In a pivotal commission meeting on December 23, 2024, the University Grants Commission (UGC) approved the draft of the UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025. Today, Hon’ble Minister for Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan officially released the draft guidelines, now available on the UGC website for public feedback.
Revolutionizing Faculty Recruitment and Progression
The 2025 regulations aim to revolutionize faculty recruitment and promotion in Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), emphasizing flexibility, inclusivity, and excellence. A significant change allows candidates to qualify for faculty positions based on their UGC-NET performance in any subject, irrespective of their undergraduate and postgraduate disciplines. This shift facilitates a multidisciplinary ecosystem in universities, as envisioned by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Additionally, the regulations emphasize the importance of Indian languages in academic publishing, aligning with NEP 2020’s focus on promoting Indian languages in higher education.
Moving Beyond Numbers: A Holistic Evaluation Approach
The new regulations discard the quantitative Academic Performance Indicator (API) system introduced in 2018, which heavily relied on numerical scores for academic performance assessment. Instead, a qualitative approach will enable selection committees to evaluate candidates based on notable contributions and broader academic impacts, such as innovation in teaching, technology development, community engagement, and promoting Indian knowledge systems and sustainability practices. This holistic assessment aims to foster a more dynamic and passionate academic workforce.
Specialized Pathways for Traditional Arts and Sports
Recognizing the value of traditional arts and sports, the regulations introduce specialized recruitment pathways for fields like Yoga, Music, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, and Drama. These pathways honor national and international accomplishments, ensuring talented practitioners can enrich academia while preserving India’s cultural heritage. Additionally, accomplished sportspersons will now have opportunities to join the teaching profession, reflecting a commitment to physical education and sports.
Redefining Vice-Chancellor Selection
The 2025 regulations also reform the selection process for vice-chancellors, expanding eligibility to professionals from academia, research, public policy, public administration, and industry. Clear guidelines on the composition of the search-cum-selection committee, tenure, age limits, and reappointment eligibility are outlined to ensure a transparent and inclusive process.
These progressive changes apply to Central, State, Private, and Deemed Universities, marking a significant step toward fostering an innovative and inclusive academic environment in India.
— M. Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman, UGC
