Tamil Nadu tops in appointing professors of practice in HEIs

Tamil Nadu has emerged as the top state in appointing professors of practice in higher education institutions, according to data released by the University Grants Commission.

The UGC introduced guidelines in 2022 allowing institutions to engage industry professionals as professors of practice to strengthen industry-academia collaboration and bring practical expertise into classrooms.

These appointments are temporary and do not replace sanctioned faculty posts. Candidates must have at least 15 years of relevant professional experience, preferably in senior roles.

Data show that 1,841 professors of practice have been appointed across 349 higher education institutions nationwide. Tamil Nadu accounts for the highest number with 395 appointments.

Maharashtra has appointed 193, while Gujarat and Karnataka have engaged 179 and 170 professionals, respectively.

Private and deemed to be universities account for the bulk of appointments. Deemed universities have hired 699 professors of practice, private universities 715, state universities 212, and colleges 200. Central universities have appointed 15 so far.

“In order to bring in distinguished experts from various fields of engineering, science, technology, entrepreneurship, etc., and to develop courses and curriculum to meet the industry and societal needs and to enable the HEIs to work with industry experts on joint research projects, the concept of professor of practice has been adopted, and thereby provide exposure and mentorship to students by domain experts,” a senior UGC official said.

“The maximum duration of service of a professor of practice at a given institution should not exceed three years and is extendable by one year in exceptional cases, and the total service should not exceed four years under any circumstances,” he added.

The official said the initiative allows experienced leaders from various sectors to contribute on an honorary basis and support academic development.