Understanding the Professors of Practice Initiative in Indian Higher Education

In a significant step towards aligning academia with industry needs, India's higher education landscape is witnessing a transformative shift through the appointment of Professors of Practice. These professionals, drawn from diverse industry sectors, bring real-world expertise into classrooms, mentorship programs, and curriculum development. As of January 5, 2026, a remarkable 1,841 such experts have been engaged across 349 higher education institutions nationwide, marking a key milestone in the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020.

The Professors of Practice, often abbreviated as PoP, represent a new category of faculty positions designed specifically to bridge the longstanding gap between theoretical knowledge taught in universities and the practical skills demanded by the job market. Unlike traditional academics, PoPs are seasoned professionals with at least 15 years of experience in their fields, who may not hold formal academic qualifications but possess proven track records in leadership, innovation, or specialized practice.

Origins and Guidelines from UGC and NEP 2020

The concept of Professors of Practice was formalized by the University Grants Commission under the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes multidisciplinary education, skill development, and stronger industry-academia linkages. The UGC released detailed guidelines in 2022, allowing higher education institutions to engage these experts on a fixed-term basis without impacting sanctioned faculty positions.

Key provisions include an initial engagement period of up to one year, extendable to a maximum of three years, with a possible one-year extension in exceptional cases, not exceeding four years total. PoPs can be appointed full-time or part-time, funded by institutions, industries, or even on an honorary basis, making it accessible for top leaders to contribute back to society. Institutions are encouraged to limit PoPs to 10% of their total faculty strength to maintain balance.

This initiative addresses a critical pain point in Indian higher education: the employability challenge. With over 1.5 million students graduating annually from universities and colleges, many lack hands-on skills, leading to high unemployment rates among youth. PoPs step in to mentor students, design industry-relevant courses, and facilitate internships and placements.

Comprehensive Statistics: A Nationwide Overview

The data, shared by the Ministry of Education in Rajya Sabha, highlights robust adoption by private and deemed institutions, which together account for over 75% of engagements. Meanwhile, central universities lag significantly, with only 11 out of 56 participating.

State-wise, Tamil Nadu dominates with 395 PoPs across 37 institutions, showcasing proactive leadership in southern India. Maharashtra follows with 193 in 36 HEIs, Gujarat 179, Karnataka 170, and Uttar Pradesh 157. Even smaller states and union territories have begun integrating PoPs, indicating a pan-India momentum.

Leading Institutions and Real-World Examples

Private and deemed universities are at the forefront, leveraging their flexibility to onboard industry veterans swiftly. For instance, SRM Institute of Science and Technology in Tamil Nadu has appointed experts like Mr. Mohandoss in Computing Technologies and Dr. Rajkumar Swaminathan in Mechanical Engineering. Anna University features Er. G. S. Viswanath as PoP in Composite Materials, contributing to cutting-edge research.

In agriculture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University has engaged progressive farmers such as Th. Ravi and Th. Suresh Kannan, infusing practical farming insights into curricula. Manav Rachna University boasts luminaries like former Supreme Court Justice U U Lalit, enriching legal education with judicial expertise.

These examples illustrate how PoPs from sectors like technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and public policy are tailoring programs to emerging needs such as AI, sustainability, and digital transformation. For aspiring academics, explore opportunities at professor jobs or higher ed jobs on AcademicJobs.com.

Key Benefits for Students and Institutions

• Enhanced Employability: PoPs facilitate live projects, guest lectures, and industry networks, directly boosting placement rates.
• Curriculum Innovation: They help revise syllabi to include case studies, simulations, and skill modules aligned with Industry 4.0.
• Mentorship and Research: Guidance on startups, patents, and career paths from seasoned pros.
• Industry Partnerships: Opens doors to collaborations, funding, and internships.

Institutions benefit from elevated rankings, as bodies like NIRF reward practical orientation. Students gain a competitive edge in a job market where 45% of graduates are deemed unemployable due to skill gaps, per recent reports.

Challenges in Adoption, Particularly in Central Universities

Despite enthusiasm, hurdles persist. Central universities, often bound by rigid bureaucratic processes, have appointed just 15 PoPs, with 80% yet to initiate. Reasons include concerns over remuneration, selection transparency, and integration with traditional faculty.

The UGC portal (pop.ugc.ac.in) lists 18,726 registered experts and 539 HEIs, yet actual engagements are lower, signaling a need for streamlined onboarding. Addressing these through awareness campaigns and incentives could accelerate uptake.

Role in Fulfilling NEP 2020 Vision

NEP 2020 envisions India as a global higher education hub by 2040, with PoPs central to its multidisciplinary and vocational thrust. They support multiple entry-exit systems, research ecosystems, and equity by drawing diverse professionals, including from underrepresented regions.

Future outlook points to exponential growth, potentially reaching thousands more PoPs as more HEIs register. This aligns with budget allocations for skilling, like the recent Union Budget 2026 boosts for higher ed infrastructure.

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Stakeholder Perspectives and Impacts

Industry leaders praise PoPs for nurturing talent pipelines, while faculty appreciate collaborative teaching. Students report higher confidence in interviews. Long-term, expect improved innovation indices and GDP contributions from a skilled workforce.

Case study: IITs and IIMs have integrated PoPs effectively, with IIM Bangalore focusing on management communication courses, yielding alumni success stories.

Future Trends and Actionable Insights

Looking ahead, AICTE and UGC may expand guidelines for tech sectors. Institutions should prioritize diverse PoPs for inclusivity. Aspiring PoPs: Register on the UGC portal; educators: Advocate for adoptions.

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Photo by Levi Grossbaum on Unsplash

Conclusion: A Step Towards Global Competitiveness

The engagement of 1,841 Professors of Practice across 349 institutions is more than numbers—it's a commitment to practical, future-ready education. As India aims for 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio by 2035, PoPs will be pivotal. Stay updated via higher education news and connect with university jobs, higher ed jobs, Rate My Professor, and higher ed career advice on AcademicJobs.com.