UGC draft guidelines: No more NET for assistant professors – Click to know the key changes!

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued draft guidelines revising the eligibility criteria for faculty recruitment and promotions across Indian higher education institutions. A major revision is the removal of the mandatory National Eligibility Test (NET) for entry-level assistant professor positions, as part of a broader effort to align the recruitment process with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The new draft guidelines aim to increase flexibility and inclusivity in the recruitment of faculty members, moving away from rigid qualification requirements and allowing institutions to consider a wider pool of candidates from diverse academic backgrounds.

The draft guidelines introduce significant changes to the qualifications required for assistant professor appointments. Under the previous 2018 regulations, candidates were required to clear the NET after completing their postgraduation to be eligible for entry-level faculty positions. The revised draft regulations, however, no longer mandate the NET for these positions. Instead, candidates with a PhD, or those holding an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a discipline different from their PhD area, will now be eligible to apply for assistant professor roles in their field of specialization. This change provides institutions with the flexibility to hire faculty members based on their academic background and expertise, regardless of the traditional subject boundaries.

Another key revision in the draft guidelines is the shift away from the Academic Performance Indicator (API) system, which was used in the 2018 regulations for shortlisting candidates for promotions. The new guidelines replace the API system with a more holistic and qualitative evaluation approach. Faculty members will now be assessed on their broader contributions to academia, such as innovative teaching methods, development of new technologies, writing textbooks, promoting Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), creating digital learning resources, and engaging in community services. These contributions will be considered during faculty recruitment and promotion processes instead of focusing solely on journal publications or conference presentations, which were previously central to the evaluation process.

The revised guidelines specify that the PhD degree will remain a necessary qualification for faculty members seeking promotions to associate professor and professor roles. For promotion to associate professor, candidates must have at least eight years of teaching experience as an assistant professor, while promotion to professor requires a minimum of ten years of experience. Additionally, candidates seeking promotion must demonstrate substantial contributions in at least four out of nine specified areas, which include research, teaching innovation, start-up funding, community engagement, and the promotion of Indian languages and knowledge systems.

The UGC’s draft guidelines also introduce specialized recruitment pathways for fields such as yoga, music, performing arts, and sports. Professionals with substantial achievements in these areas, including national or international accolades, will be eligible to be appointed as faculty members in their respective disciplines. This provision recognizes the contributions of skilled practitioners in fields that may not have traditional academic qualifications but whose professional expertise can significantly contribute to the academic environment.

Furthermore, the guidelines revise the criteria for the appointment of vice-chancellors in higher education institutions. The eligibility criteria for vice-chancellor positions have been expanded to include professionals with significant experience in academia, research institutions, public policy, public administration, and industry. This revision is designed to bring diverse perspectives and leadership expertise to the management of higher education institutions.

The UGC’s draft regulations aim to introduce a more flexible, dynamic, and inclusive faculty recruitment and promotion process that aligns with the objectives of NEP 2020. These guidelines encourage a shift from traditional academic pathways, providing opportunities for talented individuals from multidisciplinary backgrounds to contribute to India's higher education sector. The guidelines are currently open for feedback from academic bodies and other stakeholders before they are finalized and implemented.