New Delhi: National Eligibility Test or Doctoral (PhD) Degree – what is the essential qualification for Assistant Professors, the entry level post in universities or colleges? Many teaching job aspirants have asked this question. To provide more clarity on this, SkillOutlook presents a story on this dilemma.
First the ambiguity on this issue is resolved by saying in this manner: currently, those who hold PhD degree or are UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) qualified with masters degree are eligible to apply for assistant professor in universities or colleges.
What is UGC Faculty Regulations saying? Masters degree with NET or PhD is the minimum eligibility requirement for Direct Recruitment to the post of Assistant Professors in universities or colleges. This is the essence of UGC Faculty Regulations 2018- the UGC Regulations on 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, 2018. This regulation is popularly known as UGC Faculty Recruitment Regulations.
However, the Regulations clearly mentioned that PhD Degree shall be mandatory requirement for Direct Recruitment to the post of Asst. Prof. in universities or colleges effect from 1 July 2021.
Hence, Masters degree with NET or PhD will continue to be minimum eligibility requirement for Direct Recruitment to the post of Assistant Professor in universities or colleges till 30 June 2021.
The intend of Faculty Regulations 2018 is very clear that PhD Degree holders will have more edge in the coming years in the recruitment process.
There is a special provision for recruitment of Assistant Professors in Universities and Colleges for PhD Degree holders from a University/Institution in the top 500 Global rankings has been made.
PhD Degree has been made mandatory for promotion to Assistant Professor (Selection Grade/ Academic Level 12) in colleges.
The PhD Degree is a mandatory qualification for appointment and promotion to the post of Associate Professor.
The PhD Degree is a mandatory qualification for appointment and promotion to the post of Professor.
Hence, it can be concluded candidates with PhD degree holder or pursuing PhD Degree will have more edge in the faculty recruitment or teaching promotion in the long run.
