PhD not Mandatory for Assistant Professor Posts: UGC
On March 20, 2023
The University Grants Commission (UGC) chairperson, M Jagadesh Kumar, recently announced that it is not mandatory for Assistant Professors in Central universities to have a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. Instead, candidates can qualify for the position with the National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET).
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the UGC-HRDC building on the Osmania University campus. The decision was made to provide opportunities to professionals who do not have PhDs but wish to teach in universities, as well as experts who have significant professional experience but did not have the chance to pursue a PhD degree.
An official letter from the commission reads, “University Grant Commission has made an amendment in the UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and Other Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education), Regulation, 2018 regarding clause 3.10 that stipulates the PhD degree shall be a mandatory qualification for direct recruitment to the post of Assistant Professor in Department of the Universities”.
Debate on mandatory PhDs for Asst. Professor Posts
The academic world is currently engaged in a debate regarding whether a PhD should be mandatory for assistant professor posts in universities. While some argue that a PhD is essential to ensure that candidates have the necessary qualifications and expertise, others say that it is not always needed and that alternative qualifications and experience should also be considered.
As per the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report, less than 2% of the world's population has a doctorate as of 2020. This highlights the limited availability of PhD-qualified candidates and the need to consider alternative qualifications for academic positions. Additionally, many experts in various fields have significant professional experience but may not have pursued a PhD due to multiple reasons such as financial constraints, lack of time or resources, or personal circumstances.
Those in favour of a PhD requirement argue that it is an essential qualification that ensures that candidates have the necessary expertise and knowledge to teach and conduct research at the university level. Additionally, a PhD is often required for research grants and other academic opportunities. However, many argue that alternative qualifications and experience should be considered, as having a PhD does not necessarily equate to effective teaching skills.
Additionally, it's important to consider that pursuing a PhD can be a time-consuming endeavour, and this may deter many qualified candidates from pursuing an academic career. This could lead to a smaller pool of potential candidates for educational institutions, potentially resulting in a loss of talent and diversity.
Is UGC's Decision to Make NET Qualification Sufficient?
NET stands for National Eligibility Test, which is a qualifying examination in India for candidates who want to pursue a career in teaching and research. The exam is conducted twice yearly in various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, sciences, management, and commerce.
"The UGC's decision to make NET qualification sufficient for Assistant Professor will provide opportunities for candidates who may not have had the chance to pursue a PhD but have relevant experience in their field," says Dr Pankaj Mittal, Secretary-General of the Association of Indian Universities.
It is important to note that while a PhD is not mandatory for assistant professor posts, it may still be required for higher academic positions such as associate professor or professor. Additionally, universities may have their own specific requirements and preferences for hiring academic staff.
The UGC's decision to make NET qualification sufficient for assistant professor positions is a positive step towards creating a more accessible and diverse academic environment for the inclusion of Industry Professionals who consider PhD as a barrier to pursuing their passion for teaching.
However, the debate around the role of PhDs in academia is likely to continue, and it will be interesting to witness how this discussion evolves in the coming years.
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