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Assitant Professor (on Contract)

Overview, Education, Careers Types, Skills, Career Path, Resources

Assistant Professors (on contract) teach, conduct research, and mentor students. They contribute to academic excellence and gain valuable teaching experience.

Average Salary

₹4,20,000

Growth

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Satisfaction

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Educational Requirements

Education Requirements for Becoming an Assistant Professor (on Contract)

To become an Assistant Professor on contract in India, a specific educational path and qualifications are generally required. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

  • Master's Degree:
    • A Master's degree in the relevant subject with a minimum of 55% marks from a recognized Indian University or an equivalent degree from an accredited foreign university is essential.
  • NET/SLET/SET:
    • Candidates must have cleared the National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by the UGC or CSIR, or a similar State Level Eligibility Test (SLET) or State Eligibility Test (SET).
    • Those who have been awarded a Ph.D. degree in accordance with the University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of M.Phil./Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2009 or 2016, are exempted from NET/SLET/SET.
  • Ph.D. (Preferred):
    • While not always mandatory, a Ph.D. degree in the relevant discipline is highly preferred and often gives candidates a significant advantage.
  • Relaxation:
    • NET/SLET/SET shall also not be required for such Masters Programmes in disciplines for which NET/SLET/SET is not conducted.
  • Additional Skills:
    • Strong communication and presentation skills.
    • Good research and analytical abilities.
    • Proficiency in using technology for teaching.

Meeting these educational requirements is crucial for securing an Assistant Professor position on contract in Indian colleges and universities.

Study Path
Top Colleges

Top Colleges in India for Aspiring Assistant Professors

To pursue a career as an Assistant Professor, obtaining a strong educational foundation from reputable institutions is crucial. Here are some of the top colleges and universities in India for relevant courses:

  • University of Delhi (DU):
    • Known for its arts, science, and commerce programs.
    • Offers excellent Master's and Ph.D. programs across various disciplines.
  • Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi:
    • Renowned for its social sciences and humanities programs.
    • Offers competitive Master's and Ph.D. programs with a strong research focus.
  • Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi:
    • Offers a wide range of programs in arts, science, and technology.
    • Known for its traditional and modern educational approaches.
  • Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs):
    • Particularly IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, and IIT Madras.
    • Excellent for engineering and science disciplines, offering strong research programs.
  • Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai:
    • Specializes in social sciences and offers unique programs.
    • Known for its applied research and community engagement.
  • Presidency College, Kolkata:
    • One of the oldest and most prestigious colleges in India.
    • Offers strong undergraduate and postgraduate programs in arts and sciences.

These institutions are highly regarded for their academic rigor, research opportunities, and faculty expertise, making them excellent choices for aspiring Assistant Professors.

Fees

The fees for courses required to become an Assistant Professor can vary widely depending on the type of institution (government, private, or deemed university) and the specific program (Master's, Ph.D.). Here’s a general overview:

  • Master's Degree:
    • Government Institutions: ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per year.
    • Private Institutions: ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 per year.
  • Ph.D. Degree:
    • Government Institutions: ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 per year.
    • Private Institutions: ₹30,000 to ₹1,50,000 per year.
  • NET/SLET/SET Coaching:
    • Online Coaching: ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 for the entire course.
    • Offline Coaching: ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 for the entire course.

These fees are approximate and can vary. Government institutions generally have lower fees due to subsidies, while private institutions tend to have higher fees to cover operational costs. Additionally, deemed universities may have fees comparable to private institutions. It's important to check the specific fee structure of the colleges or universities you are interested in.

Related Exams

To become an Assistant Professor, several exams can help you achieve this career goal. Here’s a detailed description:

  • National Eligibility Test (NET):
    • Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
    • NET is a national-level exam to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and for determining eligibility for appointment as Assistant Professor in Indian universities and colleges.
    • It tests the candidate's teaching and research aptitude, reasoning ability, comprehension, divergent thinking, and general awareness.
  • State Level Eligibility Test (SLET) / State Eligibility Test (SET):
    • SLET/SET is conducted by various state governments for recruitment of Assistant Professors in colleges and universities within their respective states.
    • The syllabus and pattern are generally similar to NET, but it focuses more on the state-specific context.
  • Ph.D. Entrance Exams:
    • While not directly for Assistant Professor positions, obtaining a Ph.D. is highly advantageous.
    • Many universities conduct their own entrance exams for Ph.D. programs, testing research aptitude and subject knowledge.
  • CSIR NET:
    • Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) NET is for science subjects.
    • It is similar to UGC NET but specifically for candidates in the field of science.

Preparing for these exams requires a thorough understanding of the subject matter, consistent study habits, and familiarity with the exam patterns. Clearing these exams significantly enhances your chances of securing a position as an Assistant Professor.

Exam NameExam Date
Pros And Cons

Pros

  • Opportunity to gain teaching experience.
  • Flexibility in work hours.
  • Chance to improve research skills.
  • Networking opportunities with faculty.
  • Contribution to academic community.
  • Potential for permanent position.
  • Exposure to diverse subjects.
  • Personal and professional growth.

Cons

  • Job security is not guaranteed.
  • Lower salary compared to permanent staff.
  • Limited benefits and allowances.
  • High competition for positions.
  • Workload can be demanding.
  • May require frequent job changes.
  • Less influence in decision-making.
  • Limited career advancement.