The University Grants Commission (UGC) in India recently took an unprecedented step to alleviate the academic pressure on students in the country. As a result, the UGC has relaxed the eligibility criteria for assistant professor positions in universities. Previously, obtaining a PhD was mandatory for these positions, however, the UGC has now made it optional. According to the academic regulator, PhDs are often rushed by those who wish to work in academia, which tends to result in the quality of research declining. Thus, the new policy stipulated that students only need to pass an exam to qualify as an assistant professor. Still, critics argue that this is a backward move, because distance-learning qualifications remain superior to PhDs. Nonetheless, the UGC reiterated that this decision would hasten the process of filling vacant academic positions in the country.
In a recent move, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has abolished the mandatory requirement for PhD qualification to become an assistant professor. This decision is a significant relief for aspiring faculty members who do not have a PhD but possess relevant skills and experience. The move has been welcomed by scholars and educators who believe that this step will widen the pool of talent for teaching positions, help universities fill vacancies faster, and provide a level playing field for deserving candidates. The revised eligibility criteria will also de-stress the academic community and reduce the dependency on PhD degrees. This decision is expected to bolster the higher education sector and contribute to the development of a more diverse and skilled academia in India.
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