How to Become a Professor in India?

If you want to become a professor, then we have provided all the details about how to become a professor in India after 12th.

How to Become a Professor in India

These are the common questions asked by many students when they choose teaching or professorship as a career. Becoming a professor in India is not just about completing degrees.

In this writing piece, we’ll help you through every stage, from entrance tests to career progression. Whether you're a student planning ahead or a professional considering an academic switch, you will find answers to all your questions.

Academic Prerequisites Required to Become a Professor

The academic requirements start with obtaining professional degrees, gaining practical experience, taking entrance exams, and conducting research, followed by applying for available job opportunities.

Below, find all the stages to begin your journey toward how to become a professor in India.

1. Get the Professional Degrees

Strengthen the foundation by completing your graduation in your chosen subject (law, computer science, management, humanities, and many more). Once you have completed your undergraduate degree, start completing your master’s to get a deep understanding of the subject you wish to teach.

PS: Post-graduation in the same field as your bachelor's is not compulsory. The eligibility for the UGC-NET exam and the subject you’ll teach as a professor depend on the post-graduation subject. If you are exploring how to become a professor in India after 12th, this bachelor's to master's to PhD route is the standard pathway.

2. National-level Exam Qualification

Clearing the national-level competitive exams like UGC-NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test), SLET (State Level Eligibility Test), GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering), and CSIR–NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) is required to become an Assistant Professor in India. CSIR-NET helps candidates qualify for lectureship positions.

3. Get a PhD Degree

Do you know that the majority of Indian colleges/universities require both a doctorate and NET qualification to become a professor? Since 2021, it has become mandatory to pursue a PhD after qualifying for UGC-NET. You can get higher job positions like Associate Professor after intensive research and a PhD degree. 

4. Get Practical Experience

Even with formal education, one must acquire teaching experience during/after a PhD degree. This is an integral step to secure a professorship in India. One can start as a tutor, visiting faculty, or assistant professor to gain some real-world teaching experience.

5. Research & Publications

Thorough research is one of the essential skills if one wishes to become a professor in India. To get promoted from assistant professor to associate professor, you must publish articles, research papers, and projects.

PS: This boosts your academic reputation across many disciplines.

6. Start Applying

If you assume that job offers will come automatically during or after your PhD, that’s a common misconception. The process will begin once vacant positions are available, followed by application and interview (if shortlisted). Communication skills, subject knowledge, classroom management, and student engagement are all analyzed during an interview.

Also Read: List of PhD Specializations: Course-wise Specializations, Eligibility, Entrance Exams

Eligibility Criteria to Become a Professor

So, what do you think is the winning combo to secure a successful professorship? The main ingredients that can help you in qualifying it are listed below:

• JRF age limit: 30 years or below; no upper age limit for Assistant Professor.
• Minimum 75% in a 4-year undergraduate course.
• At least 55% (General) and 50% (ST/SC/PWD/Transgender) in a masters
• Must have cleared UGC-NET or CISR-NET.
• Get your research published in peer-reviewed and reputable journals.
• Doctorate or PhD in the intended field.
• Prior teaching experience
• Any solid recommendation from previous teaching institutions/professors.

Also Read: UGC NET 2026 Preparation Tips: Check Toppers' Strategy & Guide

Career Progression as a Professor

Depending on expertise, a professor may advance to the position of Chancellor by progressing through the following academic and administrative roles:

Professor → Senior Professor → Professor of Eminence → Dean or Director → Pro Vice-Chancellor → Vice-Chancellor → Chancellor

How Much is a Professor's Salary in India?

Below is the annual average salary range (annually) for different types of professors.

Note: Government colleges, especially IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, and other central universities, tend to offer the highest salaries and benefits. This is why many candidates specifically research how to become a professor in government colleges in India.