NCERT Academic Position Recruitment 2026 - Complete Information
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, has announced recruitment for 117 academic positions including Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Deputy Librarian, and Assistant Librarian across various departments and constituent units. This is a prestigious opportunity for qualified educators, researchers, and library professionals to contribute to the development of school education in India and shape the future of curriculum, pedagogy, and educational research.
NCERT is the apex body for school education in India responsible for developing and publishing textbooks, conducting educational research, organizing teacher training programs, and providing academic support to central and state education boards. Working at NCERT offers a unique opportunity to influence educational policy, develop innovative pedagogical approaches, conduct research in education, mentor future educators, and contribute to national-level curriculum development and educational reforms.
About NCERT and Its Role
Established in 1961, NCERT is headquartered in New Delhi with regional institutes in Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysore, and Shillong, and field offices across India. The organization plays a pivotal role in improving quality of school education through curriculum development, textbook publication, teacher capacity building, educational research, and academic guidance to schools affiliated to CBSE and other state boards.
NCERT develops curriculum frameworks, textbooks, and supplementary materials for classes I to XII covering all subjects. The organization conducts research in areas like learning assessment, inclusive education, educational technology, and pedagogical innovations. NCERT also operates specialized institutes including Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE) Bhopal, Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET), Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs), and various research cells and centers of excellence.
Post-wise Vacancy Details
The total number of vacancies is 117 academic positions distributed across various departments, constituent units, and regional institutes. The positions include:
Professor: Senior-most academic position requiring extensive experience in teaching, research, and academic administration. Professors lead research projects, guide PhD scholars, develop curriculum, and provide academic leadership. Vacancies exist in departments of Education, Psychology, Sociology, Science Education, Mathematics Education, Language Education, Educational Survey, and specialized centers. The position offers pay at Level-15 of 7th CPC (Rs. 1,44,200 - Rs. 2,18,200).
Associate Professor: Mid-level academic position requiring significant teaching and research experience. Associate Professors teach postgraduate courses, supervise research, conduct independent research, and contribute to curriculum development. Vacancies are available across departments including Computer Science in Education, Educational Technology, Special Education, Economics Education, Commerce Education, and various subject-specific departments. Pay scale is Level-13A (Rs. 1,31,400 - Rs. 2,17,100).
Assistant Professor: Entry-level academic position for candidates with PhD and teaching/research experience. Assistant Professors teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses, conduct research, publish research papers, and participate in curriculum development activities. Vacancies span across Education, Psychology, Social Sciences, Sciences, Mathematics, Languages (Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Urdu), Physical Education, Art Education, and Library Science departments. Pay scale is Level-10 (Rs. 57,700 - Rs. 1,82,400).
Deputy Librarian: Senior library professional responsible for managing library operations, digital resources, cataloging, and information services at NCERT libraries. Requires MLib/MLISc with NET/SLET qualification and relevant experience. Pay scale Level-12 (Rs. 78,800 - Rs. 2,09,200). Assistant Librarian: Entry-level library professional position for managing library services, acquisition, cataloging, and user services. Pay scale Level-10 (Rs. 57,700 - Rs. 1,82,400).
Educational Qualification Requirements
For Professor positions: PhD degree in relevant discipline with consistently good academic record. Minimum 10 years of teaching experience in university/college and/or research at university/national level institutions including at least 5 years as Associate Professor or equivalent with evidence of published research work and experience of guiding research at doctoral level. The candidate should have made significant contributions to research with evidence of quality publications in refereed journals, books, and research projects.
For Associate Professor positions: PhD degree with good academic record. Minimum 8 years of teaching experience in university/college and/or research at university/national level institutions out of which at least 3 years should be as Assistant Professor or equivalent with evidence of published research work, books, and articles in refereed journals. NET/SLET qualification is desirable. The candidate should have supervised postgraduate students and conducted independent research.
For Assistant Professor positions: Master's degree with 55% marks (or equivalent grade) in relevant subject from a recognized university. Additionally, candidates must have cleared NET (National Eligibility Test) conducted by UGC-NET or CSIR-NET or similar test accredited by UGC like SLET/SET. Alternatively, candidates holding PhD degree in relevant subject from a recognized university are exempted from NET/SLET requirement. For Assistant Professor positions in Science, Mathematics, and Language departments, relevant subject specialization at Master's level is mandatory.
For Deputy Librarian: Master's degree in Library Science/Library & Information Science (MLib/MLISc) with 55% marks from recognized university. Additionally, NET/SLET qualification in Library Science is mandatory. Minimum 5-8 years of relevant experience in library management, digital library, or information services in reputed institutions. For Assistant Librarian: Master's degree in Library Science with NET/SLET qualification. PhD degree holders are exempted from NET/SLET.
Age Limit and Relaxation
Age limit varies according to the post: For Assistant Professor and Assistant Librarian positions, the maximum age is generally 40 years. For Associate Professor positions, the maximum age is around 50 years. For Professor and Deputy Librarian positions, the maximum age can extend up to 57-58 years. The age is calculated as on the closing date of online application (20 February 2026). Exact age limits for each position are specified in the detailed advertisement.
Age relaxation is provided as per Government of India and UGC norms: SC/ST candidates get 5 years relaxation, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates get 3 years relaxation, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) get 10 years relaxation (15 years for SC/ST-PwBD, 13 years for OBC-PwBD), Women candidates get 5 years relaxation across all categories, Candidates with relevant experience in NCERT or other educational/research institutions may get relaxation as per government rules, and Ex-servicemen get age relaxation as per Defense Ministry rules. Cumulative age relaxation for multiple categories may apply subject to maximum limits as per UGC/government regulations.
Reservation Policy
Vacancies are reserved as per Government of India reservation policy: 15% for Scheduled Castes, 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes, 27% for Other Backward Classes (Non-Creamy Layer), and 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) from unreserved category. Horizontal reservation of 4% is provided for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) in identified suitable positions. Additionally, certain positions may be reserved for women candidates as per government directives to ensure gender diversity in academic institutions.
Salary and Benefits
Assistant Professor / Assistant Librarian: Pay Level-10 of 7th Central Pay Commission with entry pay of Rs. 57,700/- per month. With Dearness Allowance (currently around 50%), HRA (based on city classification - 8%/16%/24%), Transport Allowance, and other benefits, the gross salary works out to approximately Rs. 90,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 per month. The pay scale goes up to Rs. 1,82,400/- per month.
Associate Professor: Pay Level-13A with entry pay of Rs. 1,31,400/- per month. With DA, HRA, and other allowances, the gross monthly salary is approximately Rs. 1,80,000 to Rs. 2,00,000. The scale maximum is Rs. 2,17,100/-. Professor: Pay Level-15 with entry pay of Rs. 1,44,200/- per month. With allowances, the total monthly salary ranges from Rs. 2,00,000 to Rs. 2,50,000. The scale maximum is Rs. 2,18,200/-. Deputy Librarian: Pay Level-12 with entry pay Rs. 78,800/- and gross salary around Rs. 1,20,000 to Rs. 1,40,000 per month.
In addition to salary, NCERT employees enjoy comprehensive benefits including Dearness Allowance revised twice annually, House Rent Allowance or government accommodation, Transport Allowance, Children Education Allowance, Medical facilities for self and dependents (reimbursement or CGHS), Leave Travel Concession (LTC) for self and family, Pension under National Pension System (NPS), Gratuity, Group Insurance Scheme, Professional development support including participation in conferences, seminars, and training programs, and Research grants and project support for conducting educational research.
Selection Process
The selection process involves multiple stages to assess candidates' academic qualifications, research contributions, teaching abilities, and overall suitability for academic positions. The process includes Screening of Applications - Detailed scrutiny of applications to ensure eligibility regarding educational qualifications, NET/SLET, experience, and age. Only eligible candidates will be shortlisted for further stages.
Written Test (if applicable) - For certain positions, particularly Assistant Professor and Assistant Librarian, a written test may be conducted to assess subject knowledge, teaching aptitude, research methodology, and general awareness about educational issues. Presentation and Interview - Shortlisted candidates will be required to make a presentation on a topic related to their specialization or proposed research area, followed by an interview before a Selection Committee comprising senior NCERT officials, subject experts, and external members. The interview assesses subject expertise, research potential, teaching skills, communication ability, vision for educational development, and suitability for academic life.
For Professor and Associate Professor positions, candidates' research publications, impact factor, citations, books authored, research projects completed, and PhD supervision record will be thoroughly evaluated. The Selection Committee prepares a merit list based on overall performance, and recommendations are sent to the NCERT Executive Committee for approval. Selected candidates receive appointment letters subject to verification of certificates and medical fitness.
Important Dates
Opening of online application portal: 31 January 2026 at 10:00 AM. Last date for submission of online applications: 20 February 2026 at 05:00 PM. The application portal will be closed after the deadline, and no applications will be accepted thereafter. Candidates should apply well in advance and not wait for the last date to avoid technical issues or server problems.
Last date for payment of application fee (if applicable): 20 February 2026 up to 11:59 PM. Shortlisting and scrutiny of applications: February-March 2026. Written test (if conducted): March 2026 (tentative, intimation through email/SMS). Presentation and interview: March-April 2026 (schedule will be intimated to shortlisted candidates via registered email and SMS). Final result and selection list: April-May 2026. Candidates must regularly check their registered email, mobile SMS, and the official NCERT website for updates, interview schedules, and result announcements.
Application Fee
There is no application fee for NCERT academic positions recruitment. Candidates from all categories can apply free of cost. This ensures that meritorious candidates are not prevented from applying due to financial constraints. However, candidates must bear any documentation, photocopying, and internet charges themselves.
How to Apply Online
Candidates must apply only through the online mode on the official NCERT website. Visit www.ncert.nic.in and navigate to the "Recruitment" or "Career" section. Locate the advertisement for Academic Positions Recruitment 2026 (Advertisement No. 177/2026) and click on the "Apply Online" link. New candidates need to register first by providing basic details including name, date of birth, email ID, mobile number, and creating a password. An OTP will be sent for verification.
After registration, login to the application portal using credentials. Fill the detailed online application form providing accurate information about personal details, educational qualifications (starting from 10th standard to highest degree with university names, year of passing, percentage/division/grade), professional experience (institution-wise details with designation, duration, nature of duties), research contributions (publications in refereed journals, books, chapters, conference papers), PhD supervision and guidance details (if applicable), NET/SLET details (exam name, roll number, year of qualifying, score/rank), post preference, and special achievements.
Upload scanned documents in prescribed format and size: Recent passport size color photograph (50-100 KB in JPG format), Signature (20-50 KB in JPG format), Detailed CV/Resume in PDF format (up to 500 KB) highlighting education, experience, research, and publications, Caste certificate if applicable (up to 200 KB in PDF), PwBD certificate if applicable (up to 200 KB in PDF), and Experience certificates (single consolidated PDF up to 1 MB). Ensure all uploaded files are clear, readable, and in specified format. After filling all details and uploading documents, carefully review the application. Any error in name, date of birth, or qualification cannot be corrected later. If satisfied, submit the application.
After submission, download and print the system-generated application form. The printout must be signed, pasted with recent photograph, and brought along with all original certificates at the time of interview. Candidates should also attach self-attested copies of all certificates with the printout as per instructions given in the call letter.
Documents Required for Interview
Shortlisted candidates must bring the following original documents along with self-attested photocopies at the time of presentation and interview: 10th and 12th standard certificates and mark sheets, Bachelor's degree certificate and mark sheets of all years, Master's degree certificate and mark sheets of all semesters/years, PhD degree certificate and thesis (if awarded, else provisional certificate), NET/SLET certificate and score card, Experience certificates from all previous employers (on official letterhead with seal), Research publications - copies of published papers, reprints, or soft copies, Books authored/co-authored (if any), Caste certificate issued by competent authority (for SC/ST/OBC candidates), EWS certificate valid for FY 2025-26 (for EWS candidates), PwBD certificate issued by competent medical board (if applicable), Recent passport size photographs (10 copies), Photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving License), and Printout of online application form with candidate's signature and photograph. Failure to produce any document may lead to disqualification.
Presentation Topics
Candidates shortlisted for interview will be required to make a presentation (usually 15-20 minutes) on a topic related to their specialization. The topics may include current issues in school education, innovative teaching methodologies, use of technology in education, inclusive education practices, curriculum development and pedagogical approaches, educational research and assessment, digital resources and e-learning in schools, or specific subject pedagogy (for subject-specific positions).
Candidates should prepare PowerPoint presentations with clear content, relevant examples, research references, and practical implications. The presentation will be followed by questions from the Selection Committee members to assess depth of knowledge, clarity of thought, and communication skills.
Probation and Confirmation
Selected candidates will be on probation for a period of 2 years from the date of joining. During the probation period, the performance of the appointee will be assessed periodically through teaching evaluation, research output, participation in departmental activities, and overall contribution to NCERT's mission. Extension of probation by one year may be granted if performance is not satisfactory. Upon satisfactory completion of probation, candidates will be confirmed in their positions and eligible for regular career advancement as per UGC norms and NCERT rules.