Let’s Learn About the Path to Becoming an Assistant Professor

Let’s Learn About the Path to Becoming an Assistant Professor
December 2, 2024
Teaching Exams . UGC NET

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.

Assistant Professor: Detailed Job Profile

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:

  • Permanent post combining teaching and research.
  • The majority of the time, a doctoral degree is required.
  • After a certain period, an assistant professor might get a promotion as an associate professor or professor.
  • Participates in research, gives speeches at conferences, and writes papers to build a reputation as an expert in their subject.
  • Teaches courses for both undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees.
  • Anticipated to be on academic committees and carry out other types of service.

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.

Read More: B.Ed or NET – Which One Is Better for Starting Your Career in Academia

Eligibility Criteria:

To become an assistant professor you have to fulfill some eligibility criteria

  • Good academic record as defined by their respective University with at least 55% marks at the Masters Degree level in a relevant field.
  • The applicant must have passed the National Eligibility Test (NET) held by the UGC and CSIR or a similar test accepted by the UGC, such as SLET, or SET.

Assistant Professor in India: Roles and Responsibilities:

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.

  • Incorporate and develop unique teaching strategies.
  • Conduct instruction for both undergraduate and graduate students who are engaged in the pursuit of their area of expertise.
  • Prepare daily lesson plans and objectives for the pupils.
  • Guide the students in their academic development.
  • Support research students’ projects.
  • Check on the student’s progress and actions repeatedly.
  • Offer support or assistance to the more experienced instructors as they carry out their responsibilities.
  • Journals and academic publications should be utilized to publish the university’s research.
  • Improve the performance of students by establishing competent infrastructure.
  • Supply assistance to the department’s operational operations.
  • creating an atmosphere in the classroom that stimulates curiosity.
  • Engage in effective communication with every other department, university institution, school, and outside company.
  • Becoming an assistant professor in India is relatively easy if the above duties are achievable.

Read More: Career Options after Qualifying UGC NET Exam (Traditional & Non Traditional)

Skills Required to Become an Assistant Professor:

To become an assistant professor, you might need these skills:

Research Skills

  • Knowledge of research methods in your discipline.
  • Statistical/ Analytical Skills.
  • Proficiency in scholarly writing and publication.
  • Lab Management Skills.

Teaching Skills

  • In-depth knowledge of your subjects.
  • Presentation/ Public Speaking Skills.
  • Development of courses and curriculum design techniques.
  • Instruction and guidance of pupils.
  • using effective pedagogies.

Organizational Skills

  • Organizational abilities and time management.
  • Ability for teamwork and cooperation.
  • Personal qualities and communication.
  • Management competencies and leadership.
  • Developing these kinds of abilities from your academic background will help you land that assistant professor job.

Entrance Examination for Assistant Professor:

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.

How to Become a Professor/Assistant Professor?

  • Get to know your faculty advisers – Develop strong relationships with mentors who can help you and write recommendation letters.
  • Be careful while applying for a Ph.D. You should get an advisor who is well-connected, well-funded, and supportive.
  • Develop your professional network by attending conferences to maintain communication with scholars in your field.
  • Seek out collaborative research opportunities with other academicians through frequent collaboration.
  • Become proficient in the fundamentals of teaching by observing exceptional instructors, reflecting on feedback, and consistent improvement.
  • Regularly submit manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals to publish frequently.
  • Present your work – Seize every opportunity to deliver conference presentations on a local or global scale.
  • Think of post-doctoral research fellowships as a useful stepping stone towards professor employment.
  • Maintaining a proactive approach in these domains will facilitate your prospects for success.

How to become a professor in government colleges in India

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. 

FAQs

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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