Delhi University is hiring 534 assistant professors in 2026. This is a great chance for academics.
The year 2026 has brought a lot of hope to people in India who want to become academics. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is changing the higher education landscape in a big way, and the need for qualified, research-oriented faculty has skyrocketed. The University of Delhi is at the forefront of this movement.
The Delhi University Recruitment Board has made history by officially announcing that there are 534 Assistant Professor Posts open at different colleges and departments within the university.
This isn’t just another job alert; it’s a turning point in your career. Ad-hoc and guest faculty positions have been the most common types of jobs for years, but in 2026, things will start to change and become more stable. This Delhi University recruitment drive is the way to get one of the most sought-after central university jobs in the country, whether you just graduated with a Ph.D. or are a NET-qualified scholar waiting for your big break
This detailed guide will go beyond the basic notification. We will look at the distribution of job openings, figure out the 2026 screening rules, break down the API score requirements, and give you a plan for how to ace the interview. This blog is the best guide for you if you really want to wear the badge of a “DU Professor.”
An Overview of the Delhi University Recruitment 2026
The Delhi University Recruitment 2026 is one of the biggest hiring drives that have happened in the last ten years. This year, there is a unified effort to fill open positions in order to keep the teacher-student ratio that the University Grants Commission (UGC) requires. This is different from the scattered notifications of previous years.
University of Delhi (DU) Recruitment Authority
Number of the ad: DU/Asst-Prof/2026/01. Name of the post: Assistant Professor. Number of open positions:
534 Posts
Where the job is
Delhi
Type of Job: Permanent/Regular Salary Level:
Level 10 of the Academic Pay Scale (7th CPC)
Mode of Application: Online Focus Keyword: Delhi University Recruitment
This hiring covers a wide range of fields, from the sciences and humanities to business and vocational studies. The administration has made it clear that this Delhi University Recruitment will strictly follow the Roster System for reservations, making sure that candidates from the SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD categories have a fair chance.
Department-Wise Vacancy Breakup (Tentative)
The sheer scale of 534 posts means almost every major subject has openings. Based on the consolidated notification for Delhi University Recruitment, here is the projected distribution of seats. Aspiring candidates should note that these vacancies are spread across North Campus, South Campus, and off-campus colleges.
Sciences
Physics: 45 Posts
52 Chemistry Posts
Botany & Zoology: 38 Posts
Mathematics: 60 Posts
Computer Science: 25 Posts
Humanities & Social Sciences
English: 40 Posts
Hindi: 35 Posts
Political Science: 42 Posts
History: 28 Posts
50 Posts About Economics
Psychology: 15 Posts
Commerce & Management
Commerce: 85 Posts
Management Studies: 19 Posts
This wide range means that the Delhi University Recruitment 2026 has a place for you, whether you are an expert in Quantum Mechanics or Macroeconomics.
Delhi University Recruitment 2026: Who Can Apply
In 2026, the requirements for eligibility have changed a little to put research output on the same level as academic excellence. To apply for the Delhi University Recruitment 2026, candidates must meet the specific criteria laid down by the UGC Regulations (as amended up to 2026).
Educational Qualifications
To be considered for the position of Assistant Professor, applicants must meet the requirements of either Option A or Option B:
Option A: Master’s Degree: A Master’s degree with 55% marks (or an equivalent grade in a point-scale wherever the grading system is followed) in a concerned/relevant/allied subject from an Indian University, or an equivalent degree from an accredited foreign university.
NET Qualification: The candidate must have cleared the National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by the UGC or the CSIR.
Exemption: Candidates who have obtained a Ph.D. Degree in accordance with the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of M.Phil./Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2009 or 2016, are exempt from the minimum eligibility requirement of NET.
Option B: The Ph.D. degree has been obtained from a foreign university/institution with a ranking among the top 500 in the World University Ranking (at any time) by any one of the following:
Quacquarelli Symonds (QS)
The Times Higher Education (THE)
The Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
Important Note on Ph.D. Requirement: There was a lot of discussion about this in the past, but for the Delhi University Recruitment 2026 Assistant Professor level, NET is still the minimum requirement. However, having a Ph.D. significantly boosts your API score (discussed later), making it practically essential for shortlisting in high-competition subjects.
Age Limit and Exceptions
There is no age limit for people who want to apply for the job of Assistant Professor at Delhi University. But there are rules about when people can retire.
Relaxation: Ph.D. holders who got their Master’s degree before September 19, 1991, and SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates can have their Master’s marks lowered by 5%, from 55% to 50%.
The Selection Process: Figuring Out the Matrix
The Delhi University hiring process is known for being very strict. It is not based on tests; instead, it is based on interviews and the Academic Performance Indicator (API) score.
Stage 1: Screening via API Score
Since thousands apply for the Delhi University Recruitment, the university uses a screening metric to call candidates for interviews.
Graduation: Max 21 Marks (for >80%)
Post-Graduation: Max 25 Marks (for >80%)
M.Phil: Max 7 Marks Ph.D.: Max 25 Marks NET with JRF: 10 Marks (NET only = 8 Marks)
Research Publications: Max 6 Marks (2 marks per paper in peer-reviewed journals)
Teaching Experience: Max 10 Marks (2 marks per year)
Awards: Up to 3 Marks
The Cut-off: For Delhi University Recruitment, candidates usually need an API score of at least 75 out of 100 to be sure they will get an interview call in popular subjects like Commerce or English. In the sciences, where a Ph.D. is common, the cutoff is usually above 85.
Step 2: The Interview
This is the decider. The interview panel typically consists of the Vice-Chancellor’s nominee, the Principal of the College, Department Heads, and subject experts.
In the Delhi University Recruitment interviews of 2026, the focus has shifted from theoretical questions to:
Pedagogy: “How would you teach this complex concept to a diverse classroom using digital tools?”
Research Vision: “How does your research contribute to the department’s existing body of work?”
NEP alignment: “How will you implement skill-based learning in your curriculum?”
Why Delhi University Recruitment 2026 is a Game Changer
Why is there such a frenzy for these 534 posts?
Permanent Status
For nearly a decade, ad-hoc culture plagued the university. This Delhi University Recruitment drive is a distinct move to regularize the workforce. A permanent job is hard to find in the private sector, but it does offer job security.
Ecosystem of Research
DU is an “Institute of Eminence.” If you get a job at Delhi University, you can use world-class libraries, get money for research projects, and help Ph.D. students.
Pay and Benefits (7th CPC)
Pay Scale: 10
Starting Pay: ₹57,700
Gross Salary (Approx): The starting gross salary is more than ₹1,00,000 per month, including DA (which is high in 2026) and HRA (27% for Delhi).
In addition, the Delhi University Recruitment offers great pay, medical benefits through the WUS Health Centre, long-term care (LTC), and pension benefits through the NPS.
How to Apply for Jobs at Delhi University in 2026
The whole application process is done online. Here is a step-by-step guide to navigating the DU Samarth portal.
Go to the Portal: The official portal for college recruitment is colrec.du.ac.in.
To sign up, use your email and phone number to make an account.
Building a profile takes a lot of time. You need to enter grades for Class 10, 12, Graduation, PG, M.Phil, Ph.D., and information about each research paper, such as its ISSN/ISBN number.
Upload Documents: Scanned copies of your degrees, caste certificates (if you have one), and the very important NET certificate.
Paying the Fee:
General, OBC, and EWS: ₹500
SC/ST/PwD/Women: No Fee (Exempted)
Submission: Check the API calculation that the system made for you. Edit before you send it in if there is a difference.
Delhi University Hiring Tip: If you are currently working, make sure you have your “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) ready. The interview panel is very strict about this paper.
Problems with hiring at Delhi University in 2026
There are many chances, but the path is hard.
The “In-breeding” Myth: There is a fear that internal ad-hoc teachers get preference. While experience carries weight marks, the Delhi University Recruitment 2026 has introduced external observers to ensure meritocracy.
Quality of Publication: Journals that are predatory are strictly banned. Only journals that are on the UGC-CARE list count. A lot of candidates lose points here.
Ratio of Interviews: For every post, about 30 to 40 people are interviewed. It takes a lot of work to stand out in a 5-minute conversation.
VedPrep: Your Academic Success Partner
Getting a job through Delhi University Recruitment is the end goal, but the process starts much earlier. To get one of these 534 jobs, you must first pass the CSIR NET or UGC NET.
This is where VedPrep steps in.
We at VedPrep know that passing an exam is not enough to become an Assistant Professor; you also need to build an academic persona.
How VedPrep speeds up your journey
Coaching for JRF/NET: The API score gives JRF 10 points but only 8 points for NET. In the cutthroat Delhi University Recruitment, those two marks can make the difference between getting the job and not getting it. VedPrep’s specialized NET coaching makes sure you aim for JRF, which gives you an edge over other students.
Research Help: Not sure where to publish? Our mentors help you find high-impact, UGC-CARE journals so that you can get full credit for your publications during the screening process.
Interview Bootcamp: The DU interview is scary. VedPrep has panelists who are experts in their fields do mock interviews. We ask you questions about your Ph.D. thesis, how you teach, and the basics of the subject, just like in a real Delhi University Recruitment interview.
Writing a SOP and a Proposal: A lot of departments want a teaching proposal. Our team will help you write a strong story that shows off your vision as a future teacher.
Don’t let not having a guide cost you a permanent job in the government. VedPrep helps you get ready for more than just a test; it helps you get ready for a job.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Delhi University Recruitment for 534 Assistant Professor positions is a ray of hope. It stands for stability, respect, and the chance to shape the leaders of the future. The move to a clear, merit-based selection process in 2026 means that hard work and real research skills are finally being recognized.
But the chance is only open for a short time. The application links are working, and the competition is getting ready. Every minute counts, whether you’re going over your thesis, finishing your research papers, or polishing your teaching demonstration.
Keep in mind that the Delhi University Recruitment is not just about getting a job; it’s about finding a career.
Make sure your API score is as high as it can be, your papers are in order, and your mind is ready for the challenge. The classrooms on North Campus are ready for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Delhi University Recruitment 2026 for Assistant Professors?
Ans: This is a major recruitment drive by the University of Delhi to fill 534 permanent vacancies for the post of Assistant Professor across various university departments and constituent colleges to maintain the UGC-mandated teacher-student ratio.
Are these positions permanent or temporary/ad-hoc?
Ans: These are permanent (regular) positions. Selected candidates will be on probation for one year before being confirmed, offering job security and full government benefits, unlike guest or ad-hoc roles.
Which departments have the highest number of vacancies?
Ans: While the distribution varies across colleges, major vacancies are expected in Commerce (85), Mathematics (60), Chemistry (52), and Economics (50), along with significant openings in English, Physics, and Political Science.
Is a Ph.D. mandatory for the post of Assistant Professor in DU?
Ans: No, a Ph.D. is not mandatory for eligibility. The minimum requirement is a Master’s degree with 55% marks and a NET (National Eligibility Test) qualification. However, holding a Ph.D. gives you a significant advantage (25 marks) in the API screening process.
Can I apply if I have a Ph.D. but have not cleared the NET exam?
Ans: Yes. Candidates who have been awarded a Ph.D. in accordance with UGC regulations (2009 or 2016) are exempted from the NET requirement. You can apply directly based on your doctoral degree.
Is there an age limit for applying to these posts?
Ans: There is no specific upper age limit for the post of Assistant Professor, provided you are below the retirement age of 65 years. However, fresh graduates and young scholars are encouraged to apply.
Can final-year Master's or Ph.D. students apply?
Ans: You can only apply if you have your final results or a provisional degree certificate before the last date of application. If your result is awaited, you are technically not eligible.
What is a "Safe" API score to get an interview call?
Ans: While it varies by subject competition, an API score of 75+ (out of 100) is generally considered safe for Humanities and Commerce. For Sciences, where most candidates hold a Ph.D., a safe score is often 85+.
Does my teaching experience as a Guest Lecturer count in the API score?
Ans: Yes, teaching experience (Post-Doctoral or Guest/Ad-hoc) counts towards the API score (typically 2 marks per year, capped at 10 marks), provided the experience was continuous and in a recognized institution.
How do I apply for the Delhi University Recruitment 2026?
Ans: Applications are accepted online only through the DU College Recruitment Portal (colrec.du.ac.in). You must register, create a profile, upload documents, and pay the fee online.







