College professor and lecturer
Also called: Assistant Professor
Teaches undergraduate and postgraduate students and does research.
What the work is
College and university teachers teach their subject, guide projects and dissertations, and do research and publish papers. Entry is as Assistant Professor, rising to Associate Professor and Professor.
You need a master's degree with good marks and UGC-NET (or CSIR-NET for sciences), and a PhD is increasingly expected and is needed for promotion and for top institutions.
A typical week
- Teach classes and design courses
- Guide student projects and research
- Do research and publish papers
- Take part in college administration
It suits people who
- Love their subject deeply
- Enjoy teaching adults
- Like reading and research
Your path to get there
School (Class 8-10)
- Choose a subject you love
Class 11-12
- Graduation in that subject
College or fresher
- Do a master's (CUET-PG and university entrances)
- Clear UGC-NET or CSIR-NET
- Do a PhD and publish research
Working or switching
- Industry experts join as visiting faculty and professors of practice
- Teaching suits returners well: tutoring, part-time and online teaching are easy first steps.
- Refresh your subject with a short course and clear CTET or TET if you want a government post.
Exams and certifications
| Name | What it is for | When |
|---|---|---|
| UGC-NET ↗ | Assistant Professor eligibility and JRF | Twice a year |
| CSIR-NET ↗ | Sciences: lectureship and JRF | Twice a year |
| State SET | State-level lectureship eligibility | Varies by state |
Exam names, eligibility and dates change. Always check the official website for this year's notice.
Job market
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