UGC Proposes To Dilute Promotion Criteria, May Hit Teaching Quality In Universities

The University Grants Commission, in its draft regulation for appointment of teachers and other academic stuff in universities, has lowered the criteria in promoting university teachers to higher posts, a move likely to affect the quality of post-graduate education in universities.

Video editing: Suraj Wadhwa/Outlook

The UGC has proposed to do away with most of the existing rules on promotions for the post of Associate and Assistant professors.

For instance, according to existing regulations, 'successfully' guiding a PhD student is mandatory for direct recruitment to the post of Associate professor. The proposed regulations seeks to do away with that requirement.

"Associate professor is a higher level post and therefore requires candidates with independent research record. Guiding a Ph.D. student is a sureshot way to assess a person’s capability in doing independent research and mentoring," a professor told Outlook. 

“All reputed universities in India and abroad require evidence of independent research output like quality publications and successful Ph.D. guidance.”

 The draft rules have also watered down assessment procedures. The 'API' score -- which comprehensively sums up a faculty member's performance in classroom and lab, and contributions to society --- has been deleted from the draft regulations. 

The form for API scores covers every bit of contribution by the faculty member, not only in academics, but also in the administration, research, society and schools. This form is the reflection of the candidate's ability and versatility. Absence of transparency in scoring will open the flood gates of corruption and favoritism. Without the guidelines, an aggrieved teacher cannot even be sure of justice from courts.

 It is baffling because, as professors opine,  the government had no reason to tamper with the set guidelines. 

But there is a bright spot in the draft.

The UGC has, however, sought to make PhD degree mandatory for direct recruitment to the post of Assistant Professor in universities.  According to the existing rules, qualifying eligibility tests like the NET, SET, and SLET are sufficient for the appointment of Assistant Professors in Colleges and Universities.

PhD has also been made mandatory for promotion to the post of Associate professors, under the CAS (Career Advancement Scheme). Under the existing regulations, PhD is not mandatory. Professors have lauded the move, hoping that it would strengthen the core of university education and its research output.