Most professors of practice hired in Tamil Nadu followed by Maharashtra, Gujarat: UGC Data

Tamil Nadu is leading the way in hiring industry experts as professors of practice in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to impart real-world experiences in the classroom. According to UGC data, the state is followed by Maharashtra and Gujarat.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2022 issued guidelines for hiring professors of practice (PoP) in HEIs to bring professional acumen to classroom environments to bridge the gap between academia and industry. The position is strictly temporary and does not replace sanctioned duties. Eligibility requires at least 15 years of relevant experience, preferably in senior-level positions.

According to the data, 1,841 PoPs have been leased by 349 HEIs so far; the maximum of these is in Tamil Nadu (395). While 193 PoPs were recruited in Maharashtra (193), Gujarat and Karnataka appointed 179 and 170 professionals respectively.

While private universities are leading the way in recruiting industry professionals in the academic workforce, Central universities have recruited only 15 PoPs so far. In comparison, so-called universities made 699 appointments, private universities reached 715, State universities added 212 PoPs and colleges used 200 PoPs.

India’s higher education landscape consists of over 45,000 colleges along with 56 Central, 460 State, 128 contemplated universities and 510 private universities, signaling the limited spread of PoP appointments in Central universities.

Parameters and need

“The concept of professor of practice has been adopted to bring together distinguished experts from various fields of engineering, science, technology, entrepreneurship, etc. and develop courses and curricula to meet industry and societal needs and enable HEls to work with industry experts in joint research project, thereby providing students with knowledge and mentorship by experts in the field,” said a senior UGC official.

“The maximum period of service of a professor of practice at a particular institution should not exceed three years and may be extended by a further year in exceptional cases and the total period of service should not exceed four years under any circumstances,” he added.

The official explained that the PoP scheme provides an opportunity for those holding leadership positions in different fields to come on an honorary basis to give back to society and contribute to nation building.