Delhi government school teachers have asked the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to postpone the Combined Recruitment Test (CRT) for principal and vice-principal positions. They say they have limited time to prepare because they are busy with compulsory Booth Level Officer (BLO) duties during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
- The CRT exam is scheduled for November 1, 2026.
- There are 828 vacancies: 124 principals and 704 vice-principals.
- Many teachers are serving as BLOs and BLO Supervisors during the SIR process.
- SIR duties require extensive fieldwork and strict deadlines.
- Teachers have little time outside school hours to prepare for the exam.
- The recruitment is for the Education Department of the Government of NCT of Delhi.
Why are teachers requesting the UPSC to postpone the exam?
The Government School Teachers Association (GSTA), Delhi, explained that many eligible teachers are currently assigned as BLOs and BLO Supervisors. These roles involve intensive tasks such as verifying electoral data, visiting electors, collecting documents, filling forms, uploading information, and submitting reports within fixed timelines.
Since April 2026, teachers have been performing these duties continuously. Because they also have teaching and academic responsibilities during school hours, they must complete SIR-related work before or after school, on weekends, and public holidays. This leaves them with very limited time to prepare for the CRT exam.
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls?
The SIR is a time-bound and intensive electoral exercise. It requires BLOs to verify and update voter information thoroughly. The process includes field verification and data collection to ensure accurate electoral rolls. The work is demanding and must be completed within strict deadlines.
How does the SIR duty affect teachers’ exam preparation?
Teachers who are also BLOs have to manage their regular school duties alongside the SIR tasks. Since much of the SIR work happens outside school hours, it reduces the time available for systematic exam preparation. This situation puts teacher-candidates at a disadvantage compared to other candidates not involved in such duties.
What are the eligibility criteria for the vice-principal posts?
Candidates for the vice-principal position must have at least two years of in-service experience as a Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) or three years as a Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT). Many teachers meeting these criteria are currently engaged in compulsory SIR duties, limiting their ability to prepare for the exam.
What has the teachers’ association requested from UPSC?
The association has urged UPSC to reschedule the CRT exam to provide a "fair and reasonable" opportunity for teachers burdened with BLO duties. They emphasize that the recruitment relates to their own Education Department, and many serving teachers are prospective candidates for these posts.
What is the significance of this request?
This request highlights the challenge of balancing public service duties with career advancement opportunities. The teachers seek a solution that allows them adequate preparation time without compromising their election-related responsibilities.
