RU proposes teaching roles for research scholars amid faculty shortage
2
Jaipur: In a strategic move to address faculty shortages and enhance the academic experience, the
University of Rajasthan
's academic council has recommended that research scholars be allowed to teach regular classes alongside their doctoral studies.
However, the decision on whether they will teach postgraduate (PG) or undergraduate (UG) classes, or both, remains pending.
This proposal, discussed in a council meeting on Wednesday, suggests that enrolled research students could be assigned six to ten teaching periods per week.
"With this, the researchers will not only be able to gain teaching experience in the university but the teaching work of vacant classes affected due to shortage of teachers in the university will also be smoothened," stated an official release from the university.
This initiative comes as the university grapples with over 60% of its teaching posts currently vacant.
In addition to this proposal, the council recommended adopting new PhD admission rules issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC). These rules eliminate the need for a PhD entrance examination, allowing admissions to be based directly on the National Eligibility Test (NET) and other equivalent examinations.
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The meeting also saw the adoption of UGC Regulations 2018 concerning the selection and promotion of teachers under the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS). Officials noted that this would facilitate appointments to vacant posts and expedite the pending promotion of 400 teachers within the university.
Aligning with the National Education Policy, 2020, the academic council proposed replacing all annual courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels with a semester system.
Additionally, the council recommended incorporating SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) courses as electives in postgraduate programs. These courses are approved by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
Last year, the university signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Rajasthan Centre for Advance Technology (R-CAT) and TCS, offering 107 Industry Ready online courses at subsidised rates. The academic council has now recommended that students receive credits for these courses if they opt to study them, further enhancing their educational opportunities.
This series of recommendations and changes marks a significant step towards modernising the University of Rajasthan's academic framework, aiming to better equip students and faculty for future challenges.
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