The Escalating Faculty Crisis in Uttar Pradesh Universities

Uttar Pradesh, home to over 80 universities and hundreds of affiliated colleges, is grappling with a severe shortage of qualified teachers that threatens the quality of higher education for millions of students. State-run and aided institutions report vacancy rates hovering around 30 percent, forcing colleges to rely heavily on ad-hoc and part-time faculty. This crisis has persisted for years, exacerbated by recruitment delays, paper leaks in exams, and structural challenges in the hiring process.

The problem is particularly acute in government degree colleges and aided institutions affiliated with major universities like Lucknow University and Allahabad University. With the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which mandates multidisciplinary programs and semester-based assessments, the strain has intensified. Colleges struggle to meet teaching loads, leading to overburdened existing staff and compromised learning outcomes.

Governor Anandiben Patel's Call for Online Classes

In a timely intervention on April 7, 2026, Uttar Pradesh Governor and Chancellor of state universities Anandiben Patel directed principals of Lucknow University-affiliated colleges to coordinate with universities for online classes to address the immediate teacher shortage. Speaking at a meeting with college principals, she emphasized the need for swift action to ensure uninterrupted education amid declining enrollments. The directive comes as enrollment in these colleges has dropped, prompting her to order a special campaign to boost admissions.

Patel, who has been vocal on education reforms, highlighted the urgency: colleges must leverage digital platforms to fill teaching gaps without compromising curriculum delivery. This aligns with her previous pushes for accountability in universities and the 'KG to PG' model to reduce dropouts.

Revealing Statistics: The Scale of Vacancies

Across 172 government colleges and 331 aided colleges, 16,570 teaching posts are sanctioned, with approximately 4,800—or about one-third—lying vacant as of recent reports. In government colleges alone, 900 out of 3,300 posts remain unfilled, while aided colleges face 3,900 vacancies out of 13,270. Librarian positions are even worse off, with 90% vacant in some areas.

The Uttar Pradesh Higher Education Services Commission (UPHESC) is addressing part of this through recruitment for 1,150 assistant professor posts across disciplines, with Social Sciences seeing the highest at 273. Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) is filling 1,253 posts in government degree colleges, though recent exam cancellations due to paper leaks have delayed progress.

Root Causes: Why the Shortage Persists

Several factors contribute to this faculty crunch. Recruitment processes, managed by UPHESC and UPPSC, have faced repeated setbacks, including a six-year gap in UPHESC hires and recent paper leak scandals leading to exam cancellations in early 2026. Low salaries compared to private sector opportunities deter PhD holders, while bureaucratic delays in approvals and reservations add hurdles.

• Paper leaks and malpractice in recruitment exams, e.g., UPESSC Assistant Professor exam canceled in January 2026.
• Shift to UP Education Service Selection Commission for aided colleges, halting appointments since 2022.
• Resignations of principals (125 out of 250) returning to teaching due to better pay.
• NEP 2020 increasing workload without proportional hiring.

Part-time and guest faculty fill gaps but lack continuity, affecting research and mentorship.

Impacts on Students and Institutions

Students bear the brunt: overburdened classes, delayed exams, and reduced access to specialized subjects like Urdu or Asian Culture in some colleges. Quality dips as part-timers handle multiple institutions, leading to higher dropout rates and poor employability. Lucknow University affiliates, for instance, struggle with NEP's four-year UG programs requiring more faculty hours.

Institutions risk NAAC downgrades without full-time faculty, impacting funding and rankings. Enrollment declines further strain resources, creating a vicious cycle.

Photo by Johan Milson Kamaong on Unsplash

Ongoing Recruitment Drives: Light at the End?

Positive steps include UPHESC's 1,150-post drive (applications till July 2026) and UPPSC's 1,253 for government colleges. After a four-year gap, 562 assistant professors are slated for govt degree colleges. However, experts urge faster processes and incentives like housing to attract talent. For details on opportunities, visit the UPHESC official site.

Online Learning as a Bridge: Pros and Challenges

Governor Patel's suggestion revives successful COVID-era models where UP universities delivered classes via SWAYAM and NPTEL platforms. Benefits include access to expert faculty from other states, cost savings, and flexibility. Yet, challenges persist: digital divide in rural UP, poor internet, and training needs for faculty.

• Step-by-step implementation: Coordinate syllabi, train staff, ensure platforms like Moodle or Google Classroom.
• Risks: Reduced interaction, assessment integrity.

Cases like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University using online modes during shortages show promise.

Stakeholder Views: Teachers, Students, and Experts

Teachers' unions demand raising retirement age to 65 and faster hires. Students protest workload on remaining faculty. VCs welcome online push but seek funds. Experts like those from UGC advocate hybrid models under NEP's blended learning.

NEP 2020 and Digital Transformation in UP Higher Ed

NEP emphasizes technology, with UP investing in digital classrooms. Initiatives like state-wide e-content libraries support this. Governor's vision aligns with Viksit Bharat goals.

Case Studies: Colleges Navigating the Crunch

Jai Narain PG College (Lucknow): 36/142 posts vacant, using guest faculty. Shia PG College: 22/115 empty. New universities like Bhadohi face even higher shortages despite expansions.

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Future Outlook and Recommendations

Sustainable solutions: Accelerate recruitments, improve pay (current Rs. 15,600-39,100 + GP 6,000), AI for admin, partnerships with IITs/IIMs for shared faculty. Hybrid models could cut shortages by 20-30%. With Governor's proactive stance, UP higher ed can rebound, boosting GER from current ~28%.

• Incentivize PhDs via scholarships.
• Regular audits and transparency in hiring.
• Invest in faculty development programs.