University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently proposed new rules for the recruitment of Assistant Professor. These new rules are going to bring a big change in the education sector. Under these rules, Masters degree holders are going to get a big benefit. The UGC has proposed to remove the imperative of National Eligibility Test (NET), which was still necessary to become Assistant Professors.
This step is a significant change in India’s higher education sector. This will not only change the recruitment process of teachers, but it will also provide a new opportunity to young talents to enter the teaching field. This decision of the UGC is in line with the goals of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to make India’s education system more flexible and inclusive.
UGC Net New Rules 2025: At a glance
| Description | New rules |
| Date of implementation | 2025 |
| NET mandatory | Has been removed |
| Minimum marks for Me/MTECH | 55% |
| Qualification for PHD holders | 75% marks in UG and 55% in PG |
| Opportunities for professionals of different fields | Available |
| Last date of feedback | February 5, 2025 |
| Institute for implemented | Central, state, private and deemed university |
New qualifications for Assistant Professor
UGC has proposed new qualifications for the post of Assistant Professor. Under these new rules:
- Candidates with postgraduate degree with 55% marks in Me or MTECH will be eligible for the post of Assistant Professor directly.
- PHD holder candidates who have secured 75% marks in graduation and 55% in postgraduate will also be eligible for this post.
- Postgraduate degree holders who pass NET, SLET/SET or equivalent examination will also be eligible.
NET’s imperative ends
The most important aspect of the new rules is that NET’s imperative has been abolished. This step is a big opportunity for those candidates who were unable to enter the teaching field due to NET barrier till now. However, NET will still be valid as an alternative qualification.
Opportunities for professionals of different fields
The UGC has tried to attract talents not only from the academic field, but also from various professional areas. Under new rules:
- Experienced professional of industry
- Public administration expert
- Public policy expert
- Senior researchers of research institutes
All these can now apply for higher academic posts. This step will help bring new ideas and experiences to the education sector.
New criteria for the post of Vice Chancellor
UGC has also proposed new criteria for the post of Vice-Chancellor:
- Now professionals of industry, public administration, policy formulation or PSU, which have a 10 -year senior level experience, will also be eligible for this post.
- The Vice Chancellor’s selection committee will now be a three -member, including a visitor or Chancellor, UGC, and the nominee of the top body of the university.
Emphasis on research and publication
Special emphasis has been laid on educational excellence in the new rules:
- Candidates will have to publish at least 8 research papers in prestigious journals.
- Alternatively, 8 book chapters, or one full book, or two co-author books will be valid.
- 8 patents will also be accepted as an alternative qualification.
Promoting Indian languages
The UGC has proposed to encourage teaching and publication in Indian languages. This step is in line with the goal of education in the mother tongue of NEP 2020.
New criteria of promotion
New criteria have been set for promotion to the post of Associate Professor:
- New norms will be applicable in subjects like art, commerce, humanities, education, law, social science, science, language, library science, physical education, journalism and mass communication.
- Special norms have also been set for sculpture such as engineering/technology, management, drama, yoga, music, performance art, visual art, and other traditional Indian art forms.
Encourage innovation in teaching
In the new rules, innovation has been given special importance in teaching:
- New contribution to teaching
- Research or development of teaching laboratories
- Get funding for consultation or sponsored research
- Educational contribution in Indian languages
All these aspects will now play an important role in the evaluation and promotion of teachers.
Feedback process
UGC has sought feedback from all stakeholders on these new rules. The last date for giving feedback is 5 February 2025. This process will ensure that the final rules are implemented only after extensive deliberations.
Impact of new rules
These new rules will have far -reaching impact on the Indian higher education system:
- Diversity in teacher recruitment: Including professionals from different fields will include new ideas and experiences in educational institutions.
- Opportunities for young talents: With the removal of NET’s imperative, young and talented candidates will get a better opportunity to enter the teaching field.
- Promotion of research: Emphasizing research and publication will improve the quality of research in Indian educational institutions.
- Development of Indian languages: Teaching and publication will be encouraged in local languages, which will be helpful in the protection of Indian knowledge tradition.
- Flexible Education System: Giving opportunities to candidates with various educational backgrounds will make the education system more flexible and inclusive.
Disclaimer:
This article is only for informative purpose and the information given in it is based on the official statement of the UGC. Readers are advised to directly refer to UGC’s official website or latest notification for final and official information about these rules. The information given in the article is subject to change and cannot be considered as any legal or official document. Readers are advised to get detailed information before making their decisions.
