Teaching in Uttar Pradesh has something to cheer about this weekend. The Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission (UPESSC) released its much awaited Headmaster Recruitment 2026 notification on Friday, opening 1,172 headmaster posts in aided high schools across the state. Online applications opened the same day on the commission’s official website, upessc.up.gov.in, and will stay open till November 22.
The recruitment, advertised under Advt No. 09/2026, is aimed at experienced postgraduate teachers looking to step into school leadership. A headmaster in an aided school carries both academic and administrative charge, which is why the post draws steady interest every time the commission advertises it.
1,172 vacancies: how the posts break up
The commission has split the vacancies between boys’ and girls’ institutions:
- Headmaster, boys’ schools (Balak): 1,037 posts
- Headmaster, girls’ schools (Balika): 135 posts
- Total: 1,172 posts
All appointments will be in non-government aided high schools, and candidates can select the category they are eligible for while filling the form.
Who can apply: eligibility and age limit
The bar is set for senior teachers. Candidates must hold a master’s degree with at least 50 per cent marks, must have passed B.Ed or B.P.Ed, and must carry a minimum of four years of teaching experience. The age limit is 30 to 62 years as on July 1, 2026, with relaxation for reserved categories as per the commission’s rules.
Important dates and application fee
- Notification released: October 23, 2026
- Online applications: October 23 to November 22, 2026
- Fee payment deadline: November 22, 2026
- Form correction window: till November 25, 2026
- Written exam: January 7, 2027
- Application fee: Rs 1,500 for all categories, payable online through debit card, credit card, net banking or UPI
How to apply online
Applications are accepted only through the commission’s website. The process runs on the one-time registration (OTR) system, so first-time candidates should complete OTR before starting the headmaster form. Keep scanned copies of the photograph, signature, degree certificates, B.Ed marksheet and experience proof ready. Fill the form carefully, preview every column before submitting, pay the fee, and save the final printout, since the correction window closes on November 25.
Selection process and exam date
Selection will happen in three stages: a written examination carrying 360 marks, an interview carrying 40 marks, and document verification. The written exam is scheduled for January 7, 2027. Candidates should keep an eye on the official website for the admit card and exam city announcements closer to the date.
Also out: 1,475 UPESSC principal posts
Teachers eyeing a bigger chair have a second option. UPESSC has also released a separate notification, Advt No. 08/2026, for 1,475 principal posts in aided secondary schools, with the same application window of October 23 to November 22. The principal posts sit at Pay Level 12, a grade above the headmaster posts, and carry an application fee of Rs 2,000.
FAQs
What is the last date to apply for UPESSC Headmaster Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online form and pay the fee is November 22, 2026.
How many vacancies are open?
A total of 1,172 headmaster posts, including 1,037 in boys’ schools and 135 in girls’ schools.
Is B.Ed mandatory for the headmaster post?
Yes. Candidates need a B.Ed or B.P.Ed degree along with a master’s degree and at least four years of teaching experience.
What is the age limit?
Candidates must be between 30 and 62 years old as on July 1, 2026.
When is the written exam?
The written examination is scheduled for January 7, 2027.
A month is not a lot of time to gather documents, verify eligibility and file a clean application. If the headmaster’s chair is on your list, this is the week to start.
