New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced significant changes to teacher recruitment rules under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Candidates must now possess a PhD or qualify for the UGC NET in their subject to be eligible for teaching positions. Earlier, a uniform subject alignment across bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees was mandatory for becoming a professor. This restriction has been lifted to encourage interdisciplinary education and make the system more flexible.
Promotion Criteria Revised
The promotion process will now include research papers, startups, entrepreneurship, innovation, patents, and industry collaborations as part of the evaluation. PhD and faculty development program training will remain essential for promotion from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and Professor. The move aims to improve teaching quality and foster a research-oriented academic culture.
UGC Regulation 2024 in Progress
UGC is set to replace its 2018 guidelines with new regulations in 2024, introducing flexibility in teacher recruitment and enhancing education quality. These reforms are expected to foster holistic student development and innovation in research methodologies.
Opportunities for Subject Experts
Experts in specialized fields such as yoga, drama, and fine arts will also be eligible for teaching roles, provided they have received a national-level award or recognition. This change aims to diversify education sectors and incorporate fresh talent into academia.
