The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released draft guidelines for the recruitment of Vice Chancellors (V-Cs) at universities, introducing significant changes to broaden the eligibility criteria. The proposed norms aim to allow the direct appointment of industry experts and senior professionals from the public sector, expanding the traditional pool of candidates.

Under the current guidelines, only academicians with at least 10 years of experience as professors or in prominent research or academic administrative roles are eligible for the V-C position. The draft guidelines, however, propose including those with at least 10 years of senior-level experience in industry, public administration, public policy, or Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), reflecting a more inclusive approach to leadership roles in higher education.

The guidelines also propose changes in faculty recruitment norms, allowing candidates with postgraduate degrees in Master of Engineering (ME) or Master of Technology (MTech) — and at least 55% marks — to be eligible for the post of assistant professor without requiring the UGC National Eligibility Test (NET). This marks a departure from the current regulation that mandates NET qualification for assistant professor appointments. Additionally, the UGC aims to revise rules to attract top talent in specialized fields such as Yoga, Music, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Sculpture, and Drama.

These draft regulations, titled UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment & Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025, will replace the 2018 guidelines. The updated norms have been made available on the UGC website for public feedback and suggestions.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while launching the draft guidelines, highlighted their transformative potential. He noted that the changes will foster innovation, inclusivity, flexibility, and dynamism in higher education. "They empower teachers and academic staff, strengthen academic standards, and pave the way for achieving educational excellence," the minister remarked.