NCERT Principal Recruitment 2026

NCERT has released notification for 2 Principal (Group A) posts at its Regional Institutes of Education in Bhubaneswar and Shillong. Candidates who hold a Ph.D. degree and have at least 15 years of teaching or research experience as Professor or Associate Professor can apply by Speed Post. Last date to apply is 10 April 2026. Salary starts from Rs. 1,44,200 per month under Academic Level 14.

NCERT Principal (Group A) Recruitment 2026 - 2 Posts

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), India's apex organization for educational research and curriculum development, has invited applications for 2 posts of Principal (Group A) under Advertisement No. 178/2026. These positions are at the Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs) located in Bhubaneswar (Odisha) and Shillong (Meghalaya). This is a tenure-based appointment for 5 years, extendable for another 5 years based on performance assessment. Experienced academics holding the rank of Professor or Associate Professor should consider applying.

Vacancy Details

• Principal, RIE Bhubaneswar — 1 post (Unreserved)
• Principal, RIE Shillong — 1 post (Unreserved)

Note: Selected candidates may be transferred or posted at any RIE or NERIE of the Council as per organizational requirements.

Who Can Apply?

Essential Qualifications

• Ph.D. Degree is mandatory
• You must be a serving Professor or Associate Professor with a total service or experience of at least 15 years in teaching or research at Universities, Colleges, or other institutions of higher education
• A minimum of 10 research publications in peer-reviewed or UGC-listed journals
• A minimum research score of 110 as per Appendix II, Table 2 of UGC Regulations 2018

Additional Conditions

• Only Indian nationals can apply
• Applicants currently working in Government, Quasi-Government, PSU, or Autonomous organizations must apply through proper channel
• NCERT's thrust and focus areas should be reflected in your academic background

Age Limit

• You should not be more than 60 years of age as on the closing date of application (10 April 2026)
• The retirement age on superannuation at NCERT is 65 years
• The Council may relax conditions for exceptionally proven academics and professionals of high calibre

Salary

• Pay Scale: Rs. 37,400-67,000 with Academic Grade Pay (AGP) of Rs. 10,000 (6th CPC)
• Revised Pay: Academic Level 14 under 7th CPC
• Entry Pay: Rs. 1,44,200 per month (rationalized)
• Maximum Basic Pay: Rs. 2,18,200 per month
• Pay and other emoluments will be fixed as per Government of India and UGC norms
• You will also receive standard allowances such as DA, HRA, and TA as applicable to Central Government employees

Application Fee

• General / OBC: Rs. 100 (non-refundable) — pay through crossed Demand Draft in favour of "Secretary, NCERT" payable at State Bank of India, NCERT Branch, New Delhi-110016
• SC / ST: Exempted (no fee required)
• PwD: Exempted
• Women: Exempted (all categories)
• NCERT Council Employees: Exempted

Selection Process

There is no written examination for this recruitment. Selection will be carried out in two stages:

1. Assessment of Qualifications — Your academic qualifications, research publications, teaching experience, and research score will be evaluated against the eligibility criteria
2. Interview — Shortlisted candidates will be called for a personal interview. The date of interview will be communicated separately

NCERT reserves the right to raise the minimum eligibility qualifications in order to restrict the number of candidates called for interview.

How to Apply

This is an offline application process. You need to send your completed application by Speed Post only. Here are the steps:

1. Visit the official website www.ncert.nic.in and navigate to the Announcement-Notice-Recruitment section
2. Download the prescribed application form and the Academic/Research Score self-assessment form
3. Fill the application form carefully and prepare self-attested photocopies of all required documents
4. Attach a recent passport-size photograph on the application form
5. Prepare a crossed Demand Draft of Rs. 100 in favour of "Secretary, NCERT" payable at SBI, NCERT Branch, New Delhi-110016 (if applicable)
6. Send the completed application with all documents and DD via Speed Post only to: Section Officer, Recruitment-I Section, Room No.-513, 5th Floor, Zakir Husain Block, NCERT, New Delhi-110016

Applications received after the due date or without complete documents will be summarily rejected.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Number: 178/2026
• Last Date for Receipt of Application: 10 April 2026 (21 days from publication in Employment News)
• Interview Date: To be announced later

• Lead and manage the overall academic and administrative functioning of the Regional Institute of Education
• Prepare and implement the annual academic plan, research agenda, and institutional development roadmap
• Monitor curriculum development activities and ensure alignment with national education policy objectives and NCERT's mandate
• Guide and supervise faculty members in their teaching, research, and publication activities
• Coordinate with NCERT headquarters, state education departments, and partner universities for collaborative programmes
• Manage the Demonstration Multipurpose School attached to the RIE and oversee its academic standards
• Represent the institute at national and international conferences, workshops, and policy forums on education
• Ensure efficient utilization of grants, budget management, and compliance with Government of India financial rules