NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission has unveiled the draft of its 2025 regulations, introducing some groundbreaking changes like candidates can now only teach the subject in which they have the highest academic degree. But if a candidate wants to teach another subject, different from their highest academic specialisation, then the National Eligibility Test (NET) for that subject needs to be cleared.
For example, a candidate with a PhD in chemistry, despite holding a bachelor’s in mathematics and a master’s in physics, would now only qualify to teach chemistry.
The regulations have also significantly broadened the eligibility criteria for selection of vice chancellors – distinguished professionals from fields such as industry, public administration and policy-making, and with a proven record of academic contributions, can now be considered for this role. Stakeholders have been invited to review the draft and submit their feedback.
Inclusivity is another important aspect of these reforms. The new draft explicitly includes relaxations for economically weaker sections and persons with disabilities, alongside existing provisions for SC, ST and OBC candidates. It also encourages the use of Indian languages in research and teaching, and promoting cultural alignment with national priorities.
The proposed reforms, aimed at modernising the recruitment and promotion framework for teachers and academic staff in higher education institutions, supersede the 2018 guidelines, promising to foster inclusivity, flexibility and alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Releasing the draft, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said, “By promoting flexibility, inclusivity and recognising diverse talents, we are paving the way for a dynamic academic future for India.” He emphasised the timely nature of these reforms in light of the ongoing implementation of NEP-2020.
The draft also extends the scope of qualifications by introducing provisions that recognise professional achievements, such as innovative teaching methods, digital content creation and contributions to research funding. “The revised regulations ensure that contributions to knowledge and community, rather than rigid qualifications, are valued,” UGC chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar said.
The draft regulations also emphasise transparency and objectivity in recruitment. For example, candidates applying for teaching positions may be assessed on their teaching and research aptitude through seminars or lectures. In addition, faculty promotion under the career advancement scheme will now account for periods of leave taken for maternity, childcare or study, ensuring fairness in career progression.
The draft also outlines updated qualifications for positions such as librarians and directors of physical education. Librarians will now be evaluated on their contributions to library digitisation and community engagement, while achievements in indigenous sports and public health initiatives will form key criteria for physical education directors.
