The University Grants Commission (UGC) has made significant changes to its regulations concerning the minimum qualifications and appointment of teachers and academic staff in universities and colleges. These amendments, known as the UGC Regulations 2018 and 1st & 2nd Amendments, have caused a stir in the higher education community. In this article, iLovePhD updated the Clarification on UGC Regulations on Minimum Qualifications and for appointment of Assistant Professors and other academic staff in universities and colleges and measures for the maintenance of standards in higher education, 2018 and I” & 2″d Amendments
Ph.D. becomes mandatory for Assistant Professor position
According to the UGC Regulations 2018, Assistant Professors in universities and colleges were required to possess the NET/SET/SLET qualification as a minimum requirement. However, a crucial modification in clause 3.10 of the regulations has introduced a mandatory Ph.D. degree for direct recruitment to the post of Assistant Professor, starting from July 1st, 2021.
Refer: PhD Not Mandatory for Appointment of Assistant Professor – UGC
Extension of the Ph.D. requirement
To the relief of many aspiring educators, an amendment issued on October 12th, 2021 extended the applicability of this condition until July 1st, 2023. However, the story does not end there.
UGC introduces the 2nd amendment
On July 1st, 2023, the UGC introduced the 2nd amendment, which now prescribes NET/SET/SLET as the minimum eligibility criteria for the direct recruitment of Assistant Professors. This amendment has brought further clarity to the qualifications required for aspiring Assistant Professors.
Discipline-specific eligibility criteria
While clause 3.10 stands as a general condition, it is crucial to note that discipline-specific eligibility criteria outlined in clauses 4.0, 4.2, and 4.3 of the UGC Regulations 2018 provide further clarification. These criteria state that Master’s degree holders must possess the NET/SLET/SET qualification as the minimum requirement, while Ph.D. degree holders are exempted from these tests.
Detailed eligibility criteria for specific disciplines
To eliminate any confusion, let’s delve into the eligibility criteria specified for various disciplines in the UGC Regulations 2018, under clause 4.1. The following qualifications are required for disciplines such as Arts, Commerce, Humanities, Education, Law, Social Sciences, Sciences, Languages, Library Science, Physical Education, and Journalism & Mass Communication:
- A Master’s degree with 55% marks (or an equivalent grade) in the relevant subject from an Indian or accredited foreign university.
- Clearing the National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by the UGC or CSIR, or an equivalent test accredited by the UGC, such as SET/SLET.
- Alternatively, candidates who have been awarded a Ph.D. degree in accordance with the University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of M.Phil./Ph.D. Degree) Regulations 2019 or 2016 and subsequent amendments are exempted from NET/SET/SLET.
Clarification on UGC Regulations on Minimum Qualifications and for appointment of Assistant Professors and other academic staff in universities and colleges and measures for the maintenance of standards in higher education, 2018 and 1st and 2nd Amendments
Impact and concerns
The UGC’s amendments have sparked discussions and debates within the academic community. While the Ph.D. requirement is seen as a significant step towards maintaining higher standards in higher education, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on aspiring educators who do not possess a Ph.D. degree. It remains to be seen how these changes will shape the future landscape of teaching and research in universities and colleges.
The UGC’s decision to amend its regulations for the appointment of teachers has far-reaching implications for both the teaching community and aspiring educators. The introduction of the Ph.D. requirement and the clarification of eligibility criteria have brought about significant changes in the recruitment process.
As experts and stakeholders continue to analyze and debate the impact of these amendments, it will be interesting to observe how these changes shape the future of higher education in India.
