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. UGC has proposed to remove the requirement of National Eligibility Test (NET), which till now was necessary to become an Assistant Professor.
The move marks a significant change in India’s higher education sector. This will not only bring a change in 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 the 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 |
| effective date | 2025 |
| NET Essentials | has been removed |
| Minimum marks for ME/MTech | 55% |
| Eligibility for PhD holders | 75% marks in UG and 55% marks in PG |
| Opportunities for professionals from various fields | Available |
| Last date of feedback | February 5, 2025 |
| Applicable Institutions | Central, State, Private and Deemed Universities |
New qualifications for assistant professor
UGC has proposed new qualifications for the post of Assistant Professor. Under these new rules:
- Candidates having postgraduate degree in ME or MTech with 55% marks will be directly eligible for the post of Assistant Professor.
- Candidates holding PhD who have secured 75% marks in Graduation and 55% marks in Post Graduation will also be eligible for this post.
- Post graduate degree holders who have qualified NET, SLET/SET or equivalent examination will also be eligible.
NET mandatory abolished
The most important aspect of the new rules is that the requirement of NET has been abolished. This step is a big opportunity for those candidates who till now were not able to enter the teaching field due to the hurdle of NET. However, NET will still be valid as an optional qualification.
Opportunities for professionals from various fields
UGC has attempted to attract talent not only from the academic field but also from various professional fields. Under the new rules:
- Experienced Industry Professionals
- Public Administration Specialist
- public policy expert
- Senior researchers of research institutes
All of them can now apply for higher educational posts. This step will help in bringing new ideas and experiences in 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 from industry, public administration, policy making or PSUs having 10 years of senior level experience will also be eligible for this post.
- The Vice-Chancellor’s selection committee will now be three-member, comprising the Visitor or Chancellor, the UGC, and nominees from the apex body of the university.
Emphasis on research and publication
The new rules place special emphasis on academic excellence:
- Candidates must publish at least 8 research papers in reputed journals.
- Alternatively, 8 book chapters, or a complete book, or two co-authored books will be valid.
- 8 Patents will also be accepted as an optional qualification.
promotion of indian languages
UGC proposes to encourage teaching and publishing in Indian languages. This move is in line with NEP 2020’s goal of mother tongue education.
New promotion criteria
New criteria have been set for promotion to the post of Associate Professor:
- The new norms will be applicable in subjects like arts, commerce, humanities, education, law, social sciences, science, languages, library science, physical education, journalism and mass communication.
- Special criteria have also been set for engineering/technology, management, drama, yoga, music, performing arts, visual arts, and other traditional Indian art forms such as sculpture.
Encourage innovation in teaching
Innovation in teaching has been given special importance in the new rules:
- New contribution to education
- Development of research or teaching laboratories
- Obtaining funding for consulting or sponsored research
- Contribution to teaching 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 February 5, 2025. This process will ensure that final rules are implemented only after extensive deliberations.
Impact of new rules
These new rules will have far-reaching impacts on the Indian higher education system:
- Diversity in teacher recruitment: Inclusion of professionals from different fields will bring new ideas and experiences into educational institutions.
- Opportunities for young talents: With the removal of NET requirement, young and talented candidates will get a better chance to enter the teaching field.
- Promotion of research: Emphasis on research and publications will improve the quality of research in Indian educational institutions.
- Development of Indian languages: Teaching and publishing in local languages will be encouraged, which will be helpful in preserving the Indian knowledge tradition.
- Flexible Education System: Giving opportunities to candidates with different educational backgrounds will make the education system more flexible and inclusive.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purpose only and the information given in it is based on the official statement of UGC. Readers are advised to directly refer to the official website of UGC or latest notification for final and official information regarding these rules. The information provided in the article is subject to change and cannot be considered as any legal or official document. Readers are advised to obtain detailed information before making their decisions.
