Hyderabad: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a draft of the 2025 regulations aimed at improving qualifications, recruitment, promotions and professional standards for teachers and academic staff in colleges and universities. The draft, launched on January 6 by Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, updates the 2018 rules and is said to have focused on making higher education more inclusive and efficient.
The new regulations apply to all higher education institutions in India, including central, state and deemed universities. They outline the minimum qualifications for teaching roles, such as requiring a PhD or clearing NET/SET exams. Special provisions are included for experts in traditional arts and Indian languages. Recruitment and promotions will be merit-based, focusing on teaching, research and community service under the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS).
Teachers are expected to dedicate at least eight hours daily to their responsibilities, including teaching, research and administrative work. There must be at least 15 weeks of teaching in each semester. Teachers must work at least 8 hours daily. Faculty members are encouraged to adopt innovative teaching methods and contribute to research and consultancy. Leadership positions, such as vice-chancellors and principals, will have clear qualifications and go through the required selection processes.
To promote fairness, the draft focuses on representation for marginalised communities in recruitment committees and relaxations for SC, ST, OBC, EWS and PwD candidates. A professional code of ethics focusing on fairness and integrity in dealing with students, colleagues and society. Departments are also expected to maintain a specific structure with one professor, two associate professors and four assistant professors.
Faculty members will benefit from improved leave policies, including duty leave for academic work, study leave and sabbaticals. Maternity, paternity, childcare and casual leaves are also covered. Teachers will receive allowances and benefits aligned with Central or State government employees, such as housing, medical and pension facilities.
The draft also warns institutions against breaking these rules, with penalties like de-recognition and exclusion from UGC schemes. It calls for uniform PhD evaluation processes and mandatory orientation for new faculty to maintain academic standards.
