What Are Professors of Practice?

Professors of Practice (PoP), also known as Professors of Practice, represent a innovative category of academic positions introduced to infuse real-world expertise into higher education classrooms. Unlike traditional faculty roles that prioritize PhD qualifications and research publications, PoPs are drawn from industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals with at least 15 years of exemplary experience in their fields. This initiative, spearheaded by India's University Grants Commission (UGC), aims to bridge the longstanding gap between theoretical academia and practical industry needs, aligning directly with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's emphasis on skill-based learning and employability.

The role is contractual and temporary, typically lasting up to three years with a possible one-year extension, ensuring fresh perspectives without disrupting permanent faculty structures. PoPs contribute by designing industry-relevant curricula, mentoring students on innovation and entrepreneurship, conducting workshops, and fostering joint research projects. Importantly, they are not required to meet Academic Performance Indicators (API) or produce publications, allowing focus on practical knowledge transfer.

UGC Guidelines: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

The UGC unveiled its guidelines for engaging Professors of Practice in 2022, providing a clear framework for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Here's how the process unfolds:

• Eligibility: Distinguished experts from sectors like engineering, technology, management, civil services, armed forces, and even niche areas such as organic farming or gender budgeting. No PhD needed if professional track record is stellar.
• Nomination: HEI leaders invite or receive self-nominations with biodata and contribution outlines.
• Selection: Reviewed by a committee of two senior professors and one external expert, approved by academic and executive bodies.
• Funding Models: Industry-sponsored, HEI-funded, or honorary basis.
• Limits: Cannot exceed 10% of sanctioned faculty posts.

This structure encourages diverse engagements, from full-time to guest lectures, promoting multidisciplinary education.

National Snapshot: 1,841 PoPs Across 349 HEIs

As of early February 2026, UGC data reveals remarkable progress: 1,841 Professors of Practice have been appointed across 349 universities and colleges nationwide. This milestone reflects growing recognition of PoPs' value in enhancing graduate employability and curriculum relevance. Private universities lead with 715 appointments, followed closely by deemed-to-be universities at 699. State universities and colleges trail with 212 and 200 respectively, while central universities have only 15—a stark disparity highlighting adoption variances.

Tamil Nadu's Dominance: 395 Appointments in 37 HEIs

Tamil Nadu stands out as the frontrunner, boasting 395 PoPs in 37 institutions—over 21% of the national total. This leadership stems from the state's robust private and deemed university ecosystem, proactive industry ties, and commitment to NEP 2020 goals. Institutions like Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) have onboarded over 100 PoPs from tech giants such as Infosys and TCS, delivering guest lectures on emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity.

The state's engineering and IT hubs in Chennai and Coimbatore facilitate seamless collaborations, enabling PoPs to guide students on real-world projects. A UGC official noted, "This brings distinguished experts to develop curricula meeting industry needs and mentor students." Tamil Nadu's model exemplifies how regional strengths can accelerate higher education reforms.

Maharashtra Follows Closely: 193 PoPs Driving Innovation

Maharashtra secures second place with 193 appointments across 36 HEIs, fueled by Mumbai and Pune's corporate landscapes. Universities here leverage PoPs from finance, manufacturing, and startups to enrich programs in management and engineering. For aspiring academics, opportunities abound—check professor jobs tailored for Indian higher education.

This surge underscores Maharashtra's focus on skilling youth for global competitiveness, with PoPs contributing to entrepreneurship cells and industry-sponsored labs.

Spotlight on Gujarat, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh

Gujarat (179 PoPs), Karnataka (170), and Uttar Pradesh (157) form the next tier, each harnessing local industries. Gujarat's chemical and textile sectors inform PoPs in Ahmedabad's institutions, while Karnataka's Bengaluru tech ecosystem powers IT-focused engagements. Uttar Pradesh's growing universities in Lucknow and Noida tap diverse expertise.

• Gujarat: Emphasis on entrepreneurship and MSMEs.
• Karnataka: AI, biotech synergies.
• UP: Broad multidisciplinary inputs.

These states illustrate scalable PoP models adaptable to regional economies.

Challenges: Central Universities' Slow Uptake

Despite 56 central universities, only 15 PoPs have been hired—80% lag behind. Bureaucratic hurdles, funding constraints, and resistance to non-traditional hires impede progress. Private institutions' agility contrasts sharply, prompting calls for policy nudges to ensure equitable adoption nationwide.

Solutions include dedicated funding and simplified approvals, vital for holistic NEP implementation.

Benefits and Impacts: Transforming Classrooms

PoPs catalyze change by:

• Enhancing employability through practical training.
• Fostering industry-academia R&D collaborations.
• Promoting innovation via mentorship.
• Updating curricula for Industry 4.0 skills.

Early indicators show improved placement rates and startup incubations. For career seekers, higher ed career advice on leveraging such networks is invaluable. Visit the UGC PoP Portal for registration.

Case Studies: Success Stories from the Ground

At VIT Vellore, PoPs from TCS led AI workshops, resulting in student-led prototypes pitched to investors. In Maharashtra's Symbiosis, finance PoPs revamped MBA syllabi, boosting placements by 25%. Karnataka's IISc collaborations with biotech firms exemplify joint research outputs. These cases prove PoPs' tangible value.

For Tamil Nadu-specific insights, explore jobs in Tamil Nadu higher ed jobs.

Future Outlook: Scaling PoP Integration

With 18,772 experts registered on the UGC portal, potential abounds. Projections suggest doubling appointments by 2027 if central HEIs accelerate. Recommendations include incentives for laggards, nationwide awareness, and integration with higher ed jobs platforms.

Stakeholders—HEIs, industry, government—must collaborate for a skilled workforce. Rate your professors at Rate My Professor and share experiences.

Photo by Mithil Girish on Unsplash

In conclusion, Tamil Nadu's lead signals a paradigm shift. Aspiring PoPs and institutions, dive into university jobs and career advice on AcademicJobs.com. For Maharashtra opportunities, visit Maharashtra higher ed.