University professors and lecturers teach courses to undergraduate and graduate students at universities. Professors may also carry out research.[1]
Their key responsibilities include
- Specializing in a subject area such as biology, chemistry, sociology, literature, business administration, etc.
- Teaching undergraduate and graduate students
- Conducting research and publishing findings in academic journals, books, and conferences
- Directing research programs for graduate students
- Preparing and delivering lectures, leading laboratory sessions and discussion groups
- Creating and grading exams and assignments
- Serving on faculty committees for curriculum development and degree requirements
- Performing administrative duties
- Representing their universities as speakers and guest lecturers
- Providing consulting services to government, industry and individuals[1]
Professors have a multifaceted role encompassing teaching, research, student mentoring and service to the institution. They lead classes, guide students through their academic journey, conduct research to advance their field, review academic literature and serve on committees within their institution.[2]
Regarding work-life balance
- About 83% of workers in this field are full-time, while 17% work part-time
- Approximately 66% work year-round, with 34% working seasonally for an average of 44 weeks per year
- The gender distribution is predominantly female, with 81% women and 19% men[1]
According to a national study, full-time faculty members work about 55 hours a week, while part-time faculty work nearly 40 hours. This includes paid and unpaid hours completed both on and off campus.[16] The demanding nature of the job, which often extends beyond regular working hours, can make achieving work-life balance challenging for many professors and lecturers.
How to Become University professors and lecturers -
To become a university professor or lecturer in India, follow these steps
- Obtain a bachelor's degree: Decide on your specialization early and aim for high marks (80-90% aggregate) in your 12th Higher Secondary Certification exam to enroll in a good bachelor's program. Maintain a high academic record throughout your graduation.[3]
- Pursue a master's degree: Take the GATE exam if applicable, enroll in a relevant master's program, and complete it with more than the minimum requirement of 50-55% aggregate marks.[3]
- Clear competitive exams: After obtaining a master's degree, appear for and pass exams like NET (National Eligibility Test), SET (State Eligibility Test), or CSIR NET. These exams make you eligible for assistant professor positions in colleges and universities across India.[3]
- Obtain a PhD: Pursue a doctoral degree in your chosen field. This is essential for higher academic positions and direct entry into professorship roles.[3]
- Gain teaching experience: Work as a lecturer, assistant professor, or in other teaching roles to build your experience and skills.[3]
- Publish research: Contribute to your field by publishing papers, articles, or books in peer-reviewed journals.[3]
Key skills and competencies required
- Effective communication: Ability to convey thoughts and ideas comprehensibly, both in writing and verbally
- Organizational skills: Balancing multiple tasks like preparing lectures, grading, and research
- Patience: Remaining calm when dealing with various student queries and demands
- Empathy: Understanding and supporting students' needs and challenges
- Adaptability: Adjusting to changes in curriculum, teaching techniques, and classroom dynamics
- Subject-matter expertise: In-depth knowledge of the specific field of study
- Research proficiency: Ability to conduct and publish high-quality research
- Technological adeptness: Proficiency in using technology for teaching and research[4]
Scope and Career Progression
The career progression for university professors and lecturers in India typically follows this path:
Assistant Professor → Associate Professor → Professor → Senior Professor → Professor of Eminence → Dean/Director → Pro-Vice-Chancellor → Vice-Chancellor → Chancellor[7]
Salary
The salary of professors in India varies based on factors such as institution type, location, and experience:
- Assistant Professor: ₹30,000 - ₹1,00,000 per month
- Associate Professor: ₹50,000 - ₹1,20,000 per month
- Professor: ₹1,00,000 - ₹2,00,000+ per month
Professors at premier institutions like IITs, AIIMS, IIMs, and BITS can earn significantly higher salaries, ranging from ₹15 lakhs to ₹40 lakhs per annum.[6]
Industry Trends and Future Outlook
- Increasing demand: The field of research and teaching in higher education is growing, with many opportunities for those entering the profession now.[33]
- Government initiatives: The Indian government is implementing reforms and policies to promote innovation and reverse brain drain. For example, the Prime Minister Research Fellowship scheme offers substantial financial support (₹70,000 - ₹80,000 per month) for PhD students at top institutions.[33]
- Industry-academia collaboration: There's a growing trend of hiring industry experts as professors of practice to bridge the gap between academia and industry. This initiative aims to provide students with real-world knowledge and skills.[31]
- Diversification of roles: Universities are exploring innovative ways to engage experts, including appointing tribal figures as professors to impart knowledge on indigenous culture and heritage.[31]
- Technological integration: The increasing use of technology in education requires professors to adapt and integrate digital tools into their teaching methods.[4]
While the outlook for university professors and lecturers in India is generally positive, it's important to note that competition for positions at top institutions remains high, and success often depends on research output, teaching excellence, and the ability to secure funding.
Citations:
[1] https://www.workbc.ca/career-profiles/university-professors-and-lecturers
[2] https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-does-professor-do
[3] https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-a-professor
[4] https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/lecturer-skills
[5] https://www.pdm.ac.in/wp-pdmu/uploads/2016/10/eligibility.pdf
[6] https://testbook.com/government-teacher-jobs/professor-salary
[7] https://www.adda247.com/teaching-jobs-exam/lecturer-vs-professor/
[8] https://timespro.com/blog/how-to-become-a-professor-a-comprehensive-step-by-step-guide
[9] https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/4643/ca;jsessionid=B2D1B2E8E4C892D9902747EA62C2B92E.jobsearch76
[10] https://6figr.com/in/salary/university--professor
[11] https://www.careers360.com/careers/lecturer
[12] https://collegedunia.com/courses/phd/how-to-become-a-professor
[13] https://www.betterteam.com/lecturer-job-description
[14] https://scoop.eduncle.com/how-to-become-a-professor-in-india
[15] https://ijcsrr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/06-0302-2024.pdf
[16] https://www.aaup.org/issues/faculty-work-workload/what-do-faculty-do
[17] https://www.ajol.info/index.php/majohe/article/download/150889/140467
[18] https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Career/professor-career_KO0,9.htm
[19] https://www.betterteam.com/professor-job-description
[20] https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/lecturer-vs-professor
[21] https://www.munich-business-school.de/en/l/university-glossary/professor
[22] https://collegedunia.com/courses/phd/how-to-become-a-professor
[23] https://www.zippia.com/lecturer-jobs/skills/
[24] https://www.ugc.gov.in/oldpdf/regulations/revised_finalugcregulationfinal10.pdf
[25] https://scoop.eduncle.com/how-to-become-a-professor-in-india
[26] https://www.fejobs.com/blog/7-skills-you-need-to-become-a-lecturer
[27] https://collegedunia.com/courses/phd/professor-qualifications
[28] https://timespro.com/blog/how-to-become-a-professor-a-comprehensive-step-by-step-guide
[29] https://career-advice.jobs.ac.uk/career-development/five-skills-you-need-to-become-a-lecturer-in-higher-education/
[30] https://www.krmangalam.edu.in/blog/how-to-become-a-professor/
[31] https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/in-less-than-2-yrs-278-industry-experts-hired-as-college-professors-101713381252972.html
[32] https://www.reddit.com/r/Indian_Academia/comments/16v3umz/is_it_a_good_idea_to_become_a_college_professor/
[33] https://akashgautam.com/2018/02/21/why-a-career-in-teaching-and-research-in-india-makes-sense-right-now/