In a significant move to enhance the practical relevance of higher education, Tamil Nadu has emerged as the leading state in appointing ‘Professors of Practice’ (PoPs). According to recent data from the University Grants Commission (UGC), Tamil Nadu has welcomed 1,841 PoPs into its Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This initiative, guided by UGC’s 2022 framework, aims to integrate experienced industry professionals into academic settings to enrich curriculum, provide mentorship, and foster stronger industry-academia ties.
Following Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra has appointed 193 PoPs, while Gujarat and Karnataka have onboarded 179 and 170 professionals, respectively. This trend is largely driven by private universities, which have made substantial appointments, in contrast to central universities that have appointed only 15 PoPs so far. Deemed-to-be universities and state universities have also contributed significantly, with 699 and 212 PoPs appointed respectively, alongside 200 PoPs in colleges. This surge in PoP appointments reflects a broader strategy to infuse real-world expertise into academic programs, ensuring that educational content remains aligned with current industry demands and societal needs.
These temporary positions require a minimum of 15 years of experience, ideally in senior roles, and are capped at a maximum of four years per institution. The UGC emphasizes that this scheme is designed to allow seasoned professionals to contribute to nation-building and societal development on an honorary basis.