3 yrs after UGC guidelines, 80% central universities yet to appoint professors of practice, private ones lead

The engagement of professors of practice (PoP) at universities, especially central universities (CU), has been sluggish for nearly three years after the University Grants Commission (UGC) initiated guidelines for the initiative. A staggering 80% of the CUs are yet to engage PoPs, while private universities have been the primary adopters of the scheme.

The ministry of education (MoE) stated in parliament that so far, 1,841 PoPs have been engaged in just 349 higher educational institutions. Universities in Tamil Nadu have engaged the most.

The UGC had notified the guidelines for engaging Professor of Practice in Universities and Colleges on September 30, 2022 with an aim to bridge the gap between industry and academia bringing professional expertise to classrooms.

UGC guidelines on PoP

Professor of Practice in universities and colleges is a temporary post, exclusive of sanctioned posts. Candidates who have proven expertise in their specific profession or role with at least 15 years of service /experience, preferably at a senior level, are eligible.

“For engaging industry experts and professionals, HEls may collaborate with the industries to support these positions. It also provides an opportunity, to those in leadership positions in different fields, to come on honorary basis as Professor of Practice so as to give back to the society and contribute towards nation building,” theUGC guidelines stated.

The maximum duration of service of PoP at a given institution should not exceed three years and is extendable by one year in exceptional cases and the total service should not exceed four years under any circumstances.

Higher Education: 1,849 PoPs in 349 institutes

As of January 5, 2026, only 349 institutions have engaged PoP across the country.

The minister of state for education Sukanata Majumdar provided the details in response to a question raised by CPI(M) MP V Sivadasan in Rajya Sabha.

As per UGC, there are 56 central, 460 state, 128 deemed-to-be and 510 private universities in India. There are about 45,473 colleges in the country.

Meanwhile, the UGC PoP portal shows that 18,724 experts and 539 HEIs are registered. However, in November 2024, the same minister had stated in parliament that university departments have as many as 15,325 professor-of-practice appointments.

Tamil Nadu institutes engaged most PoP

37 HEI’s in Tamil Nadu engaged 395 PoPs in the period up to January 5, 2026. Maharashtra followed with 193 PoP in 36 institutions.

Gujarat had the maximum number of HEIs registered at 38. However, they have employed only 179 so far.

For institutions under All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) it has allowed institutions to hire Professors of Practice to up to 20% of the faculty post.