Becoming a professor is a great career choice. You get the chance to teach and inspire students while doing important research. But it’s not an easy road, it takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and a love for learning. If you are asking yourself how to become a college professor then, this blog will surely help you understands the steps you need to take and other information about successful recruitment.
Who Is Professor?
A professor is a teacher at a college or university who guides students in learning a specific subject. They deliver lectures, simplify complex topics, and support students in their studies. In addition to teaching, professors conduct research to discover new insights and contribute to their field.
They write books and articles, create study materials, and assist students with projects. Besides teaching, they give advice and support to help students succeed in their careers. Professors play a key role in education by sharing knowledge and encouraging students to think and learn.
What is the Role of College Professor
College professors have many responsibilities. They teach students, explain complex subjects, and prepare study materials. They give lectures, check assignments, and conduct exams to assess students’ knowledge.
In addition to teaching, professors engage in research, write books, and publish articles to contribute to their field. They guide students on projects, provide career advice, and sometimes manage college activities and events.
Their main role is to share knowledge, support students in their learning journey, and make education more accessible and engaging. By doing so, they help shape the future of their students and contribute to the academic community.
Relatable:- Professor Salary in India
How To Become A College Professor
- Bachelor’s Degree: Earn a bachelor’s degree in the subject you want to teach to gain foundational knowledge.
- Master’s Degree: Obtain a master’s degree (like MA or MSc) to further specialize and meet college teaching requirements.
- Earn PhD: Aim for a PhD if you want to teach at universities, as it involves deep research in your field.
- Teaching Experience: Gain experience as a teaching assistant, tutor, or guest lecturer to develop your teaching skills.
- Research and Publish: Conduct research and publish papers, articles, or books to build your academic reputation.
- Create a Strong Resume: Develop a well-structured resume highlighting your education, teaching experience, research, and publications.
- Apply for Positions: Apply for entry-level roles like lecturer or assistant professor to start your academic career.
- Networking: Attend conferences and collaborate with other researchers to build professional connections.
- Qualify for Exams: In some cases, pass exams like UGC-NET or SET to qualify for government teaching positions.
- Continuous Learning: Keep learning, researching, and improving your teaching methods to grow in your career.
Eligibility Criteria
- You need to have a Master’s degree (MA, MSc, M.Com) in the subject you want to teach.
- You must clear the UGC-NET or SET exam.
- A PhD is required if you want to become a professor at a university.
- You should have teaching experience, such as working as an Assistant Professor.
- Publishing research papers will improve your chances and help you grow in your career.
Exams Required For The Post Of Professor
| Exam Name | Exam Pattern | Proficiency Tested |
| UGC-NET (India) | Paper 1 (Teaching & Research Aptitude) + Paper 2 (Subject-Specific) | Teaching skills, research ability, subject expertise |
| CSIR-NET (India) | Paper 1 (General Aptitude) + Paper 2 & 3 (Subject-Specific) | Scientific research, subject knowledge, teaching aptitude |
| SET (State Eligibility Test – India) | Paper 1 (General) + Paper 2 (Subject-Specific) | Teaching skills, subject expertise |
| GATE (For Engineering Professors – India) | Subject-Specific Paper + General Aptitude | Technical knowledge, analytical skills |
| PhD Entrance Exams (Various Universities) | Written Test + Interview | Research skills, subject expertise |
Salary Range Of A College Professor
Professor salaries in India depend on their experience, qualifications, and where they work. They usually make between INR 7.8 lakh and INR 24 lakh per year. New professors earn less, while experienced ones or those at top universities earn more. The subject they teach, their research, and whether they work at a public or private institution also affect their salary.
| Post Name | Level | Salary (Per Month) |
| Assistant professor | Level 10 | INR 57,700 |
| Level 11 | INR 68,900 | |
| Level 12 | INR 79,800 | |
| Associate professor | Level 13A | INR 1,31,400 |
| Professor | Level 14 | INR 1,44,200 |
| Level 15 | INR 1,82,200 |
Skills Required To Be Professor
- Subject Expertise: Have deep knowledge of your subject to teach and guide students effectively.
- Teaching Skills: Be able to explain complex topics clearly and engagingly.
- Research and Analytical Skills: Conduct studies, analyse data, and publish research to contribute to knowledge.
- Critical Thinking: Analyse and interpret information, encourage discussions, and develop new ideas.
- Mentorship and Guidance: Support students in academics, research, and career growth.
- Presentation Skills: Deliver lectures effectively using visual aids and discussions.
- Time Management: Balance teaching, research, mentoring, and administrative tasks.
- Adaptability: Keep up with new teaching methods, technology, and advancements in your subject.
Last Words
To sum up, Becoming a professor requires time, effort, and a passion for teaching and learning. It involves more than just earning degrees; you also need to gain experience, develop research skills, and continuously improve as an educator. Challenges may arise, but with dedication and perseverance, you can achieve a successful academic career.
FAQs
Q1. Is PhD mandatory to become a professor in India?
Ans:Yes, a PhD is required for assistant professor positions in universities as per UGC guidelines. However, for some colleges, NET qualification may be enough.
Q2. Do I need to publish research papers to become a professor?
Ans:Yes, research publications in reputed journals are important for career growth, promotions, and securing permanent positions in universities.
Q3. How competitive is it to get a professor position in India?
Ans:It is highly competitive, as there are limited vacancies, and candidates need strong qualifications, research work, and teaching experience.
Q4. What is the retirement age for professors in India?
Ans:The retirement age varies but is generally 65 years in government universities. Some private institutions may have different policies.
Q5. Can I become a professor without clearing UGC-NET?
Ans:Yes, if you have a PhD, you may be exempt from UGC-NET. Private universities may also have their own hiring criteria.