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The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a draft of its 2025 regulations, proposing a significant overhaul of the teacher and vice-chancellor (VC) appointment processes in Indian higher education institutions. These proposed changes aim to modernize the recruitment and promotion framework, fostering inclusivity, flexibility, and alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. A central tenet of the new regulations is a stricter alignment between a candidate's highest academic degree and their teaching subject. Previously, a candidate might teach multiple subjects based on their qualifications. Now, candidates can only teach the subject matching their highest academic degree, unless they clear the National Eligibility Test (NET) for the subject they wish to teach. For instance, an individual with a PhD in chemistry would only be eligible to teach chemistry, even if they hold degrees in other subjects. This provision aims to ensure subject-matter expertise and enhance the quality of teaching at the university level.
The regulations significantly broaden the eligibility criteria for selecting vice-chancellors. Previously limited to primarily academic backgrounds, the selection process will now include distinguished professionals from various fields such as industry, public administration, and policy-making. The key criterion is a demonstrated record of academic contributions. This expansion aims to introduce diverse perspectives and expertise into leadership positions within higher education institutions. The UGC's rationale suggests that such a move will lead to more effective leadership and better alignment of universities with national development priorities. This move has been applauded by some stakeholders as a significant step towards modernization and diversification of university leadership.
Inclusivity is another central theme of the proposed reforms. The draft regulations explicitly include relaxations for economically weaker sections and persons with disabilities, alongside existing provisions for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates. This emphasis on equity and access to higher education aims to create a more representative and inclusive academic environment. Furthermore, the regulations encourage the use of Indian languages in research and teaching, promoting a cultural alignment with national priorities and potentially increasing accessibility for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. This commitment to inclusivity is a significant departure from previous regulations and is intended to align the higher education system with the principles of social justice enshrined in the NEP 2020.
Beyond teaching appointments, the proposed changes also address other aspects of higher education institutions. The draft regulations introduce provisions that recognize professional achievements in addition to traditional academic qualifications. This includes contributions in areas such as innovative teaching methods, digital content creation, and contributions to research funding. The UGC chairperson, M Jagadesh Kumar, emphasized that the revised regulations value contributions to knowledge and community rather than solely focusing on rigid qualifications. This holistic approach aims to reward and incentivize a broader range of skills and achievements within the academic landscape. This should help attract talent from a wider pool of individuals beyond traditional academic career paths.
The draft regulations also prioritize transparency and objectivity in recruitment processes. For teaching positions, candidates will be assessed on their teaching and research aptitude through seminars or lectures. This approach is intended to provide a more comprehensive and nuanced evaluation of a candidate's capabilities beyond solely relying on their academic record. Furthermore, the regulations address fairness in career progression for faculty. Faculty promotion under the career advancement scheme will now account for periods of leave taken for maternity, childcare, or study, ensuring that career advancements are not penalized due to these legitimate reasons. Similarly, updated qualifications for other roles such as librarians and directors of physical education have been introduced, focusing on contributions to library digitisation, community engagement, and initiatives in indigenous sports and public health.
The release of the draft regulations marks a significant step towards modernizing India's higher education system. The UGC has invited stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposed changes, ensuring a participatory process in shaping the future of teacher and VC appointments. The reforms, championed by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, are seen as timely, given the ongoing implementation of NEP 2020. The ultimate aim is to create a dynamic and inclusive academic environment that fosters excellence and aligns with the nation's educational goals. The changes reflect a broader shift towards a more holistic and inclusive approach to higher education, one that values diverse contributions and expertise, ultimately benefiting both educators and students alike. The next phase will involve careful consideration of the feedback received, leading to the finalization of the regulations and their eventual implementation across Indian universities.
Source: UGC proposes big shake-up in teacher, VC appointments