The University Grants Commission (UGC) has published a draft outlining the minimum qualifications required for hiring and promoting teachers and academic staff in universities and colleges and strategies for upholding standards in higher education. Stakeholders are requested to provide feedback on the proposed regulations by February 5, 2025.

According to the guidelines, the UGC has advised eliminating the National Eligibility Test (NET) as a requirement for hiring assistant professors and promotions in higher education institutions. According to the proposal, candidates possessing a postgraduate degree in ME or MTech with a minimum of 55 percent marks will qualify for the position of assistant professor (entry-level position). At present, passing the UGC-NET exam is a necessary eligibility for qualifying as an assistant professor.

The updated regulations also modify the selection procedure for vice-chancellors, including an expansion of eligibility criteria to encompass professionals from academia, research organizations, public policy, public administration, and industry. As per the guidelines, the selection for the vice chancellor’s position will be through an all-India newspaper advertisement and public announcement.

Applications also pursued via nomination or a talent search conducted by a Search-cum-Selection Committee. These regulations also outline explicit guidelines regarding the composition of the VC’s search-cum-selection committee, tenure, age restrictions, qualifications for reappointment, and who is authorized to establish the search-cum-selection committee.

The guidelines also indicate the selection of a principal. As per the new guidelines, a principal will be appointed for five years, with the eligibility of reappointment for an additional term by following the established selection process for the principal. However, she/he is permitted to serve as a principal for a maximum of two terms at the same college.  Upon finishing the tenure as principal, the individual will return to his original organization as a professor, in the professor grade, given that he/she meets the eligibility requirements for the position.