The University Grants Commission (UGC) just dropped their new draft guidelines for 2025, and trust me, they’re pretty exciting.
Flexiblity
First off, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – becoming a college professor is getting way more flexible!
Remember how you used to need your bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD all in the same subject? Well, those days are about to be history.
An Engineer Falling In Love With Literature
I did my bachelor’s in Civil Engineering but then fell in love with Literature during the same time.
Under the old rules, you’d be stuck – no teaching Literature for you!
Although it never happened to me as I started teaching English as a college lecturer as soon as I qualified UGC NET, some students from different subjects found challenging to get placed and teach literature in colleges.
But now, simply a UGC NET certificate in English will be enough to get the job; no need to worry about degrees.
Moreover, as I have been shouting through my lungs for a decade now:
“Passion isn’t bound by qualifications; it flows through different streams of learning, eventually carving its own path to mastery.”
It’s Getting Even Better!
Are you a successful entrepreneur or industry expert? Guess what!
You can teach without requiring traditional academic qualifications.
Let’s face it, who better to teach about business than someone who’s actually built and run successful companies?
HELL With API!
Remember the old API (Academic Performance Indicator) system?
Oh yes, a JNU teacher bellitled me in a meeting, showing off her qualifications and papers. Unfortunately her behaviour got her fired from the same University after a while.
I could not stop teachers boasting, even some so-called NET experts using my poster in their videos.
What Was API?
That complicated point system where you needed X number of research papers and Y number of conferences?
Well, they’re throwing that out the window! Instead, they’re looking at the bigger picture – how are you actually contributing to your institution? Are you starting innovative projects? Working on environmental sustainability? Promoting Indian arts and culture?
That’s what matters now.
Vice-Chancellor
Previously, these positions were often influenced by political connections. But now, they’re opening up these roles to experts from various fields – industry leaders, administration experts, public policy specialists.
“What about NET?”
Don’t worry! NET isn’t going anywhere. It’s still a totally valid way to become a professor. The UGC is just adding more paths to the same destination.
Although we are late to introduce all these things, at least these changes will make our universities more dynamic and inclusive.
It’s all about bringing diverse talents together to create a richer learning environment for students.
P.S. – We have updated all the English Literature PYQs of UGC-NET, GATE, CUET on mobile app. You can practice questions and improve your score. Download Limitless Literature app here.
