The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently introduced changes pertaining to the qualifications necessary to become an Assistant Professor in higher education institutions.
As per the revised regulations, the UGC has established that the National Eligibility Test (NET), State Eligibility Test (SET), and State Level Eligibility Test (SLET) will now serve as the minimum requirements for direct recruitment to the Assistant Professor position.
These modifications have been incorporated in the second amendment to the University Grants Commission Regulations of 2023, which governs the appointment of teachers and academic staff in universities and colleges, as well as the maintenance of standards in higher education.
Henceforth, it is mandated by the UGC that clearing the NET/SET/SLET examinations will be the minimum eligibility criterion for aspiring Assistant Professors in any higher education institution. Moreover, the UGC has rescinded the first amendment made in the UGC Regulations of 2021.
Previously, possessing a doctoral degree (PhD) was a prerequisite set by the UGC for individuals seeking Assistant Professor positions. However, effective from July 1, 2023, a PhD is no longer mandatory. Candidates who successfully clear the NET/SET/SLET exams will now be eligible to apply for Assistant Professor roles in universities and colleges.