New Delhi, 13 October 2021 – Researchers are relieved as UGC’s recent amendment allows them to appear for assistant professor recruitment drives without a PhD. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University Grant Commission (UGC) has relaxed the minimum qualification for appointment in universities and colleges. Due to this, researchers with postgraduate degrees, who have cleared the National Eligibility Test (NET), are now eligible for recruitment. This relaxation has been introduced for a two-year period from July 1, 2021 to July 1, 2023.
Note: The amendment is known as UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and Other Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education), Amendment Regulation, 2021.
PhD Not Compulsory To Become Assistant Professor – Ad Hocs React
Ad hocs around the country are relieved with the news. Some see this as a big victory, while others are grateful for the much-needed relaxation. Rajib Ray, the president of the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA), noted in this regard, “This is a big victory for DUTA as its timely intervention and pursuance forced the UGC to concede to this demand. The DUTA first highlighted this issue with the UGC on August 14 and then met UGC officials on September 15. Delhi University (DU) must immediately issue a corrigendum to the advertisement to enable all to apply for the posts advertised in various departments”.
Also Read : NET JRF – National Eligibility Test for Junior Research Fellowship
How Will the UGC Amendment Affect Teaching Vacancies?
The relief will help colleges and universities in filling vacant teaching positions faster. This is a welcome sign for scholars who have post-graduate degrees and NET qualification, as they can now appear for recruitment drives across the country. As per media sources, nearly 10,000 teaching and non-teaching posts are lying vacant in central universities, which the amendment aims to fill quickly.
What Does This Mean For Recent NET Qualifiers?
The amendment is only applicable for the next 2 years. Therefore, recent NET qualifiers must aim to get a position speedily. Researchers who will qualify NET after two years will need a PhD along with post-graduation, as the amendment will most probably be lifted after July 1, 2023.
