2,647 vacancies, comprising 1,475 Principal and 1,172 Headmaster posts.
What is the last date to apply?
Candidates should complete the application and online fee-payment process by November 22, 2026.
When does the correction window close?
The last date for online application correction is November 25, 2026.
When will the written examination be held?
The Principal and Headmaster written examination is scheduled for January 7, 2027.
What qualification is required for Principal?
Candidates need a postgraduate degree with at least 50% marks, B.Ed and at least four years of prescribed teaching or Headmaster experience.
What qualification is required for Headmaster?
Candidates generally need a postgraduate degree with at least 50% marks, B.Ed or B.P.Ed and at least four years of prescribed teaching or Junior High School Headmaster experience.
What is the age limit?
Candidates must be at least 30 years old as on July 1, 2026, while the applicable upper/superannuation age is 62 years.
What is the salary of a UPESSC Principal?
Principal carries Pay Level 12 with a pay scale of ₹78,800 to ₹2,09,200.
What is the Headmaster salary?
Headmaster carries Pay Level 10 with a pay scale of ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500.
Is there negative marking?
Yes. Each correct answer carries three marks, while one mark is deducted for an incorrect or multiple response.
Is there an interview?
Yes. The written examination carries 360 marks and the interview carries 40 marks.
