Maharashtra makes NET, SET or SLET mandatory for direct recruitment of assistant professors

The Maharashtra government has changed the eligibility rules for recruiting assistant professors in higher education institutions. Under the new rule, a candidate must pass the National Eligibility Test (NET), the State Eligibility Test (SET) or the State Level Eligibility Test (SLET) to be appointed through direct recruitment. Without clearing at least one of these three recognised examinations, a candidate will not qualify for direct recruitment.

The change has been made in a revised Government Resolution (GR) of the Higher and Technical Education Department, issued on November 4. The GR sets out the minimum qualifications required for assistant professor posts. It is expected to make the recruitment process clearer and more uniform across the state.

The new resolution has also been brought in to end the confusion over implementing the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations of June 30, 2023. The relevant provision of the earlier resolution, issued in March 2019, has been replaced so that eligibility conditions for assistant professor appointments remain the same everywhere. The clarification comes at a time when recruitment to teaching posts is under way across Maharashtra.

Concern had earlier been raised over exemptions given to some candidates holding PhD and MPhil degrees, particularly in cases where candidates with higher academic qualifications were preferred over those who had passed the eligibility test. It has been stated that, despite the prescribed examination, PhD holders in some subjects continued to enjoy an exemption. Such practices led to irregularities in recruitment and left eligible candidates uncertain. Officials say NET and SET qualification should remain mandatory for assistant professor appointments.

The All India NET-SET Teachers Organisation has welcomed the government's decision. Kushal Mude, the organisation's national coordinator, said the revised conditions would help apply uniform recruitment standards across higher education institutions. Thousands of NET and SET qualified candidates, who were unsure about the recruitment conditions, are expected to benefit.

The government's clarification will also ensure that applicants are assessed only through recognised national and state-level examinations. This will bring greater uniformity to academic appointments. Irregularities in the selection process are expected to decrease, and institutions as well as future applicants will get clear guidelines.

Once the new guidelines take effect, recruiting institutions are expected to follow clearer eligibility standards. This is believed to increase transparency in appointments and give candidates who pass NET, SET or SLET more opportunities across Maharashtra.