Are you a 10th or 12th pass woman looking for a respectable government job in your own village or city? The Anganwadi Recruitment 2026 is the biggest opportunity for you. Under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, thousands of vacancies are released every year for Helper, Worker, and Supervisor posts.
This job not only provides financial independence but also gives you a chance to serve your community by taking care of children and pregnant women. The best part? You don’t need high degrees for most of these posts.
In this detailed guide, we will cover the latest salary structure, age limit, online application form link, and selection process for 2026.
| Department | Women & Child Development (WCD) |
| Post Names | Worker (Karyakarta), Helper (Sahayika), Supervisor |
| Qualification | 8th / 10th / 12th / Graduate |
| Age Limit | 18 to 35 Years (Relaxation Applicable) |
| Selection Mode | Merit Basis (For Worker/Helper) & Exam (For Supervisor) |
1. Different Posts Under Anganwadi Recruitment
Many candidates get confused about which post to apply for. The ICDS department releases vacancies for three main roles. You can choose based on your educational qualification.
| Post Name | Role Description | Education |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Helper (Sahayika) | Cooking Mid-Day Meals, cleaning, and helping the worker. | 8th / 10th Pass |
| 2. Worker (Karyakarta) | Teaching kids (Pre-school), maintaining registers, distributing nutrition. | 10th / 12th Pass |
| 3. Supervisor (Mukhya Sevika) | Monitoring 20-25 Anganwadi centers and checking reports. | Graduate (Any Stream) |
You can check the official details of the ICDS scheme on the Ministry of Women & Child Development Website.
This recruitment is exclusively for Women candidates. Male candidates are generally not eligible for these three posts. Also, you must be a resident of the same Ward/Gram Panchayat where the vacancy is released.
If you are interested in teaching but want a higher salary, you can also check our guide on Latest Teacher Jobs 2026.
Now that you know the posts, the next big question is: “How much salary will I get?” and “What is the exact Age Limit?”. Let’s break down the Salary Structure and Eligibility in the next section.
2. Eligibility Criteria (Age & Education)
To apply for Anganwadi Recruitment 2026, you must meet the following criteria laid down by the WCD Ministry. The age is usually calculated as of 1st January 2026.
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age: 35 Years (General) / 40 Years (Widow/Divorced) / 45 Years (SC/ST).
- Residence: The candidate must be a local resident of the Gram Panchayat or Urban Ward where the vacancy is announced. A valid Domicile Certificate is required.
For Helper and Worker posts, there is usually NO EXAM. The selection is based on your 10th/12th marks.
Formula: (Percentage in 10th + Percentage in 12th) ÷ 10
Candidates with higher marks get the job directly. So, ensure you fill in your marks accurately in the form.
3. Anganwadi Salary Structure (2026 Update)
The salary of Anganwadi staff is technically called “Honorarium” (Man-deya). In 2026, many state governments have increased the honorarium. Additionally, you get a Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) of ₹500 to ₹1000 for using the ‘Poshan Tracker App’.
Here is the estimated monthly salary breakdown:
| Post Name | Estimated Salary (Per Month) |
|---|---|
| Anganwadi Supervisor | ₹20,000 – ₹35,000 (Permanent Job) |
| Anganwadi Worker (AWW) | ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 + Incentives |
| Mini Anganwadi Worker | ₹6,000 – ₹8,500 + Incentives |
| Anganwadi Helper (AWH) | ₹4,500 – ₹6,500 + Incentives |
Note: The salary varies from state to state. For example, salaries in Delhi, Haryana, and Telangana are generally higher than in UP or Bihar.
Now that you are clear about the eligibility and salary, the most important step is the Application Process. Where to get the form? Is it Online or Offline? Let’s find out in the next section.
4. How to Apply Online for Anganwadi Bharti 2026?
Gone are the days of standing in long queues. Most states like UP, MP, and Gujarat now accept Online Applications via the “ICDS Portal”. However, some states still follow the offline mode where you have to submit the form at the CDPO office.
Step-by-Step Online Process:
- Visit Official Website: Go to the WCD website of your state (Links below).
- Registration: Click on “New Registration” and enter your Mobile Number.
- Fill Details: Enter your Name, Husband’s/Father’s Name, and Marks of 10th/12th/Graduation.
- Upload Documents: Upload your photo, signature, and caste certificate.
- Submit: Review the form and click Submit. Keep the printout safe.
Please note that Anganwadi Recruitment is a transparent government process. No officer or agent can give you a job in exchange for money. Beware of fake websites asking for “Registration Fees.” Always apply only through the official .gov.in or .nic.in websites.
5. State-Wise Official Anganwadi Apply Links
Finding the correct link can be difficult. We have compiled the direct official links for major states below. Click on your state to check the latest notification.
| State Name | Official Website Link |
|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh (UP ICDS) | Apply Here |
| Madhya Pradesh (MP WCD) | Apply Here |
| Bihar (ICDS) | Apply Here |
| Rajasthan (WCD) | Apply Here |
| Maharashtra | Apply Here |
| Gujarat | Apply Here |
After submitting the form, the department will release a Provisional Merit List based on your marks. If your name is on the list, you will be called for document verification.
But wait, do you have more questions like “Can unmarried women apply?” or “Is there an interview?”. We have answered all these in the FAQ Section below.
6. Selection Process: How will you get the job?
The selection process for Anganwadi Recruitment 2026 is transparent. Unlike other government jobs, there is usually no interview for Helper and Worker posts.
A district-level committee creates a merit list based on your 10th, 12th, and Graduation marks. Bonus marks are given to widows and candidates below the poverty line (BPL).
Shortlisted candidates are called to the CDPO office. You must present your original mark sheets, caste certificate, and residence proof.
After verification, the final list is pasted on the notice board of the Panchayat/Ward office, and joining letters are issued.
Note: For the Supervisor (Mukhya Sevika) post, a written exam is conducted by the state selection board. You can check the syllabus on our Syllabus Page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can unmarried women apply for Anganwadi jobs?
Is the Anganwadi job permanent?
Can I apply in a different district?
What is the application fee?
Conclusion: Start Your Preparation
Anganwadi Recruitment 2026 is a golden chance for women to become financially independent while staying close to their families. The salary has increased, and the work is respectable.
Keep your documents ready and keep checking the official website of your state. Don’t wait for the last date!
Have doubts about your age or qualification? Drop a comment below, and our team will help you out!
Alok is the Founder and Chief Editor of StartAPreschool.in. A passionate Education Researcher & Blogger, he specializes in decoding Government Education Schemes, RTE Admission rules, and Preschool Business models in India. His mission is to provide accurate, transparent, and NEP 2020-aligned information to parents and edupreneurs.