Latest UGC regulations aim at creating a talent pool of trained teachers for higher education

Mandatory training in teaching for PhD students will enable overburdened faculty to focus on their own research work

- Sonal.Srivastava timesgroup.com

The University Grant Commission (UGC) in its Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of PhD Degree Regulations, 2022, has brought in several big-ticket changes. It has suggested the HEIs to assign four-six hours per week of teaching/research assistantship for conducting tutorial or laboratory work to PhD students and fixed a minimum of 12 credits for the PhD coursework.

The UGC regulation states, "All PhD scholars, irrespective of discipline, shall be required to train in teaching/education/pedagogy/writing related to their chosen PhD subject during their doctoral period. The scholars may also be assigned 4-6 hours per week of teaching/research assistantship for conducting tutorial or laboratory work and evaluations." The initiative, say academicians, will enhance the quality of PhD research work and offer greater flexibility to part-time PhD candidates.

Teacher training for HEIS The move will create a pool of trained teachers for HEIs and also enable overburdened professors to focus on research work.