Topic
The Andhra Pradesh High Court ruled that UGC's pyramidal faculty ratio guidelines are directory, not mandatory, dismissing petitions challenging rationalisation of teaching posts. The judgment clarifies that candidates have no vested right to insist on specific posts, reinforcing the state's discretion in higher education policy implementation.
Uttarakhand High Court rules that ICAR-NET qualification satisfies the UGC/CSIR NET requirement under UGC Regulations, 2018 for Assistant Professor posts. The judgment also clarifies that a Ph.D. awarded after the application deadline does not disqualify NET-qualified candidates, ensuring broader eligibility in higher education recruitment.
The Uttarakhand High Court ruled that academic leadership experience at reputed non-UGC institutions (e.g., IIPA) qualifies under UGC Regulations 2018 for Vice-Chancellor eligibility, provided the institution meets equivalent academic and administrative standards. This expands the pool of eligible candidates beyond traditional university roles.
The Kerala High Court ruled that UGC Regulations 2018 override conflicting state government orders on academic pay fixation, entitling a former Principal reverted to teaching duties to Professor-level pay Band 14 and revised pension. This establishes federal supremacy in higher education pay structures, impacting thousands of state-funded college staff across India.
Kerala High Court holds that UGC Regulations 2018 permit assessment of research in peer-reviewed journals regardless of UGC-CARE listing, reinforcing institutional autonomy in academic appointments.