Are you a NET-qualified aspirant or a PhD holder dreaming of a prestigious faculty position in India’s top educational body? The wait is finally over, but the clock is ticking! The NCERT Recruitment 2026 notification is officially out, announcing 117 vacancies for the posts of Professor, Associate Professor, and Assistant Professor.
Unlike typical government exams that drag on for years, this is a Direct Recruitment drive. This means if you have the right qualifications and a strong research background, you could secure a permanent government job purely based on your academic record and interview performance. However, you need to act fast—the window to apply closes on February 20, 2026.
In this detailed guide, we will decode the eligibility, salary structure (7th Pay Commission), and step-by-step application process to ensure your form doesn’t get rejected.
🚀 Quick Answer: Recruitment Snapshot
Don’t have time to read the full notification? Here is everything you need to know in 30 seconds:
| Organization | NCERT (New Delhi) |
| Total Posts | 117 Vacancies |
| Job Roles | Professor, Associate Prof, Assistant Prof |
| Selection Process | Shortlisting (API Score) + Interview |
| Last Date | 20 February 2026 (Apply Online) |
NCERT Recruitment 2026: Why This is a Golden Opportunity?
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is an autonomous organization of the Government of India. Getting selected here is not just about a job; it is about shaping the future of India’s school education system.
For the academic year 2026-27, NCERT has released vacancies across various constituent units like NIE (New Delhi), CIET (New Delhi), PSSCIVE (Bhopal), and Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs) in Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysore, and Shillong.
This recruitment is particularly special because it covers a wide range of subjects—from Psychology and Education to Science and Mathematics. Whether you are from a Humanities background or STEM, there is likely a seat for you.
The online application portal is active right now. The last date to submit your application is February 20, 2026 (up to 5:00 PM). Please do not wait for the last day as server traffic often causes payment failures.
Key Highlights of the Notification
- No Written Exam: The selection is strictly based on the UGC Regulations 2018. Your Academic Performance Indicators (API) score will determine if you get an interview call.
- Permanent Posts: These are not contractual guest faculty roles. These are full-time, permanent central government positions.
- High Salary: Selected candidates will be paid as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) Academic Level 10 to 14.
NCERT Vacancy 2026: Post-wise Breakdown
The 117 vacancies are distributed across three major teaching levels. While the maximum seats are available for Associate Professors, there is a significant opportunity for fresh PhD holders and NET-qualified candidates in the Assistant Professor category.
Here is the official post-wise distribution as per the latest notification:
| Post Name | Vacancy Count | Pay Level |
|---|---|---|
| Professor | 23 | Level 14 |
| Associate Professor | 52 | Level 13A |
| Assistant Professor | 39 | Level 10 |
| Librarian / Asst. Librarian | 03 | Level 14 / 10 |
| Total Vacancies | 117 Posts | |
Subject-Wise Opportunities
NCERT is not just looking for Educationists. The recruitment covers a vast array of disciplines. You can apply if you have a specialization in:
- Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Mathematics.
- Social Sciences: History, Political Science, Geography, Economics, Sociology.
- Languages: English, Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit.
- Education: Psychology, Child Development, Educational Technology (ICT).
NCERT Salary Structure 2026 (7th Pay Commission)
One of the biggest motivations to join NCERT is the lucrative salary package and central government perks. Since NCERT is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education, its employees enjoy benefits at par with Central Universities (like DU, JNU).
The “Entry Pay” mentioned in the notification is just the base. Your actual In-Hand Salary will be almost 50% higher because of Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Travel Allowance (TA).
Here is an estimated calculation of the monthly gross salary for 2026:
| Post Name | Academic Level | Entry Basic Pay | Est. Gross Salary* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | Level 10 | ₹ 57,700 | ~ ₹ 98,000 / Month |
| Associate Professor | Level 13A | ₹ 1,31,400 | ~ ₹ 2,10,000 / Month |
| Professor | Level 14 | ₹ 1,44,200 | ~ ₹ 2,35,000 / Month |
*Note: Gross salary includes DA (approx 50%), HRA (depending on city X/Y/Z), and TA. Deductions like NPS and Income Tax will apply.
NCERT Recruitment 2026: Eligibility Criteria
Before you jump to the application link, it is crucial to ensure you meet the minimum qualifications laid down by the UGC Regulations 2018. The criteria vary significantly for Assistant and Associate Professors.
| Post | Essential Qualification |
|---|---|
| Assistant Professor |
1. Master’s Degree with 55% marks (or equivalent grade). 2. Must have cleared NET (National Eligibility Test) conducted by UGC or CSIR. 3. OR: Candidates with a Ph.D. degree (awarded as per UGC 2009/2016 regulations) are exempted from NET. |
| Associate Professor |
1. Ph.D. Degree in the concerned discipline. 2. Master’s Degree with at least 55% marks. 3. Minimum 8 Years of Experience in teaching or research. 4. Minimum 7 research publications in peer-reviewed journals. |
| Professor |
1. Eminent scholar with Ph.D. qualification. 2. Minimum 10 Years of Experience. 3. High-quality research work with a minimum of 10 publications. 4. Total Research Score of 120 (as per Appendix II, Table 2). |
Selection Process: How Will You Be Selected?
Since there is no written examination for these posts, the selection process is purely merit-based. It follows a 2-stage process:
- Shortlisting (Screening): A Screening Committee will evaluate your application based on the API (Academic Performance Indicators) score. This includes your marks in Graduation, Post-Graduation, M.Phil, Ph.D., NET/JRF, Publications, and Teaching Experience.
- Personal Interview: Only the shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview at the NCERT Headquarters in New Delhi. The final selection depends solely on your performance in the interview.
For Assistant Professor posts, graduation and PG marks hold significant weightage. Ensure you enter your marks accurately up to two decimal places to avoid rejection during document verification.
Application Fee
Candidates need to pay a non-refundable application fee via the online payment gateway.
- UR / OBC / EWS: ₹ 1000/-
- SC / ST / PWD / Women: ₹ 0/- (Exempted)
How to Apply Online for NCERT Recruitment 2026?
The application process is entirely online. Follow these steps to submit your form before the deadline (20 Feb 2026):
Step 1: Visit the official NCERT website: ncert.nic.in.
Step 2: Go to the section “Announcement” > “Vacancies” > “Academic”.
Step 3: Click on “Apply Online for Advertisement No. 173/2026”.
Step 4: Register using your Email ID and Mobile Number.
Step 5: Fill in your personal details, academic qualifications, and research score data carefully.
Step 6: Upload scanned copies of your Photo, Signature, and Caste Certificate (if applicable).
Step 7: Pay the application fee (if applicable) and submit the form.
After final submission, take a printout of the application form. You do NOT need to send it by post, but you must bring it along with you at the time of the interview.
NCERT Recruitment 2026: Important Links
Here are the direct links to the official notification and the online application portal. We recommend downloading the detailed PDF and reading the specific eligibility requirements for your subject before applying.
| Resource | Direct Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (Direct Portal) | Click Here |
| Download Notification PDF | Download PDF |
| Official Website | www.ncert.nic.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for multiple posts in NCERT?
Yes, candidates can apply for multiple posts (e.g., Assistant Professor and Associate Professor) if they meet the eligibility criteria for both. However, you will have to submit separate application forms and pay the fee separately for each post.
2. Is PhD mandatory for Assistant Professor in NCERT?
No. For the post of Assistant Professor, a Master’s degree with 55% marks and NET qualification is sufficient. PhD is mandatory only for the posts of Associate Professor and Professor.
3. What is the last date to apply for NCERT Recruitment 2026?
The online application window will close on February 20, 2026. No offline applications will be accepted.
4. Does NCERT conduct a written exam for Assistant Professors?
No, there is no written exam. Candidates are shortlisted based on their academic record (API Score) and research publications, followed by a direct interview.
Conclusion
The NCERT Recruitment 2026 is a rare opportunity to secure a permanent teaching position in one of India’s most respected institutions. With 117 vacancies and a transparent selection process based on UGC guidelines, this is your chance to turn your academic hard work into a rewarding career. Ensure you double-check your API score calculation and submit the form before the 20th February deadline.
Stay tuned to ResearchPhD.in for updates on the interview schedule and merit list.
Shyam Giri is the Founder and Lead Editor at ResearchPhD.in. With a deep understanding of the Indian higher education landscape, Shyam specializes in decoding complex PhD admission processes, UGC NET strategies, and academic career planning. His mission is to empower students with authentic, research-backed information to help them secure their seats in top universities.
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