UPSSSC Lekhpal Bharti 2026: 7994 Vacancies | Application Starts 28 Jan 2026

Planning Your Application Timeline and Age Verification

Strategic Timeline Management for Successful Submission

The application process for UPSSSC Lekhpal 2026 features a phased timeline that demands careful attention. The portal opens on 16 December 2025, but you must note two distinct deadlines. The initial registration and form filling must be completed by 29 December 2025. However, a crucial grace period follows, allowing you to finalize your application, make corrections, and pay the fee until 28 January 2026. This extended window is provided to ensure you have ample time for document uploads and payment confirmation. The examination is scheduled for 04 February 2026. A common mistake candidates make is confusing the initial "apply online" date with the final submission date. Treat 29th December as your personal deadline for completing the form to avoid last-minute server crashes or technical issues, using the January period solely for review and payment.

Precise Age Calculation and Relaxation Rules

Your eligibility for the UPSSSC Lekhpal post is determined by your age as of 28 January 2026. This is the fixed reference date mentioned in the notification. For example, if your date of birth is 29 January 2006, you will be considered 17 years and 364 days old on the reference date and will not meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years. Conversely, if you were born on or before 28 January 1986 (General category), you will exceed the 40-year limit. The maximum age is relaxed by 5 years for SC/ST candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates of Uttar Pradesh, as per state government rules. There are also specific relaxations for ex-servicemen and persons with benchmark disabilities (PwD). You must calculate your age precisely against this single date; certificates claiming age based on any other date will be rejected during verification.

The Non-Negotiable PET-2025 Mandate and Academic Eligibility

PET-2025: The Primary Screening Filter

Possessing a valid PET-2025 qualification is the foremost and non-negotiable eligibility condition for this recruitment. The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) uses the Preliminary Eligibility Test as a screening mechanism. Your application will be summarily rejected if your name is not in the list of PET-2025 qualified candidates. Importantly, you must use the same PET registration number during the Lekhpal application process. The commission will cross-verify your details from the PET database. A common error is when candidates who appeared for PET from two different districts or with different particulars face authentication failure. Your PET score acts as the first filter for shortlisting candidates for the main written exam. Without this, you cannot proceed, regardless of your other qualifications.

Clear Educational and Residency Criteria

Candidates must have passed the Intermediate examination (10+2) from a recognized board or its equivalent. Those in their final year are typically not eligible unless the results were declared before the notification date. The post has a strong preference for candidates domiciled in Uttar Pradesh, which is often a decisive factor in the final appointment. Proficiency in Hindi written in Devnagri script is essential as all official work is conducted in Hindi. For candidates applying under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category, the family income from all sources for the financial year prior to the application (2024-25) must be less than ₹8 Lakhs. The certificate for this must be issued on or after 01 April 2025 by a competent authority as per the Government of India format. Failing to meet any of these specific criteria will lead to disqualification at the document verification stage.

Nearly 8,000 Revenue Positions: A Major Uttar Pradesh Government Recruitment

Category-Wise Breakdown and Horizontal Reservation

This massive recruitment drive announces a total of 7,994 vacancies for the Lekhpal post, distributed across various social categories as per Uttar Pradesh's reservation policy. The Unreserved (General) category has the highest share with 4,165 posts. The Scheduled Caste (SC) category has 1,446 posts, OBC has 1,441, EWS has 792, and Scheduled Tribe (ST) has 150 posts. It is crucial to understand that these are vertical reservations. Additionally, horizontal reservations apply within each of these categories for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD), ex-servicemen, and women candidates. For instance, the notification specifies horizontal reservation for PwD candidates under various sub-categories: 152 posts for Hard of Hearing (H.H.), 42 for One Leg (O.L.), and 391 for Muscular Dystrophy (M.D.) among others. Your application will be considered first in your vertical category (e.g., SC), and then within that pool, for the horizontal quota (e.g., PwD) if applicable.

Understanding the Pay Scale and In-Hand Salary

Selected candidates will be appointed in Pay Level-3 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) matrix. The pay scale ranges from ₹21,700 to ₹69,100. The starting basic pay will be ₹21,700 per month. On top of this basic pay, various allowances are added as per the Uttar Pradesh government rules. These typically include Dearness Allowance (DA), which is a cost-of-living adjustment and is revised quarterly; House Rent Allowance (HRA), which varies based on the city of posting (X, Y, or Z category); Travel Allowance (TA); and medical benefits. After accounting for these allowances and deducting statutory contributions like the National Pension Scheme (NPS), the approximate in-hand salary for a newly appointed Lekhpal ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 per month. The career progression offers regular annual increments and promotion opportunities to higher pay levels, ensuring long-term financial stability and growth.

Preparing for Fee Payment and Document Submission

Understanding the Flat Fee and Payment Gateway

The application fee for the UPSSSC Lekhpal recruitment is a flat rate of ₹25 for all candidate categories, including General, SC, ST, OBC, and EWS. The notification does not mention any fee exemption, even for PwD candidates or women, which is a critical point to note. This fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. Payment must be made online through the integrated payment gateway on the UPSSSC portal, which supports transactions via Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI, and SBI e-Challan. A common mistake is waiting until the last day for payment, which often leads to gateway failures or timeouts. Candidates should complete the payment at least 2-3 days before the final deadline (28 January 2026). Always save the payment receipt or transaction ID (Transaction ID) as proof. The commission explicitly advises verifying the transaction status twice—once on the bank's page and once redirected back to the UPSSSC application portal.

Compiling and Validating Mandatory Certificates

The application requires documents in two stages: digital uploads and physical verification. For the online form, you need a recent passport-sized photograph and a scanned signature within specified size and format limits. Crucially, you must have your PET-2025 registration number and access to the registered mobile number for OTP authentication. For the subsequent verification stage, you must organize original and photocopies of several certificates. These include proof of residence (Voter ID, Aadhaar, Ration Card), educational mark sheets, and category-specific certificates. For EWS candidates, the income and asset certificate must be valid for the financial year 2024-25 or 2025-26. For PwD candidates, the disability certificate must be in the prescribed Form-I to Form-IV and issued by a competent medical authority with a seal, adhering to the RPWD Act 2016 guidelines. Submitting an invalid or improperly formatted certificate is a primary reason for rejection.

Navigating the Official UPSSSC Portal for Application

A Guided Walkthrough from Registration to Final Printout

The application process is exclusively online at the official UPSSSC website (upsssc.gov.in). Start by visiting the site and navigating to the "Live Advertisements" or "Latest Updates" section. Locate the specific advertisement for "Lekhpal Bharti 2026" with Advt. No. 000-202501 and click the "Apply Online" link. You will be redirected to the application portal. Here, the first critical step is login. You must use your PET-2025 registration number. The system will send an OTP to the mobile number registered during your PET application. This OTP-based authentication is mandatory and ensures security. If you have changed your number, you must resolve this with UPSSSC helpdesk before starting the application. After logging in, carefully fill in all sections: personal details, educational qualifications, category information (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD), and address. Double-check every entry, especially your name, date of birth, and category, as they must match your PET records and certificates exactly.

Final Submission, Payment, and Post-Application Steps

After filling the form, proceed to upload your photograph and signature as per the specified dimensions (usually 20KB-50KB for photo, 10KB-20KB for signature). The system will validate the uploads. Next, you will be directed to the payment page. Select your preferred mode, pay the ₹25 fee, and ensure you receive a successful payment confirmation and transaction ID. Only after successful payment will the "Final Submit" button become active. Click it to lock your application. Once submitted, no corrections are allowed, except for a limited correction window that may be announced later. Immediately after final submission, download and print a copy of the completed application form. This printout, along with the fee receipt, is a crucial document for future reference and must be preserved until the entire recruitment process is over. Regularly check your registered email and the UPSSSC website for updates on admit cards and exam centers.

From PET Score to Final Merit: The Selection Roadmap

Understanding the Multi-Stage Filtering Process

The selection for UPSSSC Lekhpal is a meticulous, multi-stage process designed to ensure fairness. The first stage is the application scrutiny, where your form is checked for completeness, fee payment, and most importantly, verification of your PET-2025 qualification status. Only candidates who pass this scrutiny are eligible to download the admit card for the Main Written Examination. The Main Written Exam is the sole merit-determining stage. Your performance here, out of 100 marks, will decide your ranking. There is no interview. Based on the exam marks, a merit list will be prepared category-wise. Candidates whose names appear on the merit list are then called for the Document Verification stage. Here, every claim made in the application—age, qualification, category, domicile, EWS status, PwD status—is physically verified against original certificates. Any discrepancy leads to disqualification, and the next candidate in the merit list is considered. Finally, a provisional appointment letter is issued subject to the outcome of all verifications.

Decoding the 100-Mark Main Written Exam and Syllabus

The Main Examination is an objective, multiple-choice question (MCQ) based test conducted offline (OMR sheet). The paper is divided into three parts with a total of 100 questions for 100 marks, to be solved in 2 hours (120 minutes). Crucially, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer. This makes strategic attempt vital; blind guessing can significantly reduce your score. Part-1 (60 marks) is the most comprehensive, covering General Studies including Indian History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Rural Development, Current Affairs (National & International), General Science, Environmental Ecology, Data Interpretation (charts, graphs), and General Hindi (grammar, comprehension). Part-2 (15 marks) tests basic Computer and Information Technology knowledge. Part-3 (20 marks) focuses exclusively on Uttar Pradesh's General Knowledge—its history, geography, economy, culture, administrative structure, and current events. A thorough understanding of the detailed syllabus for each part is essential for targeted preparation.

Legal Compliance and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Adherence to Notification Guidelines is Non-Negotiable

The recruitment is governed by strict rules outlined in the official notification and referenced Government Orders (GOs). The most critical rule is the mandatory PET-2025 qualification. Applications without this will be auto-rejected by the system. For category-based benefits, certificates must be valid and issued by competent authorities before the last date of application. The EWS certificate, for instance, must be for the financial year 2024-25 or 2025-26 and include details of family income and assets as of 01 April 2025. For PwD candidates, the medical certificate must strictly follow the formats (Form-I to IV) specified under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, and bear the seal of the designated medical authority. Proxy applications or forms filled by third parties are strictly prohibited. The commission's decision on the interpretation of any rule or clause will be final and binding. Candidates are advised to read the official notification PDF thoroughly rather than relying on secondary summaries.

Severe Consequences for Malpractice and False Claims

The notification explicitly warns candidates against malpractices with severe penalties. Providing false information or submitting forged/fake documents is a major debarment trigger. This includes fake caste certificates, bogus EWS certificates, altered mark sheets, or incorrect domicile claims. If such fraud is detected at any stage—even after appointment—it will lead to immediate cancellation of candidature or termination of service, and the candidate may be permanently debarred from all future examinations conducted by UPSSSC. Furthermore, the commission reserves the right to initiate criminal proceedings under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Other triggers include attempting to influence the selection process, impersonation in the examination, using unauthorized electronic devices, or trying to communicate with other candidates. The selection is provisional, meaning the offer of appointment can be withdrawn if any such malpractice is discovered later. Integrity and honesty are paramount throughout the process.

1. I have lost my PET-2025 registration number. How can I apply for Lekhpal?

Your PET-2025 registration number is essential for login. If lost, you should first try to retrieve it from the UPSSSC website using the "Forgot Registration Number" option, which typically requires your registered mobile number, date of birth, and other details. If that fails, contact the UPSSSC helpdesk or the office of the Secretary with a written application and a copy of your PET admit card or other proof of appearing for PET-2025. Do not create a new registration ID for the Lekhpal form. The system is designed to authenticate only through the original PET credentials, and mismatch will lead to application rejection.

2. Is there any age relaxation for OBC candidates from Uttar Pradesh?

Yes, as per the Uttar Pradesh Government rules referenced in the notification, OBC candidates belonging to the state of Uttar Pradesh are eligible for age relaxation. The standard relaxation is typically 3 years over the upper age limit of 40 years for the General category. This means the maximum age for UP OBC candidates would be 43 years as of the reference date (28 January 2026). However, you must possess a valid OBC certificate issued by a competent authority of Uttar Pradesh, and it should not be in the "Creamy Layer" category.

3. Can final year Intermediate (10+2) students apply for this Lekhpal recruitment?

No, the eligibility clearly states that candidates must have passed the Intermediate (10+2) examination from a recognized board. Those awaiting results or appearing for the final year examination are not eligible. The mark sheet or passing certificate must be available at the time of application, and you will need to upload its details. During document verification, you will be required to produce the original certificate. Provisional certificates are usually not accepted for eligibility purposes unless specified otherwise.

4. What is the salary of a newly appointed Lekhpal after all deductions?

A newly appointed Lekhpal in Pay Level-3 (₹21,700 - ₹69,100) will have a starting basic pay of ₹21,700. After adding applicable allowances like Dearness Allowance (approx. 46% of basic), House Rent Allowance (depending on city classification: 27%, 18%, or 9% of basic), and Travel Allowance, the gross salary will be approximately ₹35,000 - ₹38,000. After deducting mandatory contributions like the National Pension Scheme (NPS) (10% of basic + DA), professional tax, and other minor deductions, the approximate in-hand or net salary will range from ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 per month.

5. Are candidates from other states eligible to apply for UPSSSC Lekhpal?

While the notification does not explicitly bar candidates from other states, it strongly indicates a preference for candidates domiciled in Uttar Pradesh. The post of Lekhpal is a state cadre post, and residency may be a factor considered during final appointment, especially if there are two candidates with equal marks. Furthermore, certain category benefits (like OBC age relaxation) are specifically for Uttar Pradesh residents. Candidates from other states should carefully read the official notification PDF for any specific domicile requirements mentioned in the original advertisement.

6. Is the application fee of ₹25 the same for SC/ST and PwD candidates?

Yes, according to the provided notification details, the application fee is a flat ₹25 for all categories of candidates, including Unreserved, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD. The notification does not mention any fee exemption or concession for any category for this particular recruitment. This is a critical point, and candidates should be prepared to pay this amount. Always refer to the fee section of the official notification for the most accurate information.

7. How is the final merit list prepared? Is there an interview?

The final merit list is prepared solely on the basis of marks obtained in the Main Written Examination. There is no interview or group discussion stage for this recruitment. The marks from PET-2025 are used only for initial screening and shortlisting for the main exam; they are not added to the final merit. The commission will prepare separate merit lists for each category (UR, SC, ST, OBC, EWS). Within each category, candidates are ranked from highest to lowest marks. Ties are usually resolved by applying predefined criteria, such as the candidate with higher marks in a specific part of the paper or older age being given priority.

8. What happens if my payment is successful but the application status shows 'pending'?

This is a common technical issue due to a delay in payment gateway reconciliation. First, wait for 24-48 hours, as the status often updates automatically. Keep your transaction ID and bank receipt handy. If the status does not change to "Submitted and Paid" after 2 days, you should contact the UPSSSC helpdesk or the payment gateway's customer support (usually SBI) with your transaction details. Do not attempt to make a second payment, as this could lead to a double payment and potential complications. The notification advises candidates to verify the payment status twice—once on the bank's page and once after being redirected back to the UPSSSC portal.

Mastering the New 2026 Exam Pattern and Competition Trends

Comparative Analysis: Why 2026 is Different from 2022

The UPSSSC Lekhpal 2026 exam marks a significant departure from previous recruitment cycles. Earlier, the exam relied heavily on Mathematics and basic Rural Development. However, the 2026 syllabus is much more specialized, shifting focus toward Computer Literacy and Uttar Pradesh-specific General Studies. With 7,994 vacancies, this is one of the largest recruitment drives in recent years. Historically, for a similar number of seats, the commission shortlists nearly 2 lakh candidates based on their PET scores. This means that even if you have a moderate PET-2025 score, you have a realistic chance of appearing in the Main Examination. The inclusion of a dedicated 15-mark Computer section serves as a leveler, ensuring that candidates with technical proficiency have an edge over traditional rote-learners. You must adapt your preparation to focus on data interpretation and e-governance schemes rather than just conventional history and geography.

Effective Preparation Strategy for the 100-Mark Written Test

To clear the Lekhpal merit list, your target score should be 80+ out of 100, considering the high competition in the Unreserved and OBC categories. Start by mastering the UP Special GK (20 Marks), focusing on the 2025-26 State Budget, new agricultural policies, and the "One District One Product" (ODOP) initiative. Since the exam includes a 0.25 negative marking, accuracy is more important than the number of attempts. For the 60-mark General Studies section, prioritize Environmental Ecology and Data Interpretation, as these topics often feature direct, scoring questions. Many candidates fail because they ignore the Computer section; ensure you are familiar with MS Office, cyber security basics, and search engine logic. Use the two-hour duration wisely—allocate 40 minutes for GK and Hindi, 30 minutes for Computer and Data Interpretation, and keep the remaining time for reviewing complex questions. Consistent mock tests based on the OMR format are essential to avoid bubbles-filling errors on exam day.