Recent UGC Guidelines regarding PHD Notification 

by Dr. Parul Saxena, Associate Professor, Management, Sharda University

Introduction: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently announced a revision in its guidelines, stating that the Ph.D. qualification for the post of Assistant Professor will be optional from July 1, 2023. This change aims to increase the pool of qualified candidates and enhance the competitiveness of the recruitment process. However, the decision has sparked a debate regarding its potential benefits and drawbacks. This article will explore the pros and cons of the new UGC notification regarding the optional Ph.D. requirement for Assistant Professor positions. As every coin has two sides, similarly the new notification issued by UGC in regards to making PhD as an optional qualification for the post of Assistant Professor has its high and low points as discussed below.

According to M Jagadesh Kumar, the Chairman of UGC, the new decision will provide relief to individuals aspiring to enter the academic field. Once they successfully clear the NET/SET/SLET exams, they will be eligible to apply for Assistant Professor positions in all higher education institutions (HEIs). However, depending on the number of applications received for a specific discipline, the shortlisting criteria may be set above the minimum standards established by the UGC. This will ensure that a manageable number of candidates are invited for the interview process.
Additionally, he clarified that while a Ph.D. will not be mandatory for the post of Assistant Professor, it will still be required for promotion to the associate professor level. Therefore, even if someone joins as an Assistant Professor without a Ph.D., they will need to engage in high-quality research and obtain a Ph.D. while teaching at the HEI in order to become eligible for promotion. This emphasis on obtaining a Ph.D. aims to enhance research outcomes in higher education institutions.

Highpoints:
1.    Increased Pool of Qualified Candidates: One of the significant advantages of making Ph.D. optional is that it allows a larger number of candidates to apply for Assistant Professor positions. This can potentially result in a more diverse range of applicants with different perspectives and expertise, enriching the academic environment.
2.    Enhanced Competitiveness: By removing the mandatory Ph.D. requirement, the new UGC notification fosters increased competition among applicants. This could lead to a selection of the most talented individuals who possess strong teaching skills, subject knowledge, and research potential, regardless of their Ph.D. status.
3.    Flexibility for Industry Professionals: The optional Ph.D. requirement provides an opportunity for industry professionals and practitioners with substantial experience to enter academia. Their real-world knowledge and expertise can bring valuable insights and practical relevance to the classroom, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
4.    Encouragement for Research Aspirants: Since the UGC has retained the NET/SET/SLET as the minimum criteria for direct recruitment, the revised guidelines continue to prioritize research aptitude. Aspiring academics can pursue the Ph.D. degree at their own pace while gaining valuable teaching experience as Assistant Professors.

Low points
1.    Potential Dilution of Academic Standards: Critics argue that removing the mandatory Ph.D. requirement may compromise the quality of teaching and research in higher education institutions. Without a Ph.D., individuals may not possess the in-depth subject knowledge, research skills, and critical thinking abilities expected from Assistant Professors.
2.    Overburdening of NET/SET/SLET: With the optional Ph.D. qualification, the number of candidates applying for Assistant Professor positions may significantly increase. This could result in a higher competition ratio and additional burden on the existing NET/SET/SLET examinations, potentially affecting their effectiveness and reliability as a screening tool.
3.    Lack of Recognition for Research Scholars: The revised guidelines might devalue the efforts and achievements of Ph.D. scholars who have invested significant time and resources in their research work. This change could discourage prospective scholars from pursuing a Ph.D., as it is no longer a mandatory requirement for Assistant Professor positions.
4.    Challenges in Evaluating Teaching Potential: While Ph.D. holders are typically expected to possess research capabilities, the revised guidelines place greater emphasis on teaching skills. Evaluating the teaching potential of candidates without a Ph.D. might pose challenges for selection committees, as they may have limited evidence to assess the teaching abilities of these applicants.

Conclusion: The new UGC notification making the Ph.D. qualification optional for the post of Assistant Professor has both advantages and disadvantages. It expands the pool of qualified candidates, promotes competitiveness, and provides flexibility for industry professionals. However, concerns about potential dilution of academic standards, overburdening of NET/SET/SLET, lack of recognition for research scholars, and challenges in evaluating teaching potential need to be carefully considered. Striking a balance between the aspirations of aspiring academics, the quality of education, and the requirements of higher education institutions will be crucial in navigating this transition effectively.