The University Grants Commission (UGC) in India has recently revised the regulations on the minimum qualifications for the appointment of teachers and other academic staff in universities and colleges. This article explores the background of the previous regulations, the changes introduced in 2018, and the latest revision by the UGC. The new regulations aim to increase the pool of qualified candidates for the position of assistant professor and enhance the competitiveness of the recruitment process.
The Background of Previous Regulations:
In June 2010, the UGC released revised regulations stating that candidates applying for the position of assistant professor must qualify in the National Eligibility Test (NET), State Eligibility Test (SET), or State Level Eligibility Test (SLET). However, candidates with a doctoral degree were exempted from this eligibility condition. They were allowed to apply for the position even if they had not cleared the NET, SET, or SLET exams.
The 2018 Change:
In July 2018, under the leadership of then-Education Minister Prakash Javadekar, the UGC issued a notification mandating that a PhD degree would be a mandatory qualification for direct recruitment to the post of assistant professor in universities, effective from July 1, 2021. This decision provided a three-year window for candidates to complete their PhDs. Universities and colleges were directed to implement the new minimum criteria for recruitment from 2021.
Deadline Extension and Reversal:
In October 2021, considering the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the UGC extended the deadline from July 2021 to July 2023. However, before the 2018 decision could be fully implemented, the UGC has now reversed its stance with the latest revision in the regulations.
The New Regulation:
According to the revised regulations, a PhD degree is no longer mandatory for applying for the position of assistant professor in colleges and universities. Instead, the minimum criteria for direct recruitment to the post of assistant professor in all higher education institutions will be the NET, SET, or SLET qualifications. The UGC’s intention behind this revision is to increase the pool of qualified candidates and make the recruitment process more competitive.
Enhancing the Pool of Qualified Candidates:
By removing the mandatory PhD requirement, the UGC aims to open up opportunities for a larger number of candidates to apply for the position of assistant professor. This revision acknowledges that candidates who have cleared the NET, SET, or SLET exams possess the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in teaching roles. The change also eliminates potential barriers that may have prevented deserving candidates without a PhD from pursuing a teaching career.
Promoting Competitive Recruitment:
The new regulations seek to make the recruitment process for assistant professors more competitive. By emphasizing the importance of qualifying in the NET, SET, or SLET exams, the UGC encourages candidates to strive for excellence and demonstrate their proficiency in their respective fields. This revision aligns with the UGC’s objective of maintaining high standards of education and ensuring that qualified individuals are appointed as academic staff in universities and colleges.
