Over 25,000 Faculty Positions Filled in IITs, IIMs, NITs, and Central Universities, Vacancies Still Persist
Mission Mode Recruitment Drive Fills Over 25,000 Posts, Focus on Reserved Categories and Quality Hiring, informs Education Ministry
The Ministry of Education has reported significant progress in addressing faculty shortages across Central Higher Education Institutions (CHEIs), including Central Universities (CUs), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore.
As of October 29, 2024, a total of 25,777 posts have been filled under a Mission Mode recruitment drive, of which 15,047 are faculty positions. However, the overall challenge of vacancies continues to loom large.
Recruitment Challenges and Institutional Autonomy
The Ministry attributes faculty shortages to retirements, resignations, promotions, and expansion initiatives, including increased student strength and the establishment of new programs. Since these institutions operate autonomously under their respective Acts, statutes, and regulations, recruitment processes vary across campuses. Nevertheless, the Ministry emphasized that filling vacancies is a continuous process, requiring consistent effort to meet growing academic demands.
Special Focus on Reservation Policies
Under the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers Cadre) Act, 2019, the government has ensured reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in faculty recruitment. Out of the 15,047 faculty posts filled, 1,869 were allotted to SCs, 739 to STs, 3,089 to OBCs, and 254 to PwDs. The Ministry highlighted that this recruitment drive underscores the government’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable representation in higher education.
Mission Mode Recruitment Drive Yields Results
Launched in September 2022, the Mission Mode recruitment drive has accelerated the hiring process. The Ministry reported that 25,777 posts across all categories have been filled, including 15,139 faculty positions, with special attention given to posts reserved for underrepresented communities. Recruitment strategies include open advertisements, search-cum-selection procedures, and invitations to alumni, scientists, and distinguished academicians.
Continuous Efforts to Address Vacancies
Despite the strides made, the Ministry acknowledged that a substantial number of vacancies remain due to the rapid expansion of higher education institutions and their academic offerings. Measures such as year-round recruitment and special drives will continue to be implemented to attract quality faculty and meet the growing needs of CHEIs.
The government’s efforts to address faculty shortages in premier institutions are crucial for ensuring academic excellence and catering to India’s expanding higher education sector. While the Mission Mode recruitment drive has brought relief, the Ministry emphasized the need for sustained and innovative strategies to bridge the remaining gaps.
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Abhay an alumnus of IIMC and Delhi University, has over a decade long experience of reporting on various beats of journalism. During his free time he prefers listening to music or play indoor and outdoor games.