The academic session of 2021-2022 Ph.D. is now mandatorily required for teacher recruitment at universities, apart from passing the National Eligibility Test (NET). The rule, introduced in 2018, will be implemented this year.
As per the new regulations, teachers will have to undergo a mandatory, month-long induction programme before starting work and also have to devote two hours to mentor students for community development/extra-curricular activities.
According to the media “These changes have been made to enhance the quality of education in the higher education sector. The UGC will soon define the minimum qualifications for teachers,” a senior MHRD official was quoted. To date, the minimum eligibility criteria for an assistant professor was that they should have cleared the National Eligibility Test (NET) and have a Masters's degree. “In addition to the Ph.D., aspirants will have to clear the National Eligibility Test (NET) or an accredited test (state level eligibility test) or other similar exams,” the HRD ministry official added.
The minister said Indian students who got their Ph.D. degreess from the top 500 universities abroad will also be eligible for appointment in universities. Currently, such students are not eligible to take up teaching jobs in Indian universities. The regulations also mandate newly recruited teachers in universities and colleges to undergo one month compulsory induction programme.
Ph.D. degree or qualified with NET masters degree were eligible to apply for assistant professor, the entry-level position, in universities. During the appointment of Assistant Professors, a weightage of 5 to 10 marks was given to the candidates who passed the NET exam, while Ph.D. candidates were given a weightage of 30 marks.
