Anganwadi Recruitment 2026
The Ministry of Women & Child Development has released the Anganwadi Recruitment 2026 notification, announcing a substantial 9,625 vacancies across multiple states for Anganwadi Worker, Anganwadi Helper, Supervisor, and CDPO positions. This recruitment drive operates under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, offering eligible candidates an opportunity to serve their communities through grassroots-level child development and nutrition programs.
Short Information
The Women & Child Development (WCD) Department, under the Ministry of Women & Child Development, is conducting the Anganwadi Recruitment 2026 to fill 9,625 vacancies for Anganwadi Worker (AWW), Anganwadi Helper (AWH), Mini Anganwadi Worker, Supervisor, and Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) posts across various states. The application process is primarily online through state-specific WCD/ICDS portals, with the central information hub at wcd.nic.in. The last date to apply varies by state, with most deadlines falling between July 13, 2026, and July 31, 2026.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount | Payment Modes |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Nil (most states); ₹100–500 for some state Supervisor posts | Online / Offline (varies by state) |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women | Nil (most states); ₹100–500 for some state Supervisor posts | Online / Offline (varies by state) |
Note: Application fee is NIL for Anganwadi Worker and Helper posts in most states. Supervisor and CDPO posts may carry a nominal fee of ₹100–500 depending on the state notification. Candidates must refer to their specific state notification for exact fee details.
Eligibility Criteria & Vacancies
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Age Limit | Educational Qualification | Residency Requirement | Gender |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anganwadi Worker (AWW) | Part of 9,625 total | 18 – 35 years | 10th / 12th Pass from recognized board | Permanent resident of same ward/village | Female only |
| Anganwadi Helper (AWH) | Part of 9,625 total | 18 – 35 years | 8th / 10th Pass from recognized board | Permanent resident of same ward/village | Female only |
| Mini Anganwadi Worker | Part of 9,625 total | 18 – 35 years | 10th / 12th Pass | Permanent resident of same ward/village | Female only |
| Supervisor | Part of 9,625 total | 18 – 40 years | Graduation (any stream) | Same district (varies by state) | Female / Both (state-specific) |
| CDPO | Part of 9,625 total | 18 – 40 years | Graduation (any stream) | Same district (varies by state) | Female / Both (state-specific) |
Age Relaxation (Applicable to All Posts)
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years (maximum age 40 for Worker/Helper, 45 for Supervisor/CDPO) |
| OBC | 3 years (maximum age 38 for Worker/Helper, 43 for Supervisor/CDPO) |
| PwD | Additional relaxation as per state government rules |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per state government norms |
Marital Status Preference
- Anganwadi Worker: Married women preferred in some states
- Anganwadi Helper: No restriction
- Supervisor / CDPO: No restriction
Important: The 9,625 vacancies are distributed across multiple states including Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Jammu & Kashmir, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Rajasthan, Punjab, and others. State-wise and district-wise vacancy breakdowns are released through individual state WCD/ICDS portals. Candidates must apply only for the ward/village where they hold permanent residency.
Selection Process & Exam Pattern
Selection Process Overview
| Stage | Anganwadi Worker / Helper | Supervisor / CDPO |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Application Screening | Eligibility verification (age, education, residency) | Eligibility verification (age, education, residency) |
| 2. Merit List Preparation | Based on academic marks (10th/12th percentage) | Based on academic marks (Graduation percentage) |
| 3. Written Examination | Not conducted | May be conducted (state-specific) |
| 4. Interview / Document Verification | Document verification only | Interview may be conducted (state-specific) |
| 5. Final Selection | Merit-based on academic scores | Combined merit (written + interview + academics) |
Key Selection Highlights
- No Written Exam for AWW/AWH: Selection for Anganwadi Worker and Helper posts is purely merit-based on academic qualification marks. There is no written examination at any stage.
- Merit Calculation: Merit lists are prepared based on percentage of marks obtained in the qualifying examination (10th/12th for Worker, 8th/10th for Helper, Graduation for Supervisor/CDPO).
- State Variations: Some states may conduct written tests or interviews for Supervisor and CDPO positions. Candidates must check their specific state notification.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates must produce original documents for verification before final appointment.
- Residency Verification: Domicile/residence certificate verification is mandatory to confirm ward/village residency.
How to Apply Online
Follow these step-by-step instructions to submit your Anganwadi Recruitment 2026 application:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to your state's official WCD/ICDS website or the central portal at wcd.nic.in for links to state-specific application portals.
- Locate Recruitment Section: Click on the "Recruitment" or "Anganwadi Recruitment 2026" section on the homepage.
- Download Notification: Download and read the official notification PDF carefully to understand eligibility, vacancy distribution, and deadlines for your specific district/ward.
- Register / Login: Create a new account using your mobile number and Aadhaar card. If already registered, log in with your credentials.
- Fill Application Form: Enter personal details, educational qualifications, address, and select your preferred district/ward. Critical: Apply only for a ward where you are a permanent resident.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of:
- Passport-size photograph (recent, color)
- Signature (scanned)
- 10th/12th marksheet and certificate
- Aadhaar card
- Caste/domicile certificate (if applicable)
- Graduation certificate (for Supervisor/CDPO)
- Review and Submit: Check all entries carefully before final submission. Ensure no errors in personal or educational details.
- Print Acknowledgement: Download and print the application confirmation/acknowledgement slip for your records and future reference.
Required Documents Checklist
- Aadhaar Card (Mandatory)
- 10th Marksheet & Certificate
- 12th Marksheet (for AWW)
- Graduation Certificate (for Supervisor/CDPO)
- Domicile / Residence Certificate
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC)
- Passport-size Photograph (recent)
- Signature (scanned)
- EWS Certificate (if applicable)
- PwD Certificate (if applicable)
Application mode is online for most states, though some districts may accept offline applications. Always verify the mode through your state's official notification.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to apply for Anganwadi Recruitment 2026 online? Visit your state's official WCD/ICDS portal (link provided in the vacancy table on the official website). Register with mobile number and Aadhaar, fill the application form, upload documents (photo, 10th certificate, Aadhaar, domicile), and submit before the last date. Print the application acknowledgement slip after submission.
What is the eligibility for Anganwadi Worker 2026? Candidates must have passed 10th or 12th standard from a recognized board. Age limit is 18–35 years (varies by state). Must be a permanent resident of the ward/village for which vacancy exists. Only female candidates are eligible for Worker and Helper posts.
What is the salary of Anganwadi Worker in 2026? Anganwadi Worker receives a monthly honorarium of ₹10,000–₹20,000 depending on the state (Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are highest at ~₹14,000). Anganwadi Helper gets ₹5,000–₹7,000/month. The Central Government pays ₹4,500/month as base honorarium, and states add their own component on top. Additional benefits include ESI, provident fund (where applicable), and national health insurance.
Is there a written exam for Anganwadi jobs? No, there is no written examination for Anganwadi Worker and Anganwadi Helper posts. Selection is purely merit-based on academic qualification marks (10th/12th percentage). For Supervisor/CDPO posts, a written exam or interview may be conducted depending on the state.
What is the age limit for Anganwadi Helper? Age limit is 18 to 35 years as of 1st January 2026 in most states. SC/ST candidates get 5 years relaxation (maximum age 40). OBC candidates get 3 years relaxation (maximum age 38). PwD candidates get additional relaxation as per state rules.
What documents are required for Anganwadi job application? Required documents: Aadhaar card, 10th/12th marksheet and certificate, domicile/residence certificate, caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC), passport-size photograph, scanned signature, and EWS/PwD certificate if applicable. Graduation certificate is needed for Supervisor post applications.
What is ICDS recruitment 2026? ICDS stands for Integrated Child Development Services - the government programme under which Anganwadi centres operate nationwide. ICDS recruitment 2026 refers to hiring of Anganwadi Workers, Helpers, Supervisors, and CDPOs by state WCD departments under the Ministry of Women & Child Development (wcd.nic.in).
Is Anganwadi Worker a permanent government job? Anganwadi Workers and Helpers are honorary workers, not regular government employees. They receive a fixed monthly honorarium (not salary) and are entitled to benefits like ESI, health insurance, and maternity benefits. Supervisors and CDPOs are regular government employees in most states and receive full pay & grade pay.
Can I apply for Anganwadi job from a different district? No. Anganwadi Workers and Helpers must be permanent residents of the same ward/village/district where the vacancy exists. A domicile or residence certificate is mandatory. Applications from outside the specified locality are rejected. For Supervisor/CDPO posts, the same district residency rule generally applies.
When is the last date to apply for Anganwadi Recruitment 2026? The last date varies by state and district, ranging from July 13, 2026 to July 31, 2026. Candidates must check their specific state/district notification for the exact deadline applicable to their ward.
Important Links
| Link Name | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification / Advertisement | Coming Soon |
| Official Website | Click Here |