UGC draft sets minimum qualifications for university faculty

This document is a draft set of regulations issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in February 2018, establishing minimum qualifications, pay scales, and service conditions for the appointment of teachers and academic staff in Indian universities and colleges. It matters to citizens as it defines the eligibility criteria (such as NET/SET/SLET and PhD requirements) and recruitment standards for higher education positions.

Who it concerns: Universities, colleges, and institutions recognized by the UGC; candidates seeking appointment as Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, Professors, Senior Professors, Librarians, and Directors of Physical Education and Sports; and the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD).

What the document says

• The regulations supersede the UGC Regulations of 2010.
• NET (National Eligibility Test) or accredited state-level tests (SET/SLET) are the minimum eligibility for direct recruitment to Assistant Professor positions, except for PhD holders who are exempted.
• A minimum of 55% marks (or equivalent grade) at the Master's level is required for direct recruitment of teachers.
• A 5% relaxation in marks is provided for candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Differently-abled, and Other Backward Classes (Non-creamy Layer).
• PhD is a mandatory qualification for appointment and promotion to the posts of Professor and Associate Professor.
• PhD becomes a mandatory qualification for direct recruitment to Assistant Professor in Universities with effect from 01.07.2021.
• Teachers may be re-employed on contract beyond the age of superannuation up to the age of 70 years, subject to UGC guidelines.
• Universities and State Governments must modify their relevant Acts/Statutes within 6 months of the adoption of these regulations.

Also in the document

• The document is explicitly labeled as a 'DRAFT' in the header and body text.
• The regulations apply to institutions established under Central, Provincial, or State Acts, as well as institutions deemed to be universities.
• For disciplines where statutory professional councils (like ICAR, NCTE, AICTE) exist, their norms apply for direct recruitment, provided they have laid down such norms.
• The period of time taken to acquire M.Phil or PhD is not counted as teaching/research experience, unless the research was pursued simultaneously with teaching without leave.