National Surge in Professors of Practice Appointments
The landscape of higher education in India is undergoing a transformative shift with the rapid adoption of Professors of Practice (PoP), also known as Professors of Practice. This initiative, rooted in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to infuse real-world industry expertise into academic classrooms. As of early 2026, a total of 1,841 such appointments have been made across 349 higher education institutions (HEIs) nationwide. These professionals, drawn from diverse fields like engineering, technology, entrepreneurship, and management, bring at least 15 years of hands-on experience, often from senior leadership roles, without the mandatory requirement of a PhD—a departure from traditional faculty hiring norms.
This surge reflects a strategic push to bridge the longstanding gap between theoretical learning and practical application. Students gain mentorship from industry veterans who share insights on current market demands, evolving technologies, and professional challenges. Institutions benefit from updated curricula, collaborative research projects, and stronger industry ties, ultimately enhancing graduate employability. For instance, private universities lead with 715 appointments, followed closely by deemed-to-be universities at 699, highlighting the proactive stance of autonomous institutions in embracing this reform.
Tamil Nadu Emerges as the Leader
Tamil Nadu stands at the forefront of this movement, boasting 395 Professors of Practice appointments across 37 HEIs—far ahead of Maharashtra's 193, Gujarat's 179, Karnataka's 170, and Uttar Pradesh's 157. This dominance underscores the state's robust higher education ecosystem, fueled by its status as a manufacturing and IT powerhouse in Chennai and beyond. The concentration in private and deemed universities, such as SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) and Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), has been pivotal. Tamil Nadu's government and institutional policies have encouraged swift implementation, aligning with NEP goals to make education more skill-oriented and industry-relevant.
What sets Tamil Nadu apart? Its dense network of engineering colleges—over 500 affiliated with Anna University alone—creates fertile ground for industry-academia partnerships. Proximity to automotive giants like Hyundai and TVS, as well as IT hubs hosting TCS and Infosys, facilitates easy recruitment of experts. State public universities have added 212 PoPs nationally, but Tamil Nadu's private sector dynamism amplifies the impact, positioning the state as a model for others.
Understanding UGC Guidelines for PoP Appointments
The University Grants Commission (UGC) formalized the PoP framework in September 2022 through dedicated guidelines, enabling HEIs to engage domain experts on a non-permanent basis. Key eligibility criteria include a minimum of 15 years of professional experience in relevant fields, with preference for those in leadership positions. Appointments are honorary or contractual, capped at 10% of sanctioned faculty strength, and do not affect regular positions.
Tenure is limited to a maximum of three years, extendable by one year in exceptional cases, ensuring fresh perspectives without long-term commitments. Roles encompass curriculum design, teaching specialized courses, mentoring students, organizing industry interactions, and co-supervising projects. HEIs must form selection committees with industry representation, and the UGC's online portal facilitates expert registration and tracking. This structured approach safeguards academic integrity while promoting flexibility.
Spotlight: PoP Initiatives at Tamil Nadu's Premier Institutions
SRM Institute of Science and Technology exemplifies proactive adoption, listing several PoPs on its dedicated page. Dr. C. Velan, City Head at CapitaLand Chennai in Civil Engineering, and Mr. Ravi Kumar from Electronics contribute practical insights into urban development and tech applications. These experts conduct workshops, guest lectures, and project guidance, directly linking classroom theory to real projects like sustainable infrastructure.
Anna University, a state technical powerhouse, has integrated PoPs to address faculty shortages and enhance employability. While specific names are emerging, the university's focus on emeritus roles complements PoPs in fields like mechanical and computer engineering. Deemed universities like VIT and SASTRA prioritize tech and biotech PoPs, fostering startups through mentorship. These cases demonstrate how PoPs step-by-step transform syllabi: identifying skill gaps, co-developing modules, delivering case studies, and tracking outcomes via placements.
- SRMIST: Multiple PoPs in engineering, emphasizing internships.
- Anna University: Bridging auto sector expertise with automotive programs.
- VIT: Tech leaders enhancing AI and data science curricula.
Stakeholders, including students, report heightened engagement, with PoPs facilitating higher education job placements through networks.
Benefits: Enhancing Employability and Innovation
PoPs significantly boost student outcomes by embedding practical skills. Graduates exposed to industry realities show improved employability—studies link such exposure to 20-30% higher placement rates in sectors like IT and manufacturing. In Tamil Nadu, where engineering graduates exceed 1 lakh annually, PoPs address the 'skills mismatch' critiqued in reports.
Institutions gain from joint R&D; for example, PoPs at SRM collaborate on sustainable tech projects funded by industry. Faculty benefit from cross-learning, while industries access talent pools. This multi-stakeholder synergy aligns with NEP's vision for holistic education, with actionable insights like mandatory internships gaining traction.
Challenges and Roadblocks in Implementation
Despite progress, hurdles persist. Central universities lag with only 15 PoPs total, as 80% report none—bureaucratic delays and resistance from PhD-centric cultures impede adoption. Remuneration remains contentious; while honorary, many experts seek stipends, straining budgets.
Integration challenges include aligning PoPs' practical focus with research mandates. Traditional faculty sometimes view them as 'diluting' academia. UGC data shows uneven spread, with colleges at 200 PoPs needing more support. Solutions involve training for smooth onboarding and incentives like tax benefits.
Stakeholder Perspectives: Voices from the Field
UGC officials emphasize PoPs' role in nation-building: "They provide exposure and mentorship by domain experts." Industry leaders praise the model for talent pipeline development. Students at Tamil Nadu colleges note, "Real-world cases make learning relevant," boosting motivation. Faculty appreciate collaborative teaching but urge clear role definitions. Explore higher ed career advice for aspiring PoPs.
UGC PoP Portal tracks progress, inviting more registrations.
Future Outlook: Scaling Up Across India
With NEP implementation accelerating, projections indicate 5,000+ PoPs by 2030. Tamil Nadu's model could inspire laggards via state incentives and clusters. Focus areas: emerging tech like AI, sustainability. Policymakers eye mandatory quotas in public HEIs.
For job seekers, PoP roles offer fulfilling avenues—check professor jobs and India higher ed jobs. Institutions should prioritize diverse hires for inclusive growth.
Photo by Sue Winston on Unsplash
Actionable Insights for Institutions and Professionals
- Step 1: Assess skill gaps via alumni feedback.
- Step 2: Leverage UGC portal for expert scouting.
- Step 3: Design hybrid courses with PoP input.
- Step 4: Measure impact through placement metrics.
- Step 5: Foster networks for sustained partnerships.
This roadmap ensures PoPs deliver maximum value. Aspiring educators, visit rate my professor for insights.
