What’s the Difference between Teacher, Professor, Assistant Professor, and Lecturer?

The terms "teacher," "professor," "assistant professor," and "lecturer" are often used interchangeably, but they represent distinct roles within the academic world. Here we have shared the detailed differentiation by sharing information about their educational qualifications, career prospects, salary, and more.

Difference between Teacher, Professor, Assistant Professor, and Lecturer

In India, a teacher or guru always has the highest regard, in fact in Hindu mythology sacred texts often regard gurus above gods and parents. Right from our childhood nursery classes to primary, secondary, and higher classes and even college, a student’s life is incomplete without the guidance of a guru. In different aspects of our academic life, the name and position change, but the job remains the same. Be it teachers, Professors, Assistant Professors, or Lecturers.

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Each post is different when it comes to qualifications required, job roles, salary, and career growth there is a wide difference between them. In this article on the difference between Teachers, Professors, Assistant Professors, and lecturers we have shared the detailed differentiation by sharing information about their educational qualifications, career prospects, salary, and more.

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An Overview of all these professions

Teacher

A teacher's primary job is to create a curriculum, plan lessons, conduct classes, assign homework, and assess students' growth. The required eligibility criteria include a bachelor's degree in education (BEd) or D.Ed, D.El.Ed or M.Ed. Students with a teaching certification have the upper hand such as Special Education certification, practical learning technological prowess, etc. Teachers can specialize in different subjects or grade levels. The career growth of a Teacher often involves moving to higher-level teaching positions or administrative roles within the same vicinity.

Lecturer

The job includes delivering lectures or getting involved in administrative tasks in the college. As far as the eligibility criteria are concerned to become a lecturer a candidate needs to have a master's degree and in some cases, a PhD as well. The career progresses from assistant professor positions, especially if they have a PhD and demonstrate research capabilities. They may also specialize in particular areas of study.

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Assistant Professor

The responsibilities of an assistant professor are to engage in teaching, research, and service activities. APs teach undergraduate (UG) and graduate courses, conduct research projects, and participate in university committees as well as administrative roles. The qualifications required to become an Assistant Professor are a PhD degree and training under a professor for a long period. APs with research publications and teaching experience are also valued highly. They can progress to professor levels and may also take on administrative roles within the university.

Professor

Becoming a professor in India is the supreme dream of every research scholar as they hold the highest academic rank in the academic role line. The job of a professor includes research work, teaching, and administrative duties. They also have to lead research projects, supervise graduate students, and serve university committees and administrative tasks when required. The qualifications required to become a professor include a PhD degree with a solid record of research publications. With experience, they may become department heads or deans.

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How to Become a Teacher in India?

As per various estimates, around 12-15 lakh students apply for BEd entrance exams in India annually, this is enough to justify the interest, students have in becoming teachers in India. To become a Teacher, a candidate needs to enroll in a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree after which they can apply for teaching positions in government or private schools as per the vacancies released. There are some schools like Kendriya Vidhyalaya (KV) and Navodaya Vidyalaya (NVS) etc which also require students to have a Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) certification while hiring.

How to Become a Professor in India?

Candidates must have a PhD degree to become a professor in India. With a PhD degree, they can apply for faculty positions at universities or colleges. If candidates have further research publications, teaching experience, and strong academic credentials they can often secure a professorial position. Several universities also have their specific eligibility criteria and selection processes for faculty appointments. This varies from university to university. Candidates need to qualify the UGC NET exam for and CSIR NET exam to become an Assistant Professor.

How to Become a Lecturer in India?

Candidates need to have a master's degree to become a Lecturer in India however, some institutions prefer candidates with a PhD. Lecturers often work in colleges, universities, or technical institutions and are involved in teaching, research, or administrative duties.

Although the eligibility criteria and job roles of a Teacher, Assistant Professor, Lecturer, and Professor may differ, the core aspect is these three need to act as lamplighters by providing students with a guided career.

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