In a significant decision made on July 5, 2023, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has abolished the mandatory requirement of a Ph.D. for individuals aspiring to become Assistant Professors in higher education institutions. Professor M Jagadesh Kumar, the Chairman of UGC, shared this pivotal information through a tweet, emphasizing that the new regulations have been effective since July 1, 2023. Instead of a Ph.D., the UGC now stipulates that passing the National Eligibility Test (NET), State Eligibility Test (SET), or State Level Eligibility Test (SLET) will serve as the minimum criterion for direct recruitment to the esteemed position of Assistant Professor across all higher education institutions.
This momentous decision marks a significant departure from the traditional qualification requirements and aims to expand opportunities for aspiring educators while ensuring the highest standards of teaching excellence. By eliminating the mandatory Ph.D. requirement, the UGC acknowledges the diverse skill sets and expertise that candidates without a doctorate degree can bring to academia.
While the move away from a mandatory Ph.D. requirement represents a significant shift in academia, the UGC remains committed to upholding the highest quality standards in education.
Professor M Jagadesh Kumar’s announcement via Twitter has generated widespread discussions and reactions within the academic community.
