After more than 7 decades of our Independence, we have finally realized the need for increased practical exposure in academics. For this, its important to permit industry professionals to impart their practical knowledge to students. UGC’s recent decision for professionals to become a professor will serve students a pragmatic learning.
Introduction of professionals in academics without PhD
According to the guidelines recently issued by the University Grants Comission (UGC), Professor of Practise, a position that can now be filled by industry experts and professionals. They will now be allowed in higher education institutions even without a formal academic qualification. Additionally, up to 10 percent of sanctioned posts can be Professors of Practice in higher education institutes. As per the rules, they will have a maximum tenure of four years.
As a prerequisite, the eligible candidates should have at least 15 years of experience. They must be “distinguished experts who have made remarkable contributions in their professions” in areas like Science and technology, social sciences to media and armed forces, among others.
As per the guidelines for the newly created post, “a formal academic qualification is not considered essential… if they have exemplary professional practice in lieu. These experts will also be exempted from the requirement of publications and other eligibility criteria stipulated for the recruitment of faculty members at the professor level. However, they should possess the skills to carry out the duties and responsibilities specified in the following section.”
The recent decision has reportedly created three categories: Professor of Practice funded by industries, Professor of Practice funded by higher education institutions from their own resources, and Professor of Practice on honorary basis.
According to the guidelines, the Professors of Practice will also be involved in developing and designing the curriculum, while also deliver lectures “as per institutional policies”. Evidently, they will also be expected to focus on an enhanced industry-academia collaborations.
The UGC also said that this move will streamline faculty resources in universities and colleges. It will extend a real-world exposure and experience in the otherwise theory-based classrooms building graduates “who fall short of the required skills.”
Read more: Graduate, Undergraduate, Postgraduate no more, UGC is redefining your degrees
Requirement of PhD had restrained classrooms from practicality
In the changing times, where we have more practical based courses of music, dance, journalism, among others. Undoubtedly, theory will create a base for industry in students. However, practical activities in the classroom will provide an overall hands-on experience.
Up until now, a PhD was required for recruitment as a regular professor or associate professor, which restrained faculties to embark pragmatic experience to budding professionals. On the other hand, Professors with practical knowledge will provide an adequate training before employing students in industries. To simply compare the two, a PhD is an academic degree focused on original research, data analysis, and the evaluation of theory. Whereas a professional doctorate focuses on applying research to practical problems, formulating solutions to complex issues, and designing effective professional practices within a particular field.
Read more: UGC’s revision of history syllabus for undergraduate course triggers row
University Grants Commission (UGC) is redefining laws for budding experts
There are many industry experts who want to teach. There are various professionals who have implemented large projects and also carry a lot of on ground experience like a dancer or a musician. But the expert was not eligible to be hired in academics as per the previous laws. However, now a professional will be able to become a professor at an esteemed university.
University Grant Commission (UGC) has taken some revolutionary steps to intend practical knowledge to students. However, it will take some time for changes to manifest, but young generations can rest assured that the future children won’t have to go through the same rotten University system which we went through.
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