Assistant Professor without UGC NET: There is great news for the youth preparing to become Assistant Professor. University Grants Commission (UGC), National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) will no longer be necessary to become an Assistant Professor. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has released the draft guidelines of UGC for faculty recruitment and promotion in Higher Education Institutes (HEIs). According to this, it will not be necessary to be NET qualified in the subject for Assistant Professor recruitment.
Actually, UGC has issued draft rules with the aim of revising the qualifications of teaching and academic staff in universities and colleges, which will replace the rules of the year 2018. These rules are designed to raise standards in higher education by streamlining the criteria for appointments and promotions. However, currently stakeholders have been given time till February 5, 2025 to give their feedback on the draft rules.
How can one become an assistant professor without NET?
In the draft available on the official website of UGC, it has been recommended to remove National Eligibility Test (NET) as a mandatory qualification for the appointment of Assistant Professors, which is being considered as a big step. Under the new rules, candidates having postgraduation degree in ME or M.Tech with at least 55 percent marks will be eligible for entry-level assistant professor posts. At present, it is mandatory to pass UGC-NET exam for this post.
How many marks are required?
Additionally, candidates with Undergraduate degree (NCrF level 6) with at least 75 per cent marks, Postgraduate degree (NCrF level 6.5) with at least 55 per cent marks (or equivalent) and PhD (NCrF level 8) Will also be eligible for the job of Assistant Professor.
The highlights of the UGC Regulations 2025 are as follows:
– Flexibility: Now after clearing NET/SET, candidates can teach in subjects which are different from their previous degree. However, specialization done in PhD will be given preference.
– Promotion of Indian languages: Use of Indian languages ​​will be encouraged in educational publications and degree courses.
– Holistic Assessment: Selection of candidates will be based on their merit and significant contribution and not on score alone.
– Inclusivity: Persons with disabilities and accomplished sportspersons will also be encouraged to pursue careers in the teaching field.
– Better governance: The eligibility criteria have been expanded by bringing transparency in the selection process of Vice-Chancellors.
– Welcoming diverse talent: Experts in arts, sports and traditional subjects will be given the opportunity to enter the academic field.
– Promotion process: The criteria for promotion of teachers have been simplified and importance has been given to teaching, research and academic contribution.
– Emphasis on professional development: Faculty development programs will be promoted for teachers to learn and improve new skills.
– Transparency and accountability: Transparent process will be adopted for recruitment, promotion and grievance redressal.
Let us tell you that this draft will reflect the rules of 2018. According to the rules of 2018, to become a professor, it is mandatory to pass UGC-NET exam after PG. UGC Chairman M Jagadish Kumar says that the rules of 2018 are before the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020. Now this new rule has been brought keeping in mind NEP 2020. This will provide opportunities to the best talents in higher education institutions. According to Jagdish Kumar, NEP 2020 supports multiple education. Therefore, teachers coming from different subjects will get a chance. However, to become a professor, UG, PG and PhD will still be required.