UGC allows professor of practice posts for experts, no PhD required

The guidelines stated that up to 10 per cent of the sanctioned posts in a higher education institution can be Professors of Practice, who will have a maximum tenure of four years.

UGC allows professor of practice posts for experts, no PhD required

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced that professor of practice, a faculty position that can be filled by industry and professional experts even without formal academic qualifications, will now be allowed in higher education institutions. The guidelines stated that up to 10 per cent of the sanctioned posts in a higher education institution can be Professors of Practice, who will have a maximum tenure of four years.

"The eligible candidates must be distinguished experts who have made remarkable contributions in their professions in areas ranging from science and technology and social sciences to media and armed forces among others, with at least 15 years of service or experience," the guidelines stated.

Currently, recruitment as a regular professor or associate professor, is based on PhD.The guidelines state that for the newly created post, “a formal academic qualification is not considered essential… if they have exemplary professional practice in lieu. These experts will also be exempted from the requirement of publications and other eligibility criteria stipulated for the recruitment of faculty members at the professor level. However, they should possess the skills to carry out the duties and responsibilities specified in the following section.”

"The move will help augment faculty resources in universities and colleges, while also introducing real world practices and experiences into classrooms which are producing graduates “who fall short of the required skills”, the UGC stated.

“Many industries now hire graduates and provide adequate training before employing them. Involving experts from industry in teaching will benefit both the industry and the higher educational institutions,” said the guidelines.

Three new categories have been created: Professor of Practice funded by industries, Professor of Practice funded by higher education institutions from their own resources, and Professor of Practice on honorary basis.

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