KKN Gurugram Desk | In a significant administrative move, the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) has proposed a new three-phase recruitment model for Assistant Professor positions across government colleges in the state. The new model aligns the recruitment process with the Provincial Civil Services (PCS) exam structure, a highly regarded format already in use for administrative positions in Uttar Pradesh.

This change is set to impact 562 vacant posts across 23 academic subjects in 171 government degree colleges. The plan awaits a formal government order, but sources confirm that principled approval has already been granted.

 New Selection Process: From Screening to Final Interview

The revised recruitment strategy will be carried out in the following three stages:

1. Screening Test

   • Objective-type multiple-choice questions

   • Aimed at shortlisting candidates

   • Will cover general studies and basic subject knowledge

2. Main Examination

   • Subject-specific written examination

   • Designed to assess in-depth academic understanding

   • Marks from this phase will carry significant weight in final merit

3. Personal Interview

   • Conducted for shortlisted candidates

   • Will evaluate teaching aptitude, communication skills, and subject clarity

Previously, the commission had considered a 75:25 merit calculation—75% from screening and 25% from interview—but that plan was not approved. The current three-phase model is now expected to become the new norm.

 Vacancy Overview: Subject-Wise Distribution of 562 Posts

The Directorate of Higher Education, Uttar Pradesh has forwarded the requirement for 562 positions across 23 disciplines. Below is the subject-wise breakdown:

 Recruitment Timeline: When Will the Process Begin?

Although the requisition for 562 posts has been submitted, the UPPSC has not yet released an official advertisement. This delay is attributed to the pending final approval of the three-stage selection structure.

Once approved, the official notification is expected to include:

• Detailed eligibility criteria

• Syllabus for screening and main exams

• Reservation policy

• Application dates

• Fee structure

Sources suggest that the recruitment process could begin by mid-2025, once administrative procedures are finalized.

Eligibility Criteria (Expected Guidelines)

While the final notification is awaited, the expected eligibility for these positions includes:

• Educational Qualification:
  Master’s degree with at least 55% marks in the relevant subject from a recognized university.
  Candidates must also have cleared NET (UGC/CSIR) or hold a PhD as per UGC norms.

• Age Limit:
  21 to 40 years (relaxation applicable for reserved categories as per UPPSC norms)

• Reservation:
  As per UP government policies, with specific seats reserved for SC/ST/OBC/EWS and women candidates.

 Historical Context: Why the Change Was Needed

Previously, UPPSC conducted Assistant Professor recruitments primarily based on interviews, occasionally preceded by screening exams with no significant weightage in the final merit. This system faced criticism for:

• Lack of transparency

• Subjectivity in interviews

• Limited merit-based shortlisting

The last major recruitment was conducted in October 2020, which involved 128 positions across 19 subjects, selected only through interviews. The new three-tier model aims to standardize evaluation and ensure greater objectivity.

Expert Insights: Academic Community Reacts

Several academic stakeholders and education reform advocates have welcomed the new system.

Dr. Ramesh Chandra, Dean of Academics at Allahabad University, remarked:

“A structured, multi-level evaluation helps gauge both knowledge and aptitude. This reform will enhance the quality of educators entering our colleges.”

However, some have raised concerns regarding:

• Time consumption in a three-phase process

• Overburdening candidates who are also preparing for NET/SLET

• The potential need for coaching, creating disparity

What This Means for Higher Education in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh’s higher education system is undergoing gradual reform to:

• Improve faculty quality

• Ensure merit-based selection

• Attract academically strong candidates into government colleges

With over 500 positions vacant, this recruitment is not only timely but critical to addressing teacher shortages in core subjects like commerce, sciences, and humanities.