UGC removes PhD compulsion for teaching in Central Universities
In a major move, the University Grants Commission is going to do away with the mandatory PhD requirement for teaching in central universities. The main reason behind this is to give opportunity to industry experts and professionals to teach in central universities, most of whom have ample knowledge in their field, but do not hold a PhD. For this, special posts like Professor of Practice and Associate Professor of Practice are being created by UGC. A diplomat says, after this decision of the UGC, there will be an opportunity to teach international relations in central universities.
What did the UGC chairperson say on abolishing the requirement of PhD?
University Grants Commission chairman M Jagadesh Kumar said, “There are many experts who want to teach. Could be someone who has implemented big projects and has grassroots experience, or could be a great dancer or musician. But we cannot appoint them to teach in central universities as per the existing rules.”
He further said, “Therefore, it was decided that special posts will be created. There will be no requirement of PhD, experts will be required to demonstrate their experience in a given domain. These posts can be permanent or temporary depending upon the requirements of the experts and institutions. Specialists retiring at the age of 60 years can also join as full or part time faculty and teach till the age of 65 years.
Meeting of Vice Chancellors of Central Universities with UGC Chairperson
The Vice Chancellors of Central Universities had a meeting with UGC Chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar on Thursday. In this meeting, it was decided to constitute a committee to work on amendment of rules for appointment of teachers in central universities. The meeting was convened to discuss, among other things, progress in the implementation of the National Education Policy. UGC is also planning a centralized portal to streamline and ensure the appointment of teachers without any delay. According to the education ministry, as of December 2021, more than 10,000 teachers’ posts were vacant in centrally funded institutions.
