Gujarat Recognises Fixed-Pay Teaching Experience for Professor Recruitment

Gandhinagar | Gujarat — In a major relief for thousands of teaching assistants and contractual faculty members, the Gujarat Education Department has announced a significant change in recruitment rules across government universities. Under the new circular, up to five years of teaching experience served on a fixed salary will now be considered valid while recruiting professors and other senior academic posts.

Until now, experience gained as a teaching assistant or lecturer on a fixed-pay basis was not counted during recruitment for higher positions. This exclusion had left many qualified candidates at a disadvantage despite years of service in classrooms and laboratories.

The latest directive makes it mandatory for all 14 major government universities in the state to implement the revised rule. The decision stems from an earlier opinion issued in connection with Saurashtra University, which has now been extended uniformly across the state to ensure fairness.

The rule will apply to leading institutions including Gujarat University, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, among others.

“The discrepancies in recruitment procedures must be removed, and equality should be maintained across institutions,” the Education Department stated in its circular. Officials emphasised that uniform implementation would prevent arbitrary interpretations of service experience and strengthen transparency in academic appointments.

Educationists have welcomed the move, calling it long overdue. “For years, professors working on fixed salaries have carried the same academic responsibilities as permanent faculty but were denied recognition of their experience during promotions or new appointments,” said a senior academician from Ahmedabad. “This amendment finally ensures justice and restores morale among dedicated teachers.”

Faculty members say the decision will significantly improve their prospects during permanent recruitment drives. Many fixed-pay professors, especially in science, engineering and commerce streams, have served for several years under contractual arrangements with modest pay scales.

By acknowledging their contribution, the government aims to create a more equitable recruitment framework while boosting confidence in the higher education system. Observers believe the reform will not only benefit existing faculty but also attract talented educators to government universities.