UPSC Principal & Vice-Principal Recruitment 2026 — 828 Posts | Apply 25 July – 14 August, Delhi Education Dept

The Union Public Service Commission has released Indicative Special Advertisement No. 51/2026 (short notice dated 21 July 2026) for 828 vacancies of Principal (124 posts) and Vice-Principal (704 posts) in the Education Department, Government of NCT of Delhi. This is one of the largest UPSC school-leadership recruitment drives in recent years. Online applications open on 25 July 2026 (12:01 AM) and close on 14 August 2026 (11:59 PM), via upsconline.nic.in/ora. As of this writing only the short/indicative notice is out — the full detailed advertisement with complete syllabus, exact experience-verification norms, and selection methodology is expected shortly on upsc.gov.in; candidates should read that document before finalising their application. Principal (Pay Level-12) requires a Master's Degree + B.Ed + a minimum of 10 years' teaching experience as PGT or TGT in a recognised school. Age: minimum 35, maximum 50 years (UR/EWS), extended to 53 (OBC) and 55 (SC/ST), calculated as on the closing date 14 August 2026. Vice-Principal (Pay Level-10) requires a Master's Degree + B.Ed + either 2 years' experience as PGT or 3 years' experience as TGT. Age: minimum 35, maximum 35 years (UR/EWS -- effectively a narrow band), extended to 38 (OBC) and 40 (SC/ST). Selection is by 'Direct Recruitment by Selection' as per UPSC's standard procedure for such posts -- this route does not guarantee a common written examination; the Commission may shortlist by qualification/experience and conduct interviews, or introduce a Recruitment Test if applications are very high in number. Fee is Rs 25 for UR/OBC/EWS male candidates; SC/ST, PwBD, and all female candidates (any category) are exempt. Of the 124 Principal posts, 7 are reserved for PwBD candidates (5 fresh + 2 backlog); of the 704 Vice-Principal posts, 28 are reserved for PwBD candidates.