NET no longer required for appointments of assistant professors: UGC

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has unveiled a draft outlining the minimum qualifications for appointing and promoting teachers and academic staff in universities and colleges, along with measures to uphold standards in higher education.

The deadline for stakeholder feedback on the proposed regulations is Feb 5.

In accordance with the rules, the UGC has suggested that the National Eligibility Test (NET) no longer be required for promotions and assistant professor appointments in higher education institutions.

Candidates with a postgraduate degree in Master of Engineering (ME) or Master of Technology (MTech) with at least 55% marks will be eligible for the associate professor position (entry-level post), according to the proposal.

The UGC-NET exam is currently required to be eligible to be employed as an assistant professor.

In addition, candidates for the position of associate professor must have a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree (NCrF Level 8) and an undergraduate degree (NCrF Level 6) with at least 75% marks, or a postgraduate degree (NCrF Level 6.5) with at least 55% marks (or an equivalent grade).

Additional requirements include passing the National Eligibility Test (NET), conducted by the UGC, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and others.

Alternatively, an examination comparable to the State Level Eligibility Test (SLET) or State Eligibility Test (SET) may be accepted.

Additionally, candidates must hold a postgraduate degree (NCrF Level 6.5) with at least 55% marks or an equivalent grade.