What is Assistant Professor Eligibility Criteria, Age Limit & Educational Qualification?

Assistant Professorship is a popular career option among candidates interested in academia and teaching. Every year hundreds of opportunities are released for the post of Assistant Professor in various colleges and universities across India. Candidates aspiring to become Assistant Professors in India often enquires about the eligibility criteria for the post of Assistant Professor in Indian Universities.

As per UGC latest update, the eligibility criteria for Assistant Professor have been revised as per UGC Regulation, 2018. To clear doubt regarding the eligibility criteria for Assistant Professor, we have come up with detailed information on the eligibility criteria, age limit, and educational qualification required. In the following article, the candidates will find all the relevant information on the Assistant Professor Eligibility Criteria post in detail.

Assistant Professor VS Associate Professor 

Who is an Assistant Professor?

Assistant Professors is an important role in academia and they teach in colleges and universities. It is a rank that is usually held by someone who has recently completed a doctoral degree or has a few years of teaching and research experience. Candidates can apply for the post of Assistant Professor after qualifying for the UGC NET Exam in India.

Can I become a Professor after clearing NET?

Eligibility Criteria for Assistant Professor

The eligibility criteria, age limit, and educational qualifications for the post of Assistant Professor may vary depending on the university/institute where the position is available. However, some general requirements are given in the following section.

Educational Qualifications for Assistant Professor

• The candidate should have completed a post-graduate degree (Master’s degree) with 55% marks in aggregate in the relevant field or discipline from a recognized university.
• UGC NET qualified
• OR Ph.D. degree Holder with or without NET
• It is important to note that the eligibility criteria, age limit, and educational qualifications may vary depending on the specific requirements of the university or institute where the position is available. It is advisable to check the official notification of the concerned university/institute for detailed information.

Is Ph.D. Mandatory For Assistant Professor?

Age Limit for Assistant Professor

• The age limit for the post of Assistant Professor may vary depending on the rules and regulations of the university/institute or the country where the position is available.
• Generally, there is no upper age limit for the post of Assistant Professor.

Eligibility Criteria for Assistant Professor

• Candidates from India and Abroad are eligible to apply for Assistant Professor in India if they meet all the other eligibility Guidelines.
• The candidate must have cleared the National Eligibility Test (NET) or State Level Eligibility Test (SLET) or equivalent examination conducted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
• In some cases, candidates with a Ph.D. degree are exempted from the requirement of clearing NET/SLET.

UGC Mandates NET, SET, and SLET for Assistant Professor Positions

Assistant Professor Grade I vs. Assistant Professor Grade II

Assistant Professor Grade I is an academic position requiring at least 3 years of experience after completing a PhD, focusing on teaching, research, and scholarship. Offers the potential for tenure. Assistant Professor Grade II is an academic position typically offered to fresh PhD graduates with limited experience. Initially on a contract basis, but can be converted to Grade I based on performance.

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