Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan unveiled the draft UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment and Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025, at a ceremony in New Delhi on Monday.
Addressing the gathering, Pradhan highlighted the transformative nature of the draft regulations, emphasizing that they would introduce flexibility, inclusivity, and dynamism to the Indian higher education system.
One of the key aspects of the draft regulations is the flexibility they offer to candidates seeking teaching careers. Under the new guidelines, individuals will have the opportunity to pursue teaching roles in subjects they qualify for, based on their NET/SET qualifications, even if those subjects are different from their previous academic degrees. Moreover, the regulations prioritize Ph.D. specialisation, enabling a more specialized approach to teaching and research.
The regulations also place a strong emphasis on promoting the use of Indian languages in academic publications and degree programs.
Another major shift is the transition from traditional score-based shortlisting methods to a more holistic evaluation system. This new approach will consider a broader range of qualifications, including ‘Notable Contributions,’ offering a fairer assessment of candidates’ qualifications beyond just numerical scores.
The draft guidelines open new avenues for a more diverse talent pool in academic institutions. Dedicated recruitment pathways will be created for experts in arts, sports, and traditional disciplines, allowing institutions to tap into a wider range of expertise. In line with the spirit of inclusivity, the regulations offer opportunities for accomplished sportspersons, including those with disabilities, to enter the teaching profession. This initiative is expected to increase representation and participation from diverse backgrounds in academia.
Pradhan also underscored the importance of enhanced governance, particularly in the selection process for Vice-Chancellors. The new guidelines propose a revision of eligibility criteria for Vice-Chancellor appointments, ensuring greater transparency and fairness. The promotion process for academic staff has also been simplified, with a focus on essential factors such as teaching quality, research output, and overall academic contributions. This streamlining is designed to make the career progression of academic staff more straightforward and merit-based.
Professional development remains a priority, which encourage continuous learning and skill enhancement for teachers through faculty development programs.
Additionally, the regulations propose enhanced transparency and accountability across the entire academic ecosystem. By instituting clearer and more open processes for recruitment, promotion, and grievance redressal, the regulations aim to ensure fairness and integrity in the academic system.
At the event, Pradhan also expressed his pride in the UGC’s decision to name the new auditorium ‘Pushpagiri,’ in honor of the ancient intellectual heritage of Odisha. He noted that Pushpagiri, once a cradle of knowledge and enlightenment in Jajpur, Odisha, was an ideal name for the auditorium, reflecting India’s rich academic and cultural history.
