UGC Draft Guidelines 2025: ‘If the new rule of UGC is implemented then both appointment and promotion will be a challenge’, what is this?

UGC Assistant Professor NET Requirement Change: Mixed processes are emerging regarding the proposed new rules for appointment and promotion of the University Grants Commission (UGC). Many teachers have called it a beneficial draft made under the provisions of NEP (National Education Policy). At the same time, objections from many teachers are also coming to the fore. he/she says that there are many flaws in the new rule. These rules will make teaching more difficult. Many teachers organizations have demanded that this draft – ‘UGC Regulations 2025’ (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment and Promotion in Universities) – should be withdrawn.

Path made for field experts

UGC has paved the way for experts in the field in appointments. According to the draft, if you are an expert in the field, you can become an assistant professor even after graduation. However, National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) Chairperson Professor Pankaj Arora says that ‘this draft is on the lines of NEP and is a good change. When the four-year undergraduate course started with the new education policy, it was clear that after this course the student will be able to give NET (National Eligibility Test) and after qualifying it, he/she can become an assistant professor.

‘Full weightage to the selection committee’

Under earlier regulations, candidates were given preference on the number of publications in journals and conferences. But with the new draft this Academic Performance Index (API) will be abolished. Rather, now the selection committee will emphasize on selecting the candidates on the basis of innovative skills in teaching.

But Rudrasish Chakraborty, Associate Professor, Kirori Mal College, DU, says, ‘100% weightage is being given to the selection committee in the appointment. That means, no credit is being given to academic profile, research publications and teaching experience. The process of shortlisting for interview and final round selection is also not transparent.

‘Impact on quality teaching, problem in promotion’

Professor Pankaj Garg in DU says that ‘the new rules have been made more stringent. Along with its core discipline, other disciplines are also being talked about. This will affect the quality of studies in the classroom. Because the core discipline, i.e. the subject in which you have built your base during UG and PG, will be missed.

he/she said, ‘Also, as per rules, any ad-hoc teaching experience will not be counted for promotion. This can be counted only in the case of Indian universities or research organizations if the ad-hoc appointment is made in accordance with the selection committee constituted under the regulations of the UGC. But the appointments that have been made so far have been made as per the rules of the university. Also, as per the rules, PhD degree will now be mandatory for promotion.

Governor elects VC

If the new rules are implemented, the Chancellor of the University, who is the Governor of the state, will have the right to choose the Vice Chancellor. The decision of the Chancellor will be final in choosing the VC. It has also been said in the draft that if it is not implemented, action can be taken against the institution. For example, they may be barred from participating in UGC schemes or offering degree courses. Teachers say that due to this, there will be a fight in the opposing party states regarding VC.

The new draft of UGC says that it is not necessary for the VC to be a professor. Now any person from industry, public policy, public administration or public sector undertaking can become VC. Teachers say that only a person with academic background should come to this post. However, Professor Pankaj Arora says that ‘it is not necessary for the VC to already be a professor. In many universities, administrative officers like IAS officers have also become VCs. If this draft is implemented then it will be visible on a large scale. There is nothing wrong in this because it also talks about a person with good academic profile.