UGC Changes Rules: NET No Longer Required for Assistant Professor Jobs
Introduction
University Grants Commission (UGC) : Minimum Qualifications for Appointment and Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education Regulations, 2025
Preamble: In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 26(1)(e) of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956, the UGC hereby makes the following regulations to establish minimum qualifications for the appointment and promotion of teachers and academic staff in universities and colleges, as well as measures to maintain and enhance standards in higher education.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued draft regulations to update the qualifications for teaching and academic staff in universities and colleges. These proposed changes aim to improve standards in higher education and simplify the criteria for appointments and promotions. Stakeholders are invited to provide their feedback on the draft regulations by February 5, 2025.
Proposed Draft of UGC
The draft regulations propose removing the National Eligibility Test (NET) as a mandatory qualification for the appointment of assistant professors. Under the new guidelines, candidates with a postgraduate degree in ME or MTech, achieving a minimum of 55 percent marks, will qualify for entry-level assistant professor roles. Currently, the UGC-NET exam is a compulsory requirement for these positions.
Additionally, candidates with an undergraduate degree (NCrF Level 6) with at least 75 percent marks, a postgraduate degree (NCrF Level 6.5) with a minimum of 55 percent marks (or equivalent), and a PhD (NCrF Level 8) will also be eligible for the role. Alternatively, a postgraduate degree that meets the NCrF Level 6.5 criteria, coupled with qualifications in NET, SLET/SET, or equivalent examinations, will remain a valid pathway for eligibility.
NCrF : National Credit Framework (“Credit” means the number of hours of instruction required per week over a semester)
Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor positions
Merit-Based Recruitment: Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor positions will be filled based on merit through an all-India advertisement and selection by a duly constituted Selection Committee.
Ph.D. Discipline Eligibility: If the discipline of the Ph.D. differs from that of the undergraduate (NCrF Level 6) or postgraduate (NCrF Level 6.5/7) program, the Ph.D. discipline will determine eligibility for faculty positions.
NET/SET Discipline Eligibility: If the discipline of NET/SET differs from that of the undergraduate or postgraduate program, the discipline in which NET/SET was qualified will determine eligibility for Assistant Professor roles.
Marks Relaxation: A 5% marks relaxation at the undergraduate (NCrF Level 5.5/6) or postgraduate (NCrF Level 6.5/7) level will be provided for candidates from SC/ST/OBC (Non-creamy Layer)/EWS/Persons with Disabilities categories.
UGC Official Updates
UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar On new Regulation
#WATCH | Draft UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment & Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025 released.
— ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2025
UGC Chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar says, "Faculty… pic.twitter.com/Fs6i4mG11v