Around 5,000 college lecturers across the country could face job risk as UGC has now made PhD and other academic qualifications mandatory. They have been given a three-year timeframe to comply. This article analyses the impact, challenges, and opportunities of this decision.
UGC Decision: What is the New Rule?
UGC has announced that “academic qualifications” and PhD will now be mandatory. Until now, many colleges considered a master’s degree or exams like NET/SET sufficient. This new directive brings significant changes to those requirements. Teachers without a PhD or other required qualifications are given three years to fulfill them. Failure to do so may affect their job. This rule may apply to both permanent and guest lecturers, causing concern among teachers in mostly medium- to low-resource colleges.
Impact on Guest Lecturers
Thousands of guest lecturers work in universities and colleges across the country. Many of them teach with just a master’s degree, though they have long experience, but do not have a PhD. UGC’s step will directly affect these teachers who lack the recognized academic qualification. Many teachers are expressing concern, as their jobs are not secure, and they face financial and family pressures.
Opportunity to Pursue a PhD
UGC has also clarified that teachers can complete a PhD within three years without losing their job. During this time, institutions will provide guidance and necessary support. The aim of this rule is to improve the quality of education and provide students with high-level learning. It also gives teachers a new opportunity to enhance their teaching quality.
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