The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released Indicative Special Advertisement No. 51/2026 (EN 17/64) inviting Online Recruitment Applications (ORA) for 828 vacancies of Principal (124 posts) and Vice Principal (704 posts) in the Education Department, Government of NCT of Delhi. Applications are open from 25 July 2026 and close on 14 August 2026 (up to 6:00 PM) through the UPSC ORA portal at upsconline.nic.in/ora. The application fee is Rs. 25 for General/OBC/EWS male candidates, with female candidates and SC/ST/PwD candidates of all categories exempted. Selection is through a Combined Recruitment Test (CRT) scheduled for 1 November 2026, followed by a Personal Interview, weighted 75:25 respectively. Principals are placed at Pay Level-12 and Vice Principals at Pay Level-10 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix.
Important Note: The application window closes in just 13 days from the date of this post – on 14 August 2026 at 6:00 PM. Do not delay. Three other points need careful reading. First, this is an Indicative Advertisement – if any discrepancy exists between it and the Detailed Recruitment Advertisement on the UPSC website, the Detailed Advertisement prevails. Candidates must read the Detailed Advertisement on upsc.gov.in before applying. Second, the closing date (14 August 2026) is also the crucial date for determining all eligibility – age, qualification and experience are all assessed as on this date. Third, no hard copies of applications are accepted – only online applications through upsconline.nic.in/ora are valid.
UPSC Principal and Vice Principal Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Advertisement No. | Special Advt. No. 51/2026 (EN 17/64) |
| Vacancy Numbers | Principal: 26075101725; Vice Principal: 26075102725 |
| Department | Education Department, Government of NCT of Delhi |
| Posts | Principal (124 posts), Vice Principal (704 posts) |
| Total Vacancies | 828 |
| Application Mode | Online only, through upsconline.nic.in/ora |
| Application Opens | 25 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 August 2026, up to 6:00 PM |
| Crucial Date for Eligibility | 14 August 2026 |
| CRT (Combined Recruitment Test) Date | 1 November 2026 |
| Selection Weightage | CRT 75% + Interview 25% |
| Pay Level – Principal | Pay Level-12 (Rs. 78,800 – 2,09,200), 7th CPC |
| Pay Level – Vice Principal | Pay Level-10 (Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500), 7th CPC |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Released | 25 July 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 25 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 14 August 2026, up to 6:00 PM |
| Crucial Date for Eligibility | 14 August 2026 |
| Combined Recruitment Test (CRT) | 1 November 2026 |
| Personal Interview | To be notified by UPSC after CRT |
| Final Recommendations | After Interview stage |
Vacancy Details
| S.No. | Post | Vacancy No. | No. of Posts | Pay Level (7th CPC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Principal | 26075101725 | 124 | Pay Level-12: Rs. 78,800 – 2,09,200 |
| 2 | Vice Principal | 26075102725 | 704 | Pay Level-10: Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| Total | 828 |
Category-wise reservation details are specified in the Detailed Recruitment Advertisement on upsc.gov.in.
Educational Qualification
Principal
- Master’s Degree from a recognised university or institution.
- Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) or equivalent from a recognised university or institution.
- Teaching experience: Minimum 10 years of teaching experience, of which experience as a Vice Principal or Head of Department (HoD) or PGT is relevant.
Vice Principal
- Master’s Degree from a recognised university or institution.
- Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) or equivalent from a recognised university or institution.
- Teaching experience: Minimum 2 years as PGT (Post Graduate Teacher) OR 3 years as TGT (Trained Graduate Teacher).
Note: The Detailed Recruitment Advertisement on the UPSC website specifies the exact subject combinations, experience breakdowns, and any additional qualifications required. Candidates must verify the full eligibility from the Detailed Advertisement before applying.
Age Limit (as on 14 August 2026)
| Post | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Principal | As specified in Detailed Advertisement | As specified in Detailed Advertisement |
| Vice Principal (General) | – | 35 years (relaxable up to 40 years) |
| Vice Principal (SC/ST) | – | Up to 40 years |
| Vice Principal (OBC) | – | Up to 38 years |
Age relaxation for PwBD candidates: Up to 10 years additional relaxation for vacancies identified as suitable or reserved for PwBD candidates.
Note: The exact post-wise age limits for Principal are specified in the Detailed Recruitment Advertisement on upsc.gov.in. The crucial date for all age calculations is 14 August 2026.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / UR (Male) | Rs. 25 |
| OBC (Male) | Rs. 25 |
| EWS (Male) | Rs. 25 |
| Female candidates (all categories) | Exempted |
| SC / ST candidates (all categories) | Exempted |
| PwD / PwBD candidates (all categories) | Exempted |
Payment is made online at the time of submitting the ORA.
Selection Process
| Stage | Details | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Shortlisting based on eligibility / Recruitment Test (CRT) | 75% |
| Stage 2 | Personal Interview before UPSC Selection Board | 25% |
| Stage 3 | Document Verification | – |
- The Combined Recruitment Test (CRT) is scheduled for 1 November 2026.
- Candidates may be shortlisted for Interview based on eligibility screening or on CRT performance.
- The final merit list is prepared by UPSC based on combined CRT and Interview performance.
- Final appointment is made by the Education Department, Government of NCT of Delhi based on UPSC recommendations.
How to Apply for UPSC Principal and Vice Principal Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official UPSC ORA portal – Click Here
- Read the Detailed Recruitment Advertisement carefully on the official UPSC website – Click Here
- Complete URN (Unique Registration Number) registration on the ORA portal if not already registered.
- Log in with your credentials and open the Common Application Form (CAF).
- Locate Special Advertisement No. 51/2026 and select the post you are applying for – Principal or Vice Principal.
- Fill in all personal, educational and experience details carefully.
- Upload your photograph, signature, educational certificates, and experience documents as per UPSC specifications.
- Pay the application fee of Rs. 25 online if applicable (exempted for Female/SC/ST/PwD candidates).
- Verify all information carefully before final submission.
- Submit the application well before the 14 August 2026, 6:00 PM deadline. No hard copies are accepted.
Important Instructions
- This is an Indicative Advertisement. If any discrepancy arises between this advertisement and the Detailed Recruitment Advertisement on the UPSC website, the Detailed Advertisement prevails.
- The closing date (14 August 2026) is the crucial date for determining eligibility in all respects – age, qualification, and experience.
- Only online applications through the UPSC ORA portal are accepted. Hard copies will not be entertained.
- Candidates currently employed in Government service must route their applications through the proper channel or submit a No Objection Certificate.
- Submitting false information or suppressing material facts will lead to cancellation of candidature at any stage and possible legal action.
- UPSC’s decision on all matters relating to eligibility, shortlisting, and selection is final.
- Monitor upsc.gov.in regularly for admit card, CRT schedule, and further updates.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online – UPSC ORA Portal | Click Here |
| Detailed Recruitment Advertisement and Notification – UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
UPSC Principal and Vice Principal Recruitment 2026 – FAQs
Q1. How many vacancies are there in UPSC Principal and Vice Principal Recruitment 2026?
✅ 828 vacancies – 124 Principal posts (Vacancy No. 26075101725) and 704 Vice Principal posts (Vacancy No. 26075102725) in the Education Department, Government of NCT of Delhi, under Special Advertisement No. 51/2026 (EN 17/64).
Q2. What is the last date to apply?
✅ 14 August 2026, up to 6:00 PM, through the UPSC ORA portal at upsconline.nic.in/ora. Applications close in under 2 weeks from the date of this post – act promptly.
Q3. What qualifications are required for Vice Principal?
✅ A Master’s Degree and B.Ed. or equivalent, plus a minimum of 2 years teaching experience as PGT or 3 years as TGT. Full eligibility details are in the Detailed Recruitment Advertisement on upsc.gov.in.
Q4. What is the application fee?
✅ Rs. 25 for General/OBC/EWS male candidates. Female candidates and SC/ST/PwD candidates of all categories are fully exempted from the fee.
Q5. What is the Combined Recruitment Test (CRT) date?
✅ The CRT is scheduled for 1 November 2026.
Q6. How is the final selection done?
✅ Through a Combined Recruitment Test (CRT) carrying 75% weightage and a Personal Interview carrying 25% weightage. Final appointment is made by the Education Department, GNCT of Delhi based on UPSC recommendations.
Q7. What is the pay scale for Principal and Vice Principal?
✅ Principal: Pay Level-12 (Rs. 78,800 – 2,09,200) under the 7th CPC Pay Matrix. Vice Principal: Pay Level-10 (Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500) under the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, with Delhi Government allowances in addition.
Q8. What is the age limit for Vice Principal?
✅ Up to 35 years for General/UR candidates (relaxable up to 40 years), up to 40 years for SC/ST, and up to 38 years for OBC, as on the crucial date of 14 August 2026. PwBD candidates get an additional 10 years relaxation.
Q9. This is an Indicative Advertisement. What does that mean?
✅ It means the advertised details are preliminary. If there is any discrepancy between this advertisement and the Detailed Recruitment Advertisement uploaded on the UPSC website, the Detailed Advertisement is authoritative unless a corrigendum is published. Always read the Detailed Advertisement on upsc.gov.in before applying.
Q10. Where will selected candidates be posted?
✅ In the Education Department, Government of NCT of Delhi – i.e., in Government Schools of Delhi.
Disclaimer
The information above is compiled from Indicative Special Advertisement No. 51/2026 (EN 17/64), issued by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment of Principal and Vice Principal in the Education Department, Government of NCT of Delhi, and corroborated from multiple authoritative sources. This is an indicative advertisement – the Detailed Recruitment Advertisement on upsc.gov.in is the authoritative document and prevails in case of any discrepancy. Candidates are strongly advised to read the Detailed Advertisement and verify all eligibility conditions, experience requirements, and category-wise details directly at upsc.gov.in before submitting their application. All links above lead only to the official UPSC website.
