UGC Clarifies Minimum Eligibility Criteria for Hiring Assistant Professors
In a recent development, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a clarification regarding the revised minimum criteria for direct recruitment to the post of Assistant Professor in universities and colleges. This clarification comes after the UGC released a notification on July 5, stating that the National Eligibility Test (NET)/State Eligibility Test (SET)/State Level Eligibility Test (SLET) would be the minimum requirement for such recruitment.
M Jagadesh Kumar, the UGC Chief, took to Twitter to provide further clarification on the matter. He stated that candidates with a Master’s degree would require UGC-NET/SLET/SET qualification for direct recruitment as an Assistant Professor. On the other hand, candidates holding a PhD degree, in accordance with UGC Regulations, would be eligible for direct recruitment to the post of Assistant Professor and would be exempted from UGC-NET/SLET/SET.
Kumar also mentioned that higher educational institutes have the flexibility to use suitable criteria from the regulations for Assistant Professor appointments, depending on the number of applications received in a specific discipline.
The UGC’s earlier notification on Wednesday had emphasized that NET/SET/SLET would be the minimum criteria for direct recruitment to the post of Assistant Professor in all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Additionally, the UGC Chief’s tweet highlighted that obtaining a PhD qualification for appointment as an Assistant Professor would be optional starting from July 1.
The UGC has clarified that it has amended the general condition clause no. 3.10, which previously mandated a PhD qualification from July 1, 2023. However, it is important to note that the detailed eligibility criteria for various disciplines remain unchanged, and it is clearly stated that NET/SLET/SET is the minimum requirement for direct recruitment of Assistant Professors without a PhD degree, as mentioned in the UGC’s clarification statement.
Overall, this clarification from the UGC aims to provide clear guidelines regarding the minimum criteria for direct recruitment to the post of Assistant Professor in HEIs. The flexibility given to institutes in selecting appropriate criteria based on application numbers ensures a balanced approach to recruitment, while also recognizing the importance of UGC-NET/SLET/SET qualifications and the optional nature of a PhD degree for such appointments.
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