The Anganwadi Recruitment 2026 process is currently underway across various states in India, aiming to fill thousands of vacancies for posts such as Anganwadi Worker, Helper, and Supervisor. The Ministry of Women & Child Development (WCD) and state Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) departments are conducting these recruitment drives to appoint eligible and local candidates. The application process is primarily conducted online through the official WCD or state ICDS portals.

State-wise Major Vacancies in 2026

• Uttar Pradesh (UP): A massive recruitment drive for over 61,601 posts is active in Uttar Pradesh. The application process began in November 2025 and continues through 2026, with deadlines varying by district. For instance, the deadline for 203 posts in Sambhal is May 5, 2026, and for 198 posts in Lucknow, the deadline is May 16, 2026. There is no application fee for candidates applying in UP.
• Haryana: The Department of Women & Child Development, Haryana, aims to fill 7,106 vacancies across multiple districts. This includes 2,549 posts for Anganwadi Workers, 4,439 for Helpers, and 118 for Supervisors. The online application process is expected to begin in July 2026, and no application fee will be charged.
• Punjab: The Directorate of Social Security & Women & Child Development Punjab has released a notification for 94 posts, including Block Coordinator and Project Associate. The online application window is open from April 9, 2026, to May 8, 2026. The application fee is ₹800 for general candidates and ₹400 for reserved categories.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualifications:

• Anganwadi Worker: Candidates must have completed their 12th standard (Intermediate) from a recognized board.
• Anganwadi Helper: Candidates must have passed the 10th standard.
• Supervisor: A graduate degree along with basic computer knowledge is required.
• Other Roles (Punjab): Roles like Block Coordinator and Project Associate require graduation or post-graduation degrees, sometimes with relevant experience or IT field backgrounds.

Age Limit and Residency:

• Generally, the age limit is set between 18 and 35 years.
• UP requires candidates to be between 18 and 35 years of age as of January 1, 2026.
• In Haryana, the maximum age limit extends up to 42 years.
• Age relaxation is provided for reserved categories as per government rules.
• Candidates must be permanent residents of the ward or village where the vacancy exists.
• For Worker and Helper posts, only female candidates are eligible.

Selection Process

• For Worker and Helper Posts: There is no written examination. The selection is purely merit-based, relying on the academic qualification marks, such as the percentage scored in 10th or 12th standard.
• For Supervisor and Other Posts: Depending on the state, a written examination, medical examination, or document verification may be conducted.

Required Documents for Application

Candidates need to prepare several documents before applying online. These typically include:

• Aadhaar Card.
• 10th or 12th standard marksheets and educational certificates.
• Domicile or residence certificate.
• Passport-size photograph and scanned signature.
• Caste certificate, if applicable.
• Experience or EWS/PwD certificates, if applicable.

How to Apply Online

1. Visit the Website: Go to the official WCD or state ICDS portal, such as upanganwadibharti.in for UP or wcdhry.gov.in for Haryana.
2. Find the Notification: Navigate to the “Anganwadi Recruitment 2026” section or link.
3. Register: Register as a new user by entering basic details, such as a mobile number and Aadhaar, to generate login credentials.
4. Fill the Form: Log in and carefully fill out the application form with personal, educational, and address details.
5. Upload Documents: Upload the required scanned documents.
6. Pay Fees: Pay the application fee online, if applicable, though many states like UP and Haryana have no fee for certain posts.
7. Submit: Review the application form thoroughly and submit it, keeping a downloaded or printed copy for future reference.