All over the world, teaching is regarded as a profession that is both prestigious and respected. Teachers in India are seen as guides, leaders who not only set the way for others but also can shape the minds of their students. However, becoming an assistant professor, on the other hand, is a difficult career ambition to pursue.
Along with teaching in colleges and universities, assistant professors serve their departments and institutions and carry out research. A typical career path for an assistant professor includes receiving a doctoral degree, acquiring proficiency in a certain field via research and teaching experience, and obtaining a position through an extensive application and interview process. It requires diligence, perseverance, and tenacity. An Assistant Professor is an entry-level faculty position at a government/private college or university, responsible for teaching, research, and service within their academic department. This role serves as a stepping stone to higher academic ranks, such as Associate Professor and Professor. Explore important details about the position to learn more:
However, it is a demanding career path that enables you to instruct students directly and conduct research that contributes to the advancement of human knowledge.
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To become an assistant professor you have to fulfill some eligibility criteria
Before embarking on a career as an Assistant Professor in India, one must first determine whether this is the right choice for them. Below we have discussed the duties and obligations of an Indian Assistant Professor.
Read More: Career Options after Qualifying UGC NET Exam (Traditional & Non Traditional)
To become an assistant professor, you might need these skills:
The sole method of achieving the position of Assistant Professor is through entrance exams, such as the ones listed below:
NET: National Eligibility Test, or NET, also known as UGC NET, is a competitive test given by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to choose people for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and to see if they are qualified to be a Lecturer. To be qualified for this test, one must have a postgraduate degree with at least 55% marks obtained from a UGC approved university.
GATE: Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), The GATE Committee, which is composed of faculty members from various institutes, including IISc, Bangalore, and the seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), administers the Graduate Aptitude Test, an All-India competitive entrance exam. The GATE score can be used to get a Ph.D., and once your study papers are published as a Ph.D. thesis, you can apply to become a professor or lecturer at an IIT or NIT.
UGC-CSIR NET: The CSIR NET is a national-level examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to identify candidates for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor positions in the field of science. This Eligibility Test (CSIR UGC NET) is administered by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
SLET/SET: The National Testing Agency (NTA) also administers the State Level Eligibility Test (SLET/SET), a state-level assessment meant to choose the motivated applicants statewide to qualify for Assistant Professor. The state government conducted the exam. You will be qualified to apply and work at state-level government/private colleges and universities once the SLET/SET exam is cleared.
In India, there are three types of colleges: 1) Colleges run by the state government, 2) state-aided colleges, and 3) private colleges. Getting a job as a professor in a government college is considered prestigious. The Public Service Commission in every state conducts recruitment drives to appoint assistant professors/professors. The Public Service Commission conducts exams and interview processes to select professors for government colleges. This is how the recruitment process for professors in government colleges of India happens.
What are the eligibility criteria to become an assistant professor?
You should have a good academic record with at least 55% of marks in your postgraduate degree. You need to clear UGC NET, UGC CSIR NET, and SET/SLET to achieve eligibility. PhD is often needed to become a professor in Indian universities.
How to become a professor in government colleges?
To become a professor at government colleges, you must pass the specific exam conducted by the state government.
Is it possible for an assistant professor to earn a substantial salary?
Yes, for an assistant professor, the salary ranges from 35000-50000 INR. You can earn and sustain yourself with ease.
Is a B.Ed required for becoming a professor?
No. B.Ed is not mandatory to become an assistant professor. Clearing UGC NET is mandatory to become a professor.
Is a Ph.D. mandatory for becoming an assistant professor?
No. Ph.D is not mandatory to join a higher education institute. UGC has declared that NET/SET/SLET shall be the minimum criteria for the direct recruitment to the post of Assistant Professor in any higher educational institution.
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