Special Correspondent
Pune: The Higher and Technical Education Department of the Maharashtra Government has issued a new Government Resolution (GR) to regulate faculty recruitment in public (non-agricultural) universities across the state. The new policy aims to bring transparency, uniformity, and merit-based assessment in the recruitment process, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil announced.
The revised framework, prepared under the guidance of the Governor and Chancellor of state universities, will be applicable to all universities in Maharashtra. The decision comes after repeated complaints of irregularities and lack of transparency in faculty appointments.
Key Features of the New Recruitment Policy
Under the new system, candidates will be evaluated on a 100-mark scale:
75 marks for Academic, Teaching, and Research Credentials (ATR)
25 marks for Interview Performance
Only candidates securing a minimum of 50 marks in ATR will be eligible for the interview round.
Assistant Professor Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualifications: 55 marks
Teaching Experience: 5 marks
Research Work: 15 marks
M.Phil/Ph.D.: 20 marks
NET/JRF/SET: 6 marks
Additional marks will be given for publications in Scopus, Web of Science, or SciFinder-indexed journals, as well as for book authorship, patents, copyrights, and innovations.
Associate Professor Evaluation Criteria
Academic Performance: 45 marks
Teaching Experience: 5 marks
Research and Innovation: 25 marks
Contributions to developing courses such as SWAYAM, NPTEL, MahagyandeeP, patent or copyright registration, Ph.D. supervision, research funding, and awards will also be considered for evaluation.
Professor Evaluation Criteria
Academic Qualification: 40 marks
Teaching Experience: 5 marks
Research and Innovation: 30 marks
Marks will be based on Ph.D. supervision, international publications, patents, and government-funded research projects.
Interview Process
The interview carries 25 marks, distributed as follows:
Subject Knowledge and Emerging Trends: 15 marks
Language Proficiency and IT Skills: 5 marks
Logical Thinking and Future Vision: 3 marks
Awareness of National Education Policy (NEP): 2 marks
The entire interview process will be video-recorded, and proceedings will be sealed with signatures from all selection committee members. The final merit list must be declared within one week after the interviews conclude.
Dr. Parag Kalkar, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Savitribai Phule Pune University, welcomed the government’s move.
He said, “The new transparent framework for faculty recruitment is a significant step toward enhancing the quality of higher education. Clearly defined parameters of transparency, accountability, and merit will bring positive changes in the academic environment of universities. This system will motivate young faculty members and ensure that students get more capable and accomplished teachers.”
