New Delhi, 01 October 2021:  Education Ministry has granted relaxation for mandatory requirement of PhD norms in recruitment of Assistant Professors in universities and colleges. The Ministry of Education has lifted the criteria temporarily for this year to allow universities to fill the vacant posts.

In 2018, the Union Ministry of Education had announced the PhD will be mandatory effective from 01 July 2021 as per the University Grants Commission (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and other Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and other Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2018.

In 20218, the government had said to be hired at assistant professor posts, from 01 July 2021, candidates will need a PhD and NET will not be the only criteria for recruitment.

Talking to the media persons yesterday 30 September 2021, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that the plan of implementing  of the new norms has been put on hold for the current year.  However, the Minister has clearly mentioned it has not been cancelled.

According to the UGC existing norms, candidates who qualify National Eligibility Test or State Eligibility Test (SET) are eligible to apply for the post of assistant professor. Candidates who have PhD degree in accordance with UGC regulations will be exempted from the requirement of the minimum eligibility condition of NET/SLET/SET.

These reports have been widely published in various media. Hence, the teaching aspirants should take note of the development.