- By Ritesh Kumar
- Wed, 08 Jan 2025 11:13 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
UGC Draft Regulations 2025: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has proposed significant changes to the eligibility and appointment criteria for teaching and academic positions in universities and colleges. These changes are outlined in the draft regulations for minimum qualifications and standards in higher education, with stakeholders invited to provide feedback by February 5, 2025.
UGC Updates:
— UGC INDIA (@ugc_india) January 6, 2025
UGC invites Comments/Suggestions/Feedback on the Draft UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment & Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025
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Removal of NET Requirement for Assistant Professors
The draft regulations recommend removing the National Eligibility Test (NET) as a mandatory qualification for the appointment of assistant professors and promotions in higher education institutions. According to the proposal, candidates holding a postgraduate degree in ME or MTech with a minimum of 55 per cent marks will be eligible for the entry-level assistant professor post. Currently, the UGC-NET exam is a mandatory requirement for this position.
Revised Selection Process for Vice Chancellors
The UGC has also proposed changes to the selection process for vice chancellors, expanding eligibility to include professionals from diverse fields such as academia, research institutions, public policy, public administration, and industry. Key highlights of the new process include:
- Advertisement and Notification: Selection will be initiated through an all-India newspaper advertisement and public notification.
- Search-cum-Selection Committee: Applications may also be sought via nominations or talent searches conducted by a Search-cum-Selection Committee.
- Guidelines for Appointment: The regulations outline details about the composition of the committee, tenure, age limits, reappointment eligibility, and the formation process of the selection committee.
New Guidelines for Principal Appointments
The regulations introduce updated criteria for the appointment of college principals:
- Tenure and Reappointment: Principals will serve a five-year term and may be reappointed for one additional term, following the prescribed selection procedure.
- Term Limit in Same College: A principal can serve for a maximum of two terms at the same institution.
- Return to Parent Organisation: After completing the tenure as principal, the individual will rejoin their parent organisation as a professor, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for the professor designation.