Technical Institute Head Position: Mentoring PhD Candidates; Publication of Work May Not Be Required
According to modifications suggested by an expert group in the recruitment process, guiding PhD candidates and having research work published in reputable journals may not be among the essential conditions for people vying for roles of director or principal in AICTE-affiliated institutions.
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), which oversees technical education in the nation, established the panel in response to requests for a review of the positions’ current credentials from a number of faculty members.
According to the rules in place as of 2019, in order to be shortlisted for the positions of director or principal, a candidate must have served as the supervisor or co-supervisor for at least two successful Ph.D candidates and have published a minimum of eight research articles in scholarly journals recognized by the government.
The council stated in a notification that the committee “recommended broadening the eligibility criteria and considering other alternatives, including founders or co-founders of start-ups or incubation units recognized by MSMEs or industry experts, with at least two utility patents, granted for the top post (director or principal).”
According to the statement, the committee has proposed other qualifying requirements for the same, “keeping the above two as optional” — assisting Ph.D. applicants and publishing research work.
According to the announcement, other qualifications for applicants include having organized at least four conferences as convener and written at least four books, either text or reference, with reputable publishers. “Those who have developed one MOOC course applicable at national platforms or having a postgraduate certificate, diploma, or degree in management/public administration,” the council said, citing the guidelines on selection criteria.
Before the council incorporates the panel’s recommendations in a gazetted announcement, the suggestions have been made available to the public for 15 days in order to invite responses.
