How to Become a Professor in India: Step-by-Step Career Guide

Becoming a professor is a rewarding career path for those passionate about education, research, and contributing to society’s intellectual development. Choosing a career as a professor is a noble and intellectually rewarding path that offers an opportunity to shape minds, contribute to knowledge, and make a lasting impact on society.

If you dream of a career in academia and are wondering how to become a professor in India, this article will guide you through the essential steps, eligibility criteria, skills required, and benefits. We’ll also explore the time it takes to achieve this esteemed role, salary expectations, and how to find the best job opportunities.

What Does a Professor Do?

Professors play a crucial role in higher education institutions. Their responsibilities go beyond teaching and include:

• Lecturing: Delivering subject-specific lectures and guiding students in academic pursuits.
• Research: Conducting research, publishing papers, and contributing to advancements in their field.
• Mentoring: Advising and mentoring students in academic, career, and personal development.
• Curriculum Development: Designing course materials and updating syllabi to reflect current trends.
• Administrative Duties: Serving on academic committees and contributing to institutional governance.

Qualifications Needed to Become a Professor

To become a professor, you need a combination of academic qualifications, certifications, and professional experience. Below is a detailed overview of the essential qualifications required:

Educational Qualifications

• Undergraduate Degree: Begin with a bachelor’s degree in the field you wish to specialize in. Choose a program aligned with your long-term academic interests.
• Master’s Degree: A master’s degree is mandatory to qualify for teaching positions at the college level. Ensure you secure at least 55% marks in your master’s program, as this is the minimum eligibility criterion for UGC NET and other teaching roles in India.
• Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy): A Ph.D. is essential to becoming a professor in universities and government colleges. It demonstrates expertise and contributes to research in your area of specialization.

Certifications and Examinations

• UGC NET/SET Certification: UGC NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) or SET (State Eligibility Test) certification is mandatory for assistant professor roles in India. Qualifying for UGC NET-JRF adds further advantages, as it offers research fellowships.
• GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering): For engineering disciplines, GATE scores can be crucial for teaching roles, especially in technical colleges.

Research Contributions

• Having research publications in reputed journals is highly valued in academia.
• Participation in national and international conferences enhances your profile.

Teaching Experience

• While entry-level roles like assistant professor may not require prior teaching experience, having a background as a lecturer or guest faculty strengthens your application.
• Practical teaching exposure during your Ph.D. program is also advantageous.

Specialized Training to Become a Professor

Completing Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) or workshops can demonstrate your commitment to teaching excellence.

Soft Skills and Teaching Aptitude

While no formal qualifications, certain skills are essential for being an effective professor:

• Communication skills and presentation skills.
• Research and analytical abilities.
• Mentorship and student engagement skills.

Special Criteria for Government Colleges

Recruitment for government college professors often involves examinations and interviews conducted by agencies like UPSC or State Public Service Commissions. A Ph.D., NET certification, and a strong teaching/research record are mandatory.

How to Become a Professor in India

To become a professor in India, you’ll need a blend of academic qualifications, teaching aptitude, and research experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Educational Qualifications

• Undergraduate Degree: Begin by earning a bachelor’s degree in your field of interest.
• Postgraduate Degree (Master’s): Pursue a master’s degree with a strong focus on academic excellence.

Step 2: Clear UGC NET or SET

• Qualify for the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) or State Eligibility Test (SET), which is mandatory for teaching at the college level in India.
• These exams are conducted by UGC (University Grants Commission) and are essential for securing college-level teaching positions

Step 3: Pursue a Ph.D.

A Ph.D. is essential to secure a position as an assistant professor or higher. Research-based doctoral studies enhance your expertise and credibility.

Step 4: Gain Teaching Experience

Start as a lecturer or assistant professor to build your teaching portfolio. Focus on research publications and academic contributions.

Step 5: Apply for Professor Positions

Once you’ve gained sufficient experience, apply for professor roles in universities or colleges.

• Look for openings in universities, colleges, and research institutions
• Highlight research publications and teaching experience
• Prepare for rigorous selection processes including interviews and presentations

To truly understand your readiness for an academic career, we recommend taking Naukri Campus’s Pathfinder – A role-based skill readiness assessment. By taking this assessment, you’ll gain valuable insights into your preparation level for becoming a professor and receive targeted guidance to enhance your academic profile.

How to Become a Professor in Government Colleges

Government college professorships are highly competitive and require additional steps:

• Clear UGC-NET or state-level eligibility tests
• Obtain a PhD from a recognized institution
• Accumulate substantial teaching and research experience
• Apply through official recruitment portals. State and central government colleges often recruit through Public Service Commissions (e.g., UPSC, SSC).
• Meet specific reservation criteria (if applicable)

Professor Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a professor role in India, you must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Qualifications: The following are the basic educational qualifications needed to become a professor-

1. A Master’s degree with at least 55% marks.
2. UGC NET or equivalent certification.
3. A Ph.D. is mandatory for associate and full professor positions.

• Experience: At least 8-10 years of teaching or research experience for higher academic positions.
• Research Contributions: Publications in peer-reviewed journals, as well as active participation in academic conferences.

Skills Required to Become a Professor

To excel as a professor, you need a combination of technical and interpersonal skills:

• Subject Expertise: Profound knowledge in your field of specialization.
• Research Skills: Ability to conduct independent and impactful research.
• Teaching Aptitude: Strong communication, presentation, and engagement skills.
• Mentorship: A knack for guiding and inspiring students.
• Critical Thinking:Analytical skills to address complex academic challenges.
• Time Management: Balancing teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities.

Technical Skills Required to Become a Professor

• Advanced subject knowledge
• Research Methodology
• Data analysis
• Academic writing
• Digital teaching tools

Soft Skills Required to Become a Professor

• Excellent communication
• Critical thinking
• Patience
• Leadership
• Adaptability
• Mentorship abilities

How Long Does It Take To Be A Professor in India?

The journey to becoming a professor in India can take around 8-15 years, depending on your academic path and opportunities. Here’s a breakdown:

• Undergraduate Degree: 3-4 years
• Master’s Degree: 2 years
• Ph.D.: 3-6 years
• Teaching/Research Experience: 3-5 years

Salary of Professors in India

The salary of professors in India varies depending on their role, institution, and experience:

• Assistant Professor: ₹40,000 to ₹1,00,000 per month
• Associate Professor: ₹80,000 to ₹1,50,000 per month
• Professor: ₹1,00,000 to ₹2,50,000+ per month

Government colleges often offer higher pay scales along with benefits like pensions and housing.

Benefits of Becoming a Professor in India

The benefits of becoming a professor are:

• Job Security: Professorship offers stable and long-term employment.
• Respect and Prestige: Professors are highly regarded in society.
• Opportunities for Research: You can contribute to knowledge creation.
• Flexible Work Environment: Academic schedules allow for work-life balance.
• Intellectual Fulfillment: Engaging with students and academic discussions fosters personal growth.

What Is The Best Way To Find A Professor Job?

The best way to find a professor job involves a strategic approach that combines online resources, professional networking, and proactive outreach. Here are the most effective methods:

• Academic Job Portals: Specialized platforms like Naukri Campus, Naukri.com, and other academic job boards regularly post professor job openings in various fields. These platforms allow you to search for positions based on location, subject expertise, and institution type. You just need to upload your academic resume and receive tailored job alerts.
• University Recruitment Websites: Regularly visit the official websites of universities and colleges you are interested in, as some institutions have annual recruitment drives for professors, especially government colleges. Check their career or recruitment pages for updates on faculty openings.
• Networking and Conferences: Networking is invaluable in academia. Attend academic conferences, seminars, and workshops to meet peers and decision-makers in your field. Build relationships with faculty members, department heads, and research collaborators.
• Leverage Professional Associations: Join professional organizations or societies related to your field. These associations often have exclusive job boards and networking events. Examples include the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) or subject-specific bodies like the Indian Mathematical Society.
• Apply Through Public Service Commissions: For government colleges, recruitment often happens through bodies like UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) – For central universities, and State Public Service Commissions, for state universities. These processes involve specific exams and interviews, so prepare accordingly.
• Publishing and Academic Recognition: Enhance your visibility and credibility by publishing papers in reputed journals, and presenting research at conferences. This helps attract offers or recommendations from universities seeking professors with strong academic profiles.
• Use Social Media and Professional Platforms: LinkedIn is a powerful tool for finding academic job opportunities. Follow university pages, recruiters, and faculty groups to stay updated. Share your academic achievements and research to increase visibility.
• Enroll in Fellowship Programs: Fellowship programs, such as the UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), often transition into academic roles. Fellowships allow you to teach and conduct research, making you a strong candidate for professorship roles.

By combining these methods, staying consistent, and building a strong academic profile, you’ll maximize your chances of securing a professor role in a reputed institution.

Becoming a professor is a challenging yet immensely rewarding journey that requires dedication, continuous learning, and passion for knowledge. By following the steps outlined in this guide, maintaining academic excellence, and staying committed to your goals, you can successfully navigate the path to a fulfilling academic career.

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FAQs on How To Become A Professor

What is the minimum qualification to become a professor in India?

A master’s degree with 55% marks and a qualifying NET/SET exam is typically the minimum requirement for becoming a professor in government or private colleges.

Can I become a professor without a PhD?

While possible initially as a guest lecturer, a PhD is strongly recommended and often mandatory for permanent professor positions in most reputable institutions.

How to become a professor in DU?

To become a professor in Delhi University (DU), you need a master’s degree with at least 55% marks, qualify for UGC NET or hold a Ph.D., and have a strong academic and research background. Regularly check DU’s official website for faculty recruitment notifications and apply accordingly.

What is the age limit to become a professor in India?

Generally, there’s no strict upper age limit. However, most government institutions have age relaxations for reserved categories during recruitment.

How competitive is the professor job market in India?

The professor job market is highly competitive, with limited positions and numerous qualified candidates. Strong research publications and teaching experience can provide an edge.

Which subjects have a higher demand for professors?

Engineering, Management, Computer Science, Medical Sciences, and emerging interdisciplinary fields like Data Science typically have a higher demand for professors.

What is the salary range for professors in India?

Professor salaries range from ₹30,000 for entry-level positions to ₹2,50,000 for senior professors, with additional research grants and allowances.

How to become a professor in IIT?

To become a professor in an IIT, you need a Ph.D. in your field of specialization, significant research contributions, and a strong academic record. Candidates are expected to have prior teaching or industry experience. Check the respective IIT’s official website for faculty recruitment details and apply when openings are announced.

Is NET/SET mandatory for becoming a professor?

Yes, NET/SET is mandatory for most college and university teaching positions in India, serving as crucial eligibility criteria for academic recruitment.

Can industry professionals become professors?

Yes, professionals with significant industry experience can transition to academia, especially in professional courses like engineering, management, and technical fields.

What are the career progression stages for professors?

Typical progression: Assistant Professor to Associate Professor, then Professor, proceeding Senior Professor/Dean/Director, with each stage requiring specific achievements and experience.

How important are research publications for becoming a professor?

Research publications are crucial, demonstrating academic expertise, contributing to knowledge creation, and significantly improving chances of securing professor positions.

What skills are essential for becoming a successful professor?

Key skills include subject expertise, research methodology, communication, critical thinking, mentorship, digital teaching tools, and continuous learning ability.

Are there opportunities for professors outside traditional academia?

Yes, professors can work in research institutions, consulting firms, online education platforms, government think tanks, and as subject matter experts in various sectors.