The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released the draft of the UGC Regulations 2025 concerning the "Minimum Qualifications for Appointment and Promotion of Teachers and Other Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education." The draft outlines the rules for teacher recruitment and promotion and invites suggestions from stakeholders. UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar has elaborated on the key highlights of the draft, which introduces three categories of eligibility for the appointment of Assistant Professors and new promotion guidelines for academic staff.
Revised Eligibility Criteria for Assistant Professors
The draft introduces three distinct qualification categories for Assistant Professor appointments:
Category 1: Ph.D. Holders Exempt from UGC-NET
Candidates with either:
An undergraduate degree along with a Ph.D., or
A master’s degree with a Ph.D.,
will no longer need to qualify for UGC-NET. The recruitment will be based on the subject of the Ph.D. degree.
Category 2: Master’s Degree Holders with UGC-NET
Candidates who possess a master’s degree in disciplines such as MA, MCom, MBA, or MSc and wish to apply for teaching positions in universities or colleges must qualify for UGC-NET.
Category 3: Engineering and Technology Faculty
For appointments in engineering and technology departments, the UGC has introduced a third category. Candidates with a postgraduate degree (ME, MTech, or equivalent) in engineering or technology with at least 55% marks (or equivalent grade) will be eligible for the post of Assistant Professor without needing to qualify for UGC-NET.
Promotion Guidelines for University Teachers
The new draft also brings a qualitative approach to assessing teachers for promotions. Key aspects of the evaluation include:
Publications in reputed journals,
Authorship of books or book chapters,
Filing of patents.
This broader evaluation framework aims to promote a research-oriented and innovative culture among academic staff.
UGC Chairman’s Vision for Higher Education
Commenting on the draft, UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar stated, "The revised regulations are designed to ensure that the recruitment process aligns with modern academic requirements and the evolving needs of higher education. The qualitative assessment framework for promotions will encourage faculty members to actively contribute to research, innovation, and knowledge dissemination."
Public Feedback Invited
The UGC has invited feedback from academic stakeholders, students, and the public on the draft regulations. Once finalized, these guidelines will play a pivotal role in shaping the recruitment and promotion landscape in higher education institutions across the country.
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