Rajasthan University Scholars to Teach PhD Rules & Updated Semester

• Research scholars to teach 6-10 periods weekly, addressing faculty shortages and gaining experience.
• New UGC rules eliminate PhD entrance exams, using NET for admissions.
• Semester system and SWAYAM courses proposed to align with National Education Policy 2020.

The academic council of the University of Rajasthan has made a brilliant strategic decision to cover faculty shortage and enhance the learning experience by enabling research scholars to also teach ordinary classes in addition to their doctoral pursuits. The program allocates research students between 6 and 10 teaching periods per week, but decisions on the type of classes to teach (undergraduate, postgraduate, or both) are yet to be made.

The university, facing over 60% vacancy in teaching posts, aims to address this gap while providing researchers with valuable teaching experience.

The council also adopted new University Grants Commission (UGC) PhD admission rules, eliminating the entrance exam and basing admissions on the National Eligibility Test (NET) or equivalent exams. This aligns with efforts to modernize academic processes. Additionally, the council endorsed UGC Regulations 2018 for teacher selection and promotion under the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS), facilitating appointments to vacant posts and expediting promotions for 400 teachers.

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To align with the National Education Policy 2020, the council proposed transitioning all undergraduate and postgraduate annual courses to a semester system, enhancing academic flexibility. Furthermore, SWAYAM courses, approved by the Ministry of Education, were recommended as elective options for postgraduate programs, enriching curriculum offerings.

Last year, the university signed MoUs with Rajasthan Centre for Advance Technology (R-CAT) and TCS, providing 107 industry-ready online courses at subsidized rates. The council now recommends awarding credits for these courses, boosting students' educational opportunities.

These reforms mark a significant step toward modernizing the University of Rajasthan’s academic framework, addressing faculty shortages, and preparing students and faculty for future challenges through innovative teaching and learning strategies.