What is the job all about
Lecturers, Readers, and Professors are responsible for teaching students at the college (graduate) and university (postgraduate) levels. Teaching at this level is challenging, particularly in institutions of excellence such as IIMs and IITs. Educators are expected to go beyond textbooks, fostering healthy discussions and encouraging fresh thinking and broader research areas.
Selection for teaching positions at these institutions typically depends on both academic qualifications and practical work or research experience in the relevant field of specialization.
There are three levels of Lecturer:
1. Lecturer/Assistant Professor
2. Senior Lecturer
3. Lecturer (selection Grade)
• Requires a Master’s degree with at least 55% in the relevant subject.
• After 8 years of service, you may qualify for the Senior Lecturer position. You must participate in two refresher courses of approved duration or an equivalent continuing education program. Consistently good performance as a Lecturer, as evidenced by Annual Appraisal Reports, is also required.
• If you do not have a Ph.D. but meet other criteria and have a good track record, you may be eligible for the Selection Grade.
• To become a Reader, you must either have a Ph.D. with published work to your credit or three years of research experience. Alternatively, after 8 years as a Senior Lecturer with a Ph.D. or equivalent published work, you may qualify. Contributions to educational innovation and the publication of research papers are also considered.
• You may be selected as a Professor after 10 years of experience in postgraduate teaching or research at the university or national level institutions.
Can you go for it?
To succeed as a lecturer or professor, you must command the respect of your students, enabling them to assimilate knowledge in a way that enhances their life experiences. A strong command of language, extensive reading, and the ability to keep students engaged are essential. The modern classroom often involves the use of computer presentations and group discussions, so being proficient in these formats is advantageous.
Additionally, you must be research-oriented, capable of presenting papers at significant seminars, and contribute innovative ideas that expand the boundaries of human knowledge.
Is there a future in this field?
The demand for quality educators is growing rapidly as educational institutions multiply across the country. This presents tremendous opportunities for individuals with a passion for teaching.
Where to Begin:
In Goa:
Pursue a Master’s degree at Goa University or select colleges like St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa.
The SET Examination is conducted by Goa University in fields including Humanities, Social Sciences, Forensic Science, Environmental Sciences, Computer Sciences, and Electronic Science.
After completing your Master’s degree, you must pass the NET/SET examinations to qualify for teaching positions in colleges and universities. (NET = National Eligibility Test for teaching anywhere in India; SET = State Eligibility Test for teaching at the state level).
Outside Goa
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) conducts the UGC-CSIR NET for science subjects such as Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean & Planetary Sciences, in collaboration with UGC.
Employment Avenues:
Colleges and universities are always in need of qualified staff.
Monetary Potential:
Government-run colleges and universities now offer attractive salaries to teaching staff, especially following the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission. In Goa, an Assistant Professor’s salary starts at ₹73,000 per month, while at IIMs, it can reach ₹1.25 lakhs per month.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: August 2024