26,751 Teaching Post Vacancies Filled in Central HEIs, 15,637 Under Mission Mode Drive

The ongoing Mission Mode drive, launched in September 2022, has significantly contributed to addressing faculty shortages as till December 23, 2024, a total of 26,751 positions were filled across CHEIs, including 15,637 faculty positions under the Mission Mode initiative.

The Ministry of Education has informed the Lok Sabha that Central Higher Educational Institutions (CHEIs) have filled 26,751 positions, including 15,637 faculty posts under the Mission Mode recruitment drive initiated in September 2022. The data was revealed in response to an unstarred question posed by MP K Radhakrishnan in the Parliament.

The government reiterated that faculty recruitment in CHEIs is managed autonomously by individual institutions under their respective Acts and Regulations. These institutions, governed by Boards of Governors, Executive Committees, or Boards of Management, oversee the recruitment process independently, with no direct intervention from the Ministry.

Vacancy and Recruitment Trends

The Ministry highlighted that faculty vacancies occur due to various factors, including retirements, resignations, promotions, expansion of academic programs, and the establishment of new institutions. Given the dynamic nature of faculty requirements, the process of filling vacancies remains continuous.

In response to a growing demand for qualified faculty and to mitigate shortages, the Ministry urged CHEIs to expedite the recruitment process. The ongoing Mission Mode drive, launched in September 2022, has significantly contributed to addressing faculty shortages across institutions. By December 23, 2024, a total of 26,751 positions were filled across CHEIs, including 15,637 faculty positions under the Mission Mode initiative.

Integration of Industry Expertise in Academia

The government also underscored initiatives under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aimed at strengthening industry-academia collaboration. One such measure is the introduction of the ‘Professor of Practice’ concept, where distinguished professionals from various industries, including engineering, science, technology, and entrepreneurship, are engaged to mentor students and enhance curriculum relevance.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) issued guidelines for the appointment of ‘Professors of Practice’ on September 30, 2022, to facilitate greater industry participation in academic institutions. Additionally, visiting faculty are being deployed as per institutional requirements to supplement academic expertise and provide students with insights from domain experts.

With an emphasis on skill-based education and vocational integration, the government aims to align higher education with industry needs, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped for evolving job markets.

While the Mission Mode drive has helped reduce vacancies, the Ministry reiterated that faculty hiring remains a continuous process. As institutions expand and student enrolment increases, the government remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance faculty strength and improve the quality of higher education in India.

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