UGC Sets Criteria for Appointing Academic Staff and Vice-Chancellors

New Delhi- The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved new guidelines for the appointment of academic staff in universities and colleges across India, including significant changes to the selection process for Vice-Chancellors. The new regulations aim to broaden the pool of eligible candidates by including professionals from diverse fields such as academia, research, public policy, and industry.

According to the guidelines, a distinguished individual with a minimum of 10 years of experience in higher education, research, or industry leadership, along with strong academic and administrative capabilities, will be eligible for the position of Vice-Chancellor. The candidate should possess a proven track record of significant academic or scholarly contributions and demonstrate a commitment to constitutional values, social responsibility, teamwork, and global perspectives in higher education.

The selection process will involve an all-India newspaper advertisement and public notification, followed by applications through nomination or a talent search facilitated by a Search-cum-Selection Committee. The UGC outlines the composition of this committee, which includes three eminent individuals with expertise in higher education and no prior affiliation with the concerned university. The committee will be chaired by a nominee of the Visitor/Chancellor and will also include a nominee of the UGC Chairman and a nominee of the university's apex body, such as the Syndicate/Senate/Executive Council/Board of Management/Equivalent Body.

The new guidelines also provide clarity on the appointment of Principals, outlining their tenure, eligibility for reappointment, and minimum qualifications. A Principal will be appointed for a five-year term, with the possibility of one renewal, and can serve a maximum of two terms in the same college. After completing their terms as Principal, incumbents will rejoin their parent organization with the designation of professor and in the professor grade, provided they fulfill the eligibility criteria for professor.

To be eligible for the position of Principal, candidates must hold a PhD degree for PG colleges or be a Professor/Associate Professor with at least 15 years of teaching/research experience in HEIs for UG colleges. The guidelines also specify the minimum requirements for research publications, book chapters, and granted patents for Principal applicants. A minimum of 10 peer-reviewed journal publications, 10 book chapters, four books authored or eight books co-authored by a reputable publisher, or 10 granted patents are required. A Principal may be appointed based on a combination of 10 research publications, book chapters, and granted patents.