UGC makes NET, SET, SLET mandatory for appointment of assistant professors

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has set the minimum qualification criteria for the direct appointment of assistant professors for all higher education institutions. According to the UGC, NET/SET/SLET is the minimum requirement for the direct hiring of assistant professors. The major route to assistant professorship eligibility is the UGC NET/SET/SLET test. However, there are also a few exceptions to this rule. The UGC has offered alternative ways to become eligible for assistant professorship without taking the NET/SET test. 

Is anyone without NET or SET eligible to be an assistant professor? 

Candidates seeking assistant professorships who hold a Ph.D. from a recognised institution are qualified without passing the UGC NET/SET test. Without taking the NET/SET test, Ph.D. holders from the institutions recognised by the UGC are also eligible for assistant professorship.

A Ph.D. was previously required by the UGC for assistant professorships at colleges and universities across India. However, the UGC has made it clear that a Ph.D. is not required for assistant professorships until July 2023. Therefore, candidates for assistant professorships must have a master's degree with at least a 55 per cent grade point average and have passed the NET/SET exam. 

Eligibility required for assistant professor 2023

Age limit: There is no upper age limit.

Experience: Candidates who have previous experience in teaching or research will be given preference.

NET, SET or SLET: Candidates must have qualified for the National Eligibility Test (NET) or State Eligibility Test (SET), or they should have a Ph.D. degree from a recognised university.

Educational qualifications: Candidates must have a master's degree from a recognised university with at least 55 per cent marks. However, a relaxation of 5% is given to candidates belonging to the SC/ST/OBC/PWD categories.

UGC asks universities to refund 100% fee

In a recent circular, UGC also announced it would take punitive action against higher educational institutions (HEIs) violating the UGC fee refund policy. 

The panel asked institutions to permit a complete refund of fees within a given time frame so that students could select the course they wanted to take.