Professors play a crucial role in shaping a student’s academic and professional journey. They do more than just teach—they mentor, guide, motivate, and help students think critically. With their knowledge and industry experience, professors make complex concepts easier to understand and connect classroom learning to real-world applications. They encourage students to ask questions, work on research, participate in projects, and explore new ideas. When students have supportive and well-qualified professors, their confidence grows, and they are better prepared for successful careers.
Becoming a professor in India is considered a respectful and rewarding career choice, especially for those with a strong desire to inspire and educate students. However, many aspiring scholars don’t know how to become one. In this article, we’ll explore the step-by-step guide on how to become a professor in India, including educational qualifications and salary expectations.
Quick Glance Overview
By now, you would have gauged that this blog will be your go-to guide on how to become a professor in India. But before we move into the intricate details of the topic, here’s a glance overview for easy navigation as well as understanding.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Role of a Professor | Teaching, Mentoring, Research, Career, Guidance, Critical Thinking |
| Reasons To Choose This Job | Respect, Job Stability, Academic Growth, Social Impact |
| Minimum Education | Bachelor’s + Master’s degree (55% marks) |
| Mandatory Exams | UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, SET, GATE |
| Doctoral Degree | Required for Associate Professor & Professor roles |
| Salary | Varies from Rs 30,000-3 Lakh+/Month |
| Why KRMU for PhD | Global Exposure, Industry Links, Expert, Faculty, State-of-the-Art Infrastructure |
Who is a professor?
A professor is an educational professional with a doctorate or advanced degree in any respective subject. They are experts who provide high-level education and guidance to students in their own disciplines at universities and colleges.
Requirements for Various Professorship Roles
The University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, which control the qualifications for various professor roles in India, have outlined different criteria for Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor posts based on education, experience, and research output.
| Position | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Professor | PhD + Extensive Experience |
| Associate Professor | PhD + Teaching Experience |
| Assistant Professor | Master’s + NET/PhD |
How to Become a Professor in India: Step-By-Step Guide
If you want to be a professor and make teaching your profession, you should have a very strong desire and interest in teaching students. You must be passionate about the subject that you’re going to be teaching once you become a professor.
Follow the following step-by-step guide:
Earning Professional Degrees
Pursue a bachelor’s degree in the subject of your choice, as this will build a strong foundation for your academic journey. After completing the bachelor’s degree, you will need to pursue a master’s degree in the same field to deepen your understanding of the subject, keeping in mind that you maintain a strong academic record.
Qualifying for National-Level Exams
After earning a master’s degree, you must clear entrance exams like UGC-NET, SET, GATE, or CSIR-NET. These exams assess your knowledge and make you eligible for teaching as an assistant professor in any college or university across India. By appearing for CSIR-NET exam, you’ll be able to get a lecturer position.
Obtaining a Doctoral Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is an advanced qualification that will help you secure higher roles in academics, such as professor and associate professor. After completing your Ph.D. and intensive doctoral research, you can directly apply for a professor position in colleges or universities across India.
Nowadays, most of the colleges and universities require you to hold both Ph.D. and UGC-NET qualifications in order to a professor in India.
Acquiring Practical Experience
Once you acquire all the required educational degrees, it’s time to gain teaching experience. Start by working as a tutor, assistant professor, or teacher at an academic institution. These practical insights will help you become a successful professor in India.
Publishing Research
Publish your research-based projects, articles, and papers in your area of expertise. This will not only advance your academic reputation in specific areas of study but also play a significant role in promoting positions from assistant professor to associate professor.
Applying for Professor Position
After earning a Ph.D. degree, gaining practical experience, and publishing your research, you’re ready to apply for professor positions as per your subject, expertise, and qualifications. Make sure you stay updated with the job openings on the official websites of colleges and universities.
Requirements for Various Professorship Roles
The University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, which control the qualifications for various professor roles in India, have outlined different criteria for Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor posts based on education, experience, and research output.
| Position | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Professor | PhD + Extensive Experience |
| Associate Professor | PhD + Teaching Experience |
| Assistant Professor | Master’s + NET/PhD |
PhD Programmes Offered by K.R. Mangalam University
K.R. Mangalam University (KRMU) has emerged as one of the best private universities in India, dedicatedly working on providing exceptional education to students. The university offers multiple PhD programme across various disciplines, each designed in consultation with industry professionals to make positive changes in academia.
Here are some reasons that make KRMU the most preferred destination for pursuing PhD programmes.
Globally Recognised University
K.R. Mangalam University is an internationally recognised institution for pursuing higher learning. KRMU is well-known for its dynamic curriculum and progressive pedagogy, which benefit graduates in many ways.
Interdisciplinary Research Opportunities
KRMU offers interdisciplinary research opportunities to aspiring scholars, encouraging them to gain an all-inclusive understanding of their field. This approach not only enhances their strong academic credentials but also provides them with ethical values.
Strong Industry Collaborations
With strong partnerships with industries, research centres, and esteemed institutions all around the world, the university has a vision to prepare socially responsible scholars who will have the ability to drive positive changes in future generations. These partnerships help students engage in research projects to gain valuable industry insights.
Highly Experienced Faculty Experts
K.R. Mangalam University has a group of dedicated faculty staff who are experts in their respective fields of study. They help students achieve academic and research excellence.
Research Facilities
The university has high-end research facilities available for aspiring scholars, including advanced facilities to provide every student with access to the latest technology.
Here is a list of PhD Programmes offered by K.R. Mangalam University:
Why is KRMU the Right Step Toward Becoming a Professor?
Students who complete a PhD from K.R. Mangalam University gains strong research experience, deep subject expertise, and professional teaching skills that help them become qualified university professors. With exposure to publishing research papers, presenting at conferences, and working on advanced projects, they are well-prepared for academic careers in colleges and universities in India and abroad. KRMU’s doctoral programme also builds communication, leadership, and mentorship skills—qualities that make a successful and impactful professor.
Professor Salary in India
The salary of a professor in India depends on various factors like experience, qualifications, and the institution one is teaching at. An entry-level Assistant Professor typically earns in the range of Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 per month, depending on the university or college, with additional benefits such as allowances and bonuses. As professors gain experience and move to higher academic ranks, such as Associate Professor and Professor, their salaries increase significantly. A full-time experienced professor can earn between Rs 1.2 lakh and Rs 3 lakh or more per month, along with various perks such as research grants, sabbatical opportunities, and retirement benefits. Salaries also tend to be higher in prestigious institutions like IITs, IIMs, and central universities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we trust that you now have a clear understanding of the steps required to become a professor in India. This blog provides a comprehensive roadmap to guide you toward achieving this goal in your chosen field. By carefully following the outlined steps and applying the recommended strategies, you can establish a successful academic career and attain the position of professor in India.
After completing a PhD from K.R. Mangalam University, aspirants gain strong research skills, practical teaching exposure, and subject expertise. They become eligible for roles like Assistant Professor, Research Scholar, Academic Consultant, and higher positions in universities. The degree helps them build a respected academic career with growth, publications, and leadership opportunities.
Also Read: PhD Course Guide: Admissions, Eligibility, and Requirements
FAQs
What is the professor salary in India?
An entry-level Assistant Professor typically earns in the range of Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 per month.
What are the types of professors in academics?
Instructor Assistant Professor Associate Professor Professor
How to become an assistant professor?
To become an assistant professor in India, you need to do the following: Earn a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks. Earn a master’s degree with at least 55% marks. Appear for entrance exams like UGC-NET, SET, GATE, or CSIR NET. Publish your research to add value to your resume. Note: Candidates who have completed PhD programme are exempted from appearing for the UGC-NET exam.
Is a professor a high paying job?
Yes, professors earn a lot. They are considered to be the highest form of educators as they have advanced knowledge in the specific field. A full-time experienced professor can earn between Rs 1.2 lakh and Rs 3 lakh or more per month, along with various perks.
What are the important entrance exams for the PhD programme?
UGC-NET Exam SET Exam GATE Exam CSIR NET Exam
Is admission for PhD still open at KRMU?
Yes, the PhD applications are still being accepted at K.R. Mangalam University. Fill out the application form as soon as possible.
What are the skills necessary to become a professor in India?
In India, one needs to have essential skills like presentation, communication, problem-solving, creative teaching, curriculum planning, analytical writing, critical thinking, and time management skills.
