Eligibility
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Education | A Ph.D. degree. |
| Experience | Minimum of fifteen years' teaching/research service or experience as a Professor or Associate Professor in universities, colleges, and other institutions of higher education. |
| Publications | At least 10 research publications in peer-reviewed or UGC-listed journals. |
| Research Score | A minimum of 110 Research Score, computed as per the Academic Performance Indicator (API) format given in Annexure-2 of the notification. |
| Special Conditions | For Principal posts in Law colleges, eligibility will be considered with reference to Bar Council of India norms. For Principal posts in Teacher Training (B.Ed.) colleges, eligibility will be considered as per NCTE norms. |
| Nationality | As per official notification |
Age Limit
The maximum age limit for the post of Principal is 62 years as on 01 July 2026. | Post/Category | Age Limit |
| Principal | Maximum 62 years |
The notification does not specify any age relaxation for reserved categories for this recruitment, as the reservation for these 111 posts has been indicated as Nil. Application Fee
The application fee for all categories is Rs. 3,000/-. | Category | Application Fee |
| General/Unreserved/OBC/EWS and Others | Rs. 3,000/- |
| SC/ST | Rs. 3,000/- |
| Divyangjan (PwBD) | Rs. 3,000/- |
The application fee can be paid online through Credit/Debit Card or Net Banking. Fees once paid are non-refundable. Selection Process
Selection for the Principal post will be conducted through a Written Examination followed by an Interview. | Stage | Process |
| Written Examination | 360 marks (120 objective-type multiple-choice questions). Includes negative marking (1 mark deducted for each incorrect/multiple answer). |
| Interview | 40 marks. Shortlisted candidates (based on written exam marks) will be called for interview and must indicate college preference. |
Only candidates securing a minimum Research Score of 110 will be considered eligible for the post of Principal. Salary
The post of Principal carries a competitive pay scale as per government norms. | Post Name | Pay Scale |
| Principal | Level-14, Rs. 1,44,200 – Rs. 2,18,200 |
Documents Required
- Recent Photograph
- Signature
- Identity Proof (e.g., Aadhaar Card, PAN Card)
- Ph.D. Degree Certificate
- Educational Qualification Certificates (Mark sheets, Degrees)
- Experience Certificates (for 15 years teaching/research service)
- Proof of 10 Research Publications
- Academic Performance Indicator (API) Score calculation sheet
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Disability Certificate (if applicable, as per Annexure-3)
- College Preference Form (Annexure-4)
- Declaration for Women Candidates (Annexure-5)
- Affidavit format (Annexure-6)
How to Apply
- Visit the official website of Uttar Pradesh Shiksha Sewa Chayan Ayog (UPESSC) at www.upessc.up.gov.in.
- Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) process if you are a new user.
- Log in using your OTR credentials.
- Locate and click on the online application link for Principal posts (Advertisement No. 02/2026).
- Fill in all required personal, educational, and experience details accurately in the application form.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other necessary documents as per the specified format and size.
- Proceed to pay the application fee online using Credit/Debit Card or Net Banking.
- Review the entire application form carefully before final submission.
- Submit the application and take a printout of the confirmation page for your records.
FAQs
Q1. How many vacancies are available in UPESSC Principal Recruitment 2026?
Ans: There are a total of 111 Principal vacancies, with 89 posts in Co-education Colleges and 22 in Women's Colleges.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for UPESSC Principal posts?
Ans: The last date for correction in the online application is 23 August 2026. The application fee must be submitted by 20 August 2026.
Q3. What is the application fee for UPESSC Principal Recruitment 2026?
Ans: The application fee for all categories, including General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST, and Divyangjan, is Rs. 3,000/-.
Q4. What are the essential educational qualifications for the Principal post?
Ans: Candidates must hold a Ph.D. degree, have a minimum of 15 years' teaching/research experience, at least 10 research publications, and a minimum 110 Research Score (API).
Q5. What is the age limit for UPESSC Principal Recruitment 2026?
Ans: The maximum age limit for the Principal post is 62 years as on 01 July 2026. No age relaxation is specified for reserved categories.
Q6. What is the selection process for UPESSC Principal posts?
Ans: The selection process involves a Written Examination carrying 360 marks, followed by an Interview carrying 40 marks.