UPESSC Principal Recruitment 2026 – Notification, Exam Dates & Eligibility

UPESSC Recruitment 2026 – Principal Selection Exam Notification

📢 Introduction

The Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission (UPESSC), Prayagraj, has released Advertisement No. 02/2026 for the Principal Selection Examination 2026. This recruitment is for 111 Principal posts across aided co‑educational and women’s colleges in Uttar Pradesh.

🧾 Overview

• Advertisement No.: 02/2026
• Exam: Principal Selection Examination 2026
• Total Vacancies: 111 (89 in co‑educational colleges + 22 in women’s colleges)
• Application Mode: OTR‑based Online Application only via upessc.up.gov.in
• Important Dates:
  • Publication of Advertisement: 21 July 2026
  • Start of Online Registration/Applications: 21 July 2026
  • Last Date for Fee Payment: 20 August 2026
  • Last Date for Application Correction: 23 August 2026
  • Exam Date: 24 September 2026

This notification outlines the application process, eligibility, exam scheme, and other key details for candidates aspiring to become Principals in aided colleges across Uttar Pradesh.

📝 Application Process & Key Instructions

Application Process

• Candidates must apply online only through the official UPESSC portal: upessc.up.gov.in.
• The application system is OTR (One Time Registration) based. Registration is mandatory before submitting the application.
• Only one application per candidate is allowed. Multiple submissions will result in cancellation, with only the last application considered valid.
• Applications submitted through any other mode will not be accepted.

Key Instructions

• Ensure all details (category, sub‑category, date of birth, gender, etc.) are correctly filled before final submission. No changes are allowed after “Final Submit.”
• Upload a recent passport‑size photograph and clear signature in the prescribed format and size. Incorrect uploads will lead to rejection.
• All supporting documents must be uploaded in PDF format (50 KB – 500 KB).
• The candidate’s date of birth must match the High School certificate. No other document will be accepted as proof.
• Applications must be filled in English. API proforma can be completed using Roman script.
• Any false declaration or hidden information will result in cancellation of candidature and possible debarment from future exams.
• Eligibility requirements must be met by the last date of application submission.
• Keep three copies of the submitted application form for future reference. Two sets must be submitted at the time of interview along with required documents.

Candidates are strongly advised to carefully read the notification and ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying.

💰 Application Fee, Vacancies & Reservation Details

Application Fee

Vacancies

• Total Posts: 111
• Co‑educational Colleges: 89 posts
• Women’s Colleges: 22 posts
• Vacancy numbers may increase or decrease as per Commission’s discretion.

Reservation

• As per the requisition received from the Director of Higher Education, Prayagraj, no vertical or horizontal reservation details have been specified for these posts.

Age Limit

• Maximum age limit: 62 years as on 01 July 2026.

Pay Scale

• Level‑14: ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200

This section provides clarity on the application fee, vacancy distribution, reservation status, age limit, and pay scale for the Principal posts under UPESSC.

🎓 Eligibility Criteria & Tenure Details

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Ph.D. degree is mandatory.
• Experience: At least 15 years of teaching/research service in universities, colleges, or higher education institutions as Professor/Associate Professor.
• Research Publications: Minimum 10 research papers published in peer‑reviewed or UGC‑listed journals.
• Research Score: Minimum 110 research points as per API (Academic Performance Indicator) guidelines.
• Special Cases:
  • For Law Colleges – eligibility will be considered as per Bar Council of India norms.
  • For Teacher Training (B.Ed.) Colleges – eligibility will be considered as per NCTE standards.

Tenure

• Appointment as Principal will be for a five‑year term.
• Tenure may be extended for another five years based on performance evaluation by the committee constituted by the University.
• After completion of tenure, the incumbent will return to their original institution as Professor in the same grade.

These eligibility and tenure rules ensure that only highly qualified and experienced candidates are appointed as Principals in aided colleges across Uttar Pradesh.

📖 Exam Scheme, Syllabus & API Requirements

Exam Scheme

• The selection process consists of a written examination (360 marks) and an interview (40 marks).
• The written exam will have 120 objective questions.
• Marking scheme:
  • Correct answer: +3 marks
  • Incorrect/multiple answers: −1 mark (negative marking)
• Only candidates securing the minimum required Research Score (110 points) will be considered eligible for the Principal post.
• Cut‑off marks and candidate scores will be published on the UPESSC website after completion of the selection process.

Syllabus

• The detailed syllabus for the written exam is available on the official portal under the “View Syllabus” section.
• Candidates should download and study the syllabus carefully before appearing for the exam.

Academic Performance Indicator (API)

• Candidates must achieve a minimum of 110 Research Score points
• The API format and scoring details are provided in Appendix‑2
• Research publications, teaching/research experience, and other academic contributions will be evaluated for API scoring.

This section ensures candidates understand the exam structure, marking scheme, syllabus availability, and mandatory API requirements for eligibility.

🖊️ Written Exam Instructions & Conduct Guidelines

Exam Instructions

• Candidates will be informed about the exam date, time, venue, and admit card download through SMS, email, newspapers, and the official website.
• Admit cards must be downloaded from the UPESSC portal using registration number and date of birth.
• Candidates must appear only at the allotted exam centre. No changes in exam centre will be permitted.
• Entry to the exam hall will be provisional based on the information provided by candidates. If later found ineligible, candidature will be cancelled even after recommendation.

Conduct Guidelines

• Any malpractice such as cheating, indiscipline, misbehaviour, or undesirable activities will lead to cancellation of candidature.
• Such candidates may also be debarred from future examinations.
• Candidates must bring a black ball‑point pen to fill OMR sheets. Use of other pens, pencils, whitener, or markers is strictly prohibited.
• Once an OMR bubble is filled, it cannot be altered. Candidates should mark answers carefully.

These instructions ensure fairness, discipline, and transparency during the written examination process.

📌 Preference, Interview Guidelines & Appendices Overview

Preference (अधिमानता)

• Candidates must indicate their preference order for colleges at the time of interview.
• A prescribed format for submitting preference/priority order of institutions is provided in Appendix‑4.
• Female candidates who do not wish to be appointed in women’s colleges must submit a declaration form as per Appendix‑5.

Interview Guidelines

• Interviews will carry 40 marks.
• Candidates must bring two sets of required documents along with copies of their application form.
• Original certificates must be presented for verification during the interview.
• Any false information or concealment of facts will result in cancellation of candidature and possible debarment from future exams.

Appendices Overview

• Appendix‑1: Detailed syllabus for the written exam.
• Appendix‑2: API (Academic Performance Indicator) format and scoring guidelines.
• Appendix‑3: Format for Disability Certificate.
• Appendix‑4: Format for college preference/priority order submission.
• Appendix‑5: Declaration form for female candidates opting out of women’s colleges.
• Appendix‑6: Affidavit format to be submitted at the time of interview.

This section ensures candidates are aware of preference submission requirements, interview instructions, and the supporting appendices included in the notification.