Understanding the Latest Reforms in Maharashtra's Faculty Hiring Landscape
Maharashtra's higher education sector is undergoing significant transformation with the introduction of new faculty recruitment norms. These reforms, outlined in a recent Government Resolution from the Higher and Technical Education Department, aim to address longstanding vacancies and ensure that universities appoint faculty who excel in both research and teaching. At the heart of these changes are a dedicated teaching skills assessment and more inclusive criteria for research publications, marking a shift towards a balanced evaluation process.
Public universities across the state, including prominent ones like the University of Mumbai, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), and others, have faced acute faculty shortages for years. With over 60% positions vacant in some institutions, research output and student mentoring have suffered. These reforms are designed to expedite hiring for around 650 posts while setting a higher standard for teaching quality.
The changes align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's emphasis on multidisciplinary skills and practical teaching abilities, moving away from rote interview-heavy selections.
The Faculty Shortage Crisis: Why Reforms Were Urgent
Maharashtra's public universities have grappled with a severe faculty crunch. Data indicates that out of thousands of sanctioned posts, a significant portion remains unfilled. For instance, in five major universities, over 60% faculty positions were vacant as of mid-2025, impacting research projects and administrative efficiency. SPPU alone reported 238 out of 384 teaching posts empty, with only 10 full-time professors for 42 departments.
This shortage stems from prolonged legal battles, outdated recruitment rules, and a heavy reliance on interviews that often led to delays and disputes. Previous drives, like the one advertised in 2022, stalled due to court interventions. The state government's approval for 5,500 assistant professor posts in senior colleges by March 2026 underscores the scale of the issue, but university-specific reforms target the core academic backbone.
- Over 600-659 vacancies advertised recently across 10 public universities.
- 38% teacher shortfall in government-aided colleges affecting NEP implementation.
- Increased student enrollment without matching faculty growth exacerbates the problem.
These reforms revive stalled processes, promising faster appointments and better-qualified educators.
Breakdown of the New 60-20-20 Selection Formula
The cornerstone of the reforms is a revised merit evaluation: 60% for academic and research credentials, 20% for teaching skills assessment, and 20% for interview performance. This replaces the earlier October 2025 framework's 75% Academic, Teaching, and Research (ATR) score with 25% interview, which required a minimum 50 marks in ATR to qualify.
| Component | Weightage | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Academic & Research Credentials | 60% | Degrees, publications, projects, institutional rankings |
| Teaching Skills Assessment | 20% | Pedagogical demo, classroom management, student engagement |
| Interview | 20% | Subject knowledge, ICT skills, future plans |
Universities now have flexibility in shortlisting candidates for interviews, without a fixed cutoff, promoting a broader pool. All interviews are video-recorded, and individual scores published online for transparency.
Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil emphasized, “The list of marks awarded to candidates will be published on university websites to ensure transparency.”
Introducing the Teaching Skills Assessment: A Game-Changer for Educator Quality
The novel 20% teaching skills test evaluates candidates' practical abilities beyond theoretical knowledge. This assessment likely involves a teaching demonstration or simulation, focusing on lesson delivery, student interaction, use of modern tools like ICT, and adaptability to diverse classrooms. It addresses criticisms that past recruitments prioritized publications over teaching prowess.
Director of Higher Education Dr. Shailendra Deolankar noted, “The 60-20-20 formula balances research, academic quality, teaching skills, and interview performance.” This step-by-step evaluation ensures hires can effectively implement NEP's experiential learning.
- Candidates prepare a short lesson plan on a given topic.
- Deliver a 10-15 minute demo to a panel simulating students.
- Respond to queries on classroom challenges and innovations.
- Scored on clarity, engagement, and inclusivity.
For aspiring faculty, preparing for this means honing demo skills—consider resources on crafting academic profiles that highlight teaching experience.
Inclusive Research Publication Criteria: Leveling the Field for Humanities and More
A key inclusive reform relaxes stringent publication norms, especially for humanities. Previously, only Scopus/Web of Science-indexed journals counted fully; now, book publications and broader platforms qualify, aiding scholars from rural or less-resourced institutions. Marks also factor institutional rankings (NIRF, QS, THE) to favor merit over pedigree biases.
In the earlier ATR breakdown:
- Research aptitude: 15 marks (6 for publications, 6 for books/IPR, 3 for awards).
- Only indexed journals previously; now expanded.
This benefits contractual humanities professors who often publish books. Partial relaxations ensure equity, with emphasis on research funding and projects from premier bodies.
Full details on Indian ExpressRecognizing Contractual and Ad-Hoc Experience: Relief for Temporary Faculty
Contractual, ad-hoc, and clock-hour teaching experience now counts validly, a boon for thousands serving temporarily. Previously undervalued, this experience adds to teaching marks (up to 5 in old ATR), recognizing real-world contributions.
Many assistant professors on temporary roles will benefit, stabilizing their careers amid shortages. This aligns with calls for permanency for long-serving adjuncts.
Eligibility Essentials: NET, SET, PhD, and Beyond
Basic qualifications remain: Master's with 55% (50% reserved), plus UGC-NET, MH-SET, or PhD. MH-SET 2026, conducted by SPPU, is crucial for state eligibility. PhD holders get preference in research scores.
- NET/JRF: Up to 6 marks.
- SET: 3 marks.
- PhD: 20 marks max.
Aspirants should check lecturer jobs on platforms like AcademicJobs for updates.
Application Process and Transparency Measures
Universities issue ads; apply online via their portals. Shortlisting based on 60% academic/research, then skills test and interview. Video recordings and public score lists curb nepotism.
Recent approvals target 650 posts; monitor university sites and Maharashtra higher ed jobs.
Stakeholder Perspectives: Praise and Concerns
Minister Patil hails transparency; officials see balanced hires. Critics worry removal of cutoffs favors subjectivity or elite biases (higher marks for IIT grads). Humanities faculty welcome publication relaxations; contractual staff applaud experience recognition. Some unions question deviation from UGC norms, which emphasize NET/PhD equally.
Mid-Day coverageHow These Reforms Differ from UGC Guidelines
UGC 2025 drafts prioritize teaching effectiveness and research, but Maharashtra's state-specific tweaks—like skills test and inclusive pubs—adapt to local needs. UGC rejects centralized commissions; states handle recruitments with flexibility.
Implications and Future Outlook for Aspiring Academics
These reforms promise quality faculty, boosting research (India ranks 3rd globally but faces quality issues). Expect more drives; prepare demos, diverse pubs. For career advice, visit higher ed career advice.
With 70,000 govt posts filling statewide, higher ed leads the charge. Stay updated via rate my professor for insights.
