•  Content Creator : Prabhjot
• 18-10-2024

When you were younger, sitting in your school or college classrooms, you might have admired your favorite teacher as they passionately explained complex concepts and shared their knowledge. Perhaps, at some point, you even dreamed of how to become a professor in India, standing at the front of a classroom just like them, guiding future generations and sparking curiosity in young minds. Becoming a professor can be a fulfilling and respected career choice, but do you know what it takes to achieve this goal? The path to becoming a professor is a journey of dedication, advanced study, and the development of specialized skills. In this guide, we'll walk you through the qualifications, steps, and essential information you'll need to follow your aspirations and become a professor.

Step 1: Choose Your Specialization and Earn a Bachelor's Degree

The journey to becoming a professor starts with choosing the field in which you want to specialize, such as Arts, Science, Commerce, or any other discipline. Here’s a breakdown of the initial steps:

• Complete 12th Grade with Good Marks: Aim to secure 80-90% in your Higher Secondary exams (12th grade) to gain admission into a reputed college.
• Bachelor's Degree: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in your chosen field. Most undergraduate programs in India last 3-4 years, depending on your field of study. It’s essential to maintain a strong academic record, aiming for an aggregate of 50-55% or higher.

Step 2: Pursue a Master's Degree

A master's degree is crucial for aspiring professors in India, as it builds on your undergraduate education and deepens your knowledge.

• Take Competitive Exams (Optional): If you’re pursuing a master's in engineering or technical fields, you may take the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) exam. For other fields, national-level exams might not be necessary at this stage.
• Earn a Master’s Degree with Good Grades: Completing a master's degree in your chosen field with a minimum of 50-55% marks is necessary. Graduating with higher marks will improve your chances of moving forward in your academic career.

Step 3: Qualify in National-Level Exams

To teach at the college or university level in India, candidates must pass one of the following competitive exams to qualify as an assistant professor:

• National Eligibility Test (NET): The UGC-NET exam is a national-level test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is a requirement for candidates who want to become assistant professors in colleges and universities across India.
• State Eligibility Test (SET): This exam is similar to the NET but is state-specific, allowing successful candidates to apply for assistant professor positions in colleges within a particular state.
• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) NET: This exam is designed for those aspiring to teach subjects like Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, and Mathematical Sciences. Passing this exam qualifies candidates for research fellowships and assistant professor positions in their field.

Clearing one of these exams demonstrates your proficiency in your field and qualifies you for positions in higher education institutions across India.

Step 4: Obtain a Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.)

Although it’s possible to begin teaching at the assistant professor level with a master's degree, obtaining a doctoral degree can significantly enhance your career prospects. Here’s how you can pursue it:

• Enroll in a Ph.D. Program: After completing your master’s degree and passing the required eligibility exams, you can enroll in a doctoral program in your field. A Ph.D. program involves intensive research, coursework, and the completion of a dissertation or thesis.
• Research and Publication: Ph.D. candidates often need to publish their research in reputed academic journals. Publishing high-quality research papers or books is essential to demonstrate expertise and contribute to the academic community.

A Ph.D. can exempt you from some of the eligibility exams and is usually required for senior-level positions, such as associate or full professor.

Step 5: Gain Teaching and Research Experience

Practical experience in teaching and research is crucial for career advancement. You can gain experience in the following ways:

• Part-Time Teaching Positions: Many candidates start as part-time instructors or guest lecturers while completing their Ph.D.
• Research Assistantships: Working as a research assistant provides valuable experience and can enhance your academic credentials.
• Tutoring and Mentorship: Assisting students in research projects or tutoring undergraduate students helps build your teaching portfolio and solidifies your role as an educator.

Step 6: Publish Research and Build Your Academic Portfolio

In academia, published research plays a significant role in establishing your authority. Here are some ways to build your academic portfolio:

• Write and Publish Papers: Publishing research papers in peer-reviewed journals is essential for establishing yourself as an authority in your field.
• Present at Conferences: Presenting research at conferences helps you build a network with other scholars and demonstrates your expertise.
• Contribute to Academic Journals and Books: Writing articles, contributing chapters to academic books, or authoring your books can enhance your academic profile and make you eligible for promotions.

Step 7: Apply for Academic Positions

Once you have the necessary qualifications, you can start searching for professor positions at colleges and universities. The following tips can help in the application process:

• Search for Openings on Academic Job Boards: Many colleges and universities post job openings on their websites and job portals.
• Prepare a Detailed Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume to highlight your teaching and research experience, and be sure to emphasize any publications and academic achievements.
• Practice for Interviews: Preparing for the questions commonly asked during academic job interviews can increase your confidence and improve your chances of securing a position.

What Does a Professor Do?

As a professor, your role is diverse and includes responsibilities beyond teaching. Professors typically:

• Design and teach courses to undergraduate and graduate students.
• Conduct examinations, assess assignments, and provide feedback to students.
• Guide and mentor students, including assisting them in research projects.
• Engage in academic research, publish findings, and contribute to their field of study.
• Attend academic conferences and participate in faculty meetings.
• Lead field trips, give public lectures, and organize educational events.

Qualifications Needed to Become a Professor

• Master's Degree: A master's degree with a minimum of 55% marks is necessary for eligibility as an assistant professor.
• Competitive Exams: Passing exams like NET, SET, or CSIR NET qualifies you for positions leading to becoming a professor in government colleges.
• Doctoral Degree: A Ph.D. is essential for advanced academic positions, especially in research-focused institutions.
• Teaching Experience: You’ll need a few years of teaching experience, either through part-time teaching, tutoring, or formal positions.

Salary of a Professor in India

The salary of a professor varies depending on the institution, experience, and location. On average:

• Assistant Professors earn around INR5,00,000 per year.
• Associate Professors can earn approximately INR11,00,000 per year.
• Professors at the highest level can earn INR8,50,000 or more per year, and the salary may increase with each promotion.

Final Thoughts

The journey to becoming a professor in India is long, but the rewards make it worth the effort. If you’re passionate about a subject and enjoy sharing knowledge, this could be a fulfilling career path for you. By following the steps outlined in this guide, maintaining dedication, and building a strong academic portfolio, you can achieve your goal of becoming a professor in India