Professor hold a special place in society, guiding and inspiring future leaders. But what about the benefits of being a professor? Besides respect, professors in India also have good financial stability. Their salaries depend on their skills, qualifications, and experience. Salaries are very different at different universities and colleges.
If you are being curious or want to become one of them, this blog will give a clear view of professor salary in India.
Who Is a Professor?
A professor is a college or university teacher who helps students understand a specific subject. They give lectures, explain tough topics, and support students in their learning. Professors also do research to find new information and advance knowledge in 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
Types Of Professors
1. Assistant Professor
This is the starting position for new professors. Assistant Professors are often recent graduates or those with a few years of teaching experience. Their job is to help with teaching classes, assist senior professors with research, and start their own research projects under guidance.
2. Associate Professor
After working as an Assistant Professor and gaining more experience, you can become an Associate Professor. At this level, you’ll have more responsibilities. You’ll lead your own research projects, guide students in their studies and research, and take on more teaching duties. You become a mentor to both students and newer faculty members.
3. Professor
This is the highest rank you can achieve as a faculty member. Professors are very experienced and respected in their fields. They often lead entire departments, oversee major research projects, and contribute a lot to the academic community. They also play a key role in shaping the future of the institution and guiding younger faculty members and students.
Professor Salary In India
Professor salaries in India can be quite different based on experience, qualifications, and where they work. Professor salaries range from INR 7.8 lakh to INR 24 lakh per year. Newer professors usually earn at the lower end, while experienced ones or those at top universities earn more. Other factors like what subject they teach, their research work, and whether the institution is public or private also affect their pay.
| 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 |
Professor Salary In India Per Month
Professor salary in India per month is INR 59,000 to INR 2 lakh. New professors or those with less experience earn closer to INR 59,000, while experienced and senior professors can earn up to INR 2 lakh. Salaries also depend on the type of institution, the subject taught, and the professor’s qualifications.
Professor Salary In India Experience Wise
| Experience Level | Salary Range (Per Month) |
| Fresher | INR 25,000 to INR 1,00,000 |
| 1-3 years Experience | INR 30,000 to INR 1,00,000 |
| 4-6 years Experience | INR 35,000 to INR 1,00,000 |
| 7-9 years Experience | INR 48,000 to INR 1,00,000 |
| 10-14 years Experience | INR 50,000 to INR 2,00,000 |
| 15+ years experience | INR 70,000 to INR 2,00,000 |
Eligibility Criteria To Be A Professor
- You need to have a Master’s degree i.e MA, MSc, M.Com in the subject you want to teach.
- You have to clear the UGC– NET or SET exam.
- You need to have a PhD if you want to become a professor at a university.
- You should have teaching experience, like working as an Assistant Professor.
- You need to publish research papers to improve your chances and grow in your career.
Skills Required To Be A Professor
- Strong Subject Knowledge: You need to know the subject you teach very well.
- Communication Skills: It’s important to explain complex ideas clearly and effectively.
- Research Skills: You should be able to do research and share your findings.
- Time Management: Balancing teaching, research, and administrative work requires good time management.
- Critical Thinking: You need to analyse and evaluate information and help students do the same.
- Patience and Empathy: Being patient and understanding with students helps create a positive learning environment.
- Leadership Skills: Professors often lead projects, research, or departments, so leadership abilities are important.
- Adaptability: The ability to adapt to new teaching methods and technologies is crucial in today’s education system.
How Can You Become A Professor In India
- Complete Your Bachelor’s Degree: Start by earning a bachelor’s degree in the subject you want to teach.
- Pursue a Master’s Degree: After your bachelor’s, you’ll need a master’s degree (MA, MSc, or equivalent) in your field.
- Qualify UGC-NET or SET: To become eligible for teaching positions, you need to clear the National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) or the State Eligibility Test (SET) in your subject.
- Earn a PhD: A Doctorate (PhD) in your subject is generally required to become a professor. It’s crucial for research and higher academic positions.
- Gain Teaching Experience: Start as an Assistant Professor or Lecturer to gain experience. You may need to complete a probationary period.
- Publish Research: Publishing research papers in reputable journals will enhance your academic profile.
- Apply for Professor Positions: Look for openings at universities and colleges. Experience, publications, and qualifications will be key factors.
- Continuous Development: Continue attending conferences, workshops, and keep publishing research to stay updated in your field.
Factors That Influence Professor Salaries In India
- Education Level: Professors with higher degrees like a PhD usually earn more because advanced qualifications are valued.
- Experience: The longer you’ve been teaching, the higher your salary tends to be. Experience really pays off in the academic world.
- Institution Type: Working at top universities or private colleges can lead to higher salaries compared to smaller institutions.
- Location: Professors in cities with a high cost of living generally have higher salaries to match the expenses.
- Subject Specialization: Some subjects pay better depending on demand and expertise. Specializing in a high-demand field can be rewarding.
- Rank and Position: Professors in senior positions like Associate Professor or full Professor earn more than Assistant Professors.
- Research and Publications: Professors with strong research backgrounds and many publications often receive better pay and promotions.
- Government vs. Private: Government colleges usually have set pay scales, but private colleges might offer higher salaries based on performance and funding.
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Sum It Up
In simple words, professor salary in India can be vary lot. How much you earn depends on your experience, the institution you work for, and the city you live in. if you work at a top institution like an IIT, you likely can earn more. Experienced professor get paid better. Living in a big city means higher pay due to the cost of living.
Overall, professor can earn well, especially if they have lots of experienced and work at a prestigious institution.
FAQs
Q1. How does location affect a professor's salary in India?
Ans: Location plays a significant role in determining a professor's salary in India. Professors working in metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore tend to earn higher salaries than those working in smaller cities or rural areas.
Q2. What is the salary structure for professors in India?
Ans:The salary structure for professors in India typically includes Basic Pay, Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other allowances.
Q3. What kind of retirement benefits do professors in India receive?
Ans: Professors in India typically receive retirement benefits like pension, gratuity, and provident fund.
Q4. How does experience affect a professor's salary in India?
Ans: Experience plays a significant role in determining a professor's salary in India. Professors with more experience typically earn higher salaries.