Decoding the Professors of Practice Phenomenon in Indian Higher Education
The introduction of Professors of Practice (PoP) represents a transformative shift in India's higher education landscape, spearheaded by the University Grants Commission (UGC). These roles allow distinguished industry professionals, policymakers, and experts from diverse fields to contribute directly to academia without the traditional academic qualifications like a PhD. With at least 15 years of proven experience, PoPs bring real-world insights to classrooms, helping bridge the persistent gap between theoretical learning and practical application.
This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's emphasis on skill development and industry integration. As universities grapple with employability challenges—where graduates often lack hands-on skills—PoPs offer mentorship, curriculum innovation, and industry-linked projects. Their engagement is temporary, honorary or funded, and capped at 10% of sanctioned faculty posts, ensuring no disruption to regular hiring.
UGC Guidelines: Eligibility, Tenure, and Engagement Models
The UGC outlined comprehensive guidelines in September 2022 for engaging PoPs in universities and colleges. Eligibility focuses on expertise rather than degrees: candidates must demonstrate remarkable contributions in areas like engineering, technology, entrepreneurship, civil services, or social sectors, with a minimum of 15 years' experience, preferably at senior levels. Serving or retired academicians are ineligible to maintain focus on external expertise.
Engagement falls into three categories:
- Honorary PoPs: Industry leaders contribute voluntarily, with institutions offering optional honorariums.
- HEI-funded PoPs: Institutions pay a mutually agreed consolidated salary for full- or part-time roles.
- Industry-funded PoPs: Collaborations where industries sponsor positions to address skill gaps.
Selection involves a committee of two senior professors and one external expert, recommending to the institution's governing bodies. Responsibilities include designing industry-relevant curricula, mentoring students on innovation, conducting workshops, and fostering research collaborations.
National Snapshot: 1,841 PoPs Across 349 Institutions
As of early 2026, India has appointed 1,841 Professors of Practice across 349 higher education institutions (HEIs), a significant milestone since the guidelines' rollout. The UGC's PoP portal (PoP Portal) has registered 18,724 experts and 539 institutions, facilitating matches.
| Institution Type | PoPs Appointed |
|---|---|
| Private Universities | 715 |
| Deemed-to-be Universities | 699 |
| State Universities | 212 |
| Colleges | 200 |
| Central Universities | 15 |
Private and deemed universities dominate, while central universities lag, with 80% yet to appoint any despite comprising 56 institutions nationwide.
Tamil Nadu's Dominance: 395 Appointments Leading the Nation
Tamil Nadu stands out with 395 PoPs across approximately 37 institutions, accounting for over 21% of national totals. This surge underscores the state's commitment to practical education, fueled by its robust industrial ecosystem—home to automotive giants, IT hubs in Chennai, and manufacturing clusters.
| State | PoPs |
|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | 395 |
| Maharashtra | 193 |
| Gujarat | 179 |
| Karnataka | 170 |
The state's high Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education, especially for marginalized groups at 39.6% for SC and 40.7% for ST, complements this initiative, positioning Tamil Nadu as a model for inclusive, industry-aligned learning.
Why Tamil Nadu Excels: Industry-Academia Synergy
Tamil Nadu's leadership stems from its economic profile: Chennai's moniker 'Detroit of India' reflects automotive prowess (Hyundai, Ford, BMW), alongside electronics (Foxconn, Pegatron) and textiles. Universities here actively collaborate, leveraging proximity to attract experts. Proactive private institutions and state support, including plans for Knowledge City in Tiruvallur—an 872-acre hub for education-industry integration—further propel this.
For instance, emerging domains like AI receive priority, with tech-based ecosystems enhancing student outcomes. This contrasts with slower adoption elsewhere, where bureaucratic hurdles prevail.
Spotlight on Tamil Nadu Institutions: Real-World Examples
SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) exemplifies adoption, appointing experts like Mr. Mohandoss in Computing Technologies and Dr. Rajkumar Swaminathan in Mechanical Engineering. These PoPs deliver specialized lectures and guide projects aligned with industry needs.
Anna University, a state technical powerhouse, has integrated PoPs like Er. G. S. Viswanath in Composite Materials, boosting research in advanced manufacturing. Deemed universities such as Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) and Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) follow suit, appointing dozens to enhance employability in engineering and biotech.
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Benefits: Enhancing Employability and Innovation
PoPs deliver tangible impacts:
- Real-world case studies and mentorship improve placement rates.
- Curriculum updates address skill gaps in AI, sustainability, and digital tech.
- Joint research yields patents and startups, as seen in TN's innovation hubs.
- Students gain networking, with alumni crediting PoPs for career breakthroughs.
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Challenges: Adoption Gaps and Academic Concerns
Despite progress, hurdles persist. Central universities' low uptake (15 PoPs) signals resistance, possibly due to rigid norms or funding issues. Critics worry PoPs might dilute research focus or favor short-term practicality over depth. Low portal utilization—only 349 of 18,724 experts engaged—highlights matching inefficiencies.
Solutions include incentives for central HEIs and training for seamless integration.
Comparative Analysis: Lessons from Top States
Maharashtra's 193 PoPs leverage Mumbai's finance and tech; Gujarat's 179 draw from manufacturing strengths. Karnataka's 170 benefit from Bengaluru's IT dominance. Tamil Nadu's edge lies in volume and diversity, setting benchmarks for balanced growth.
Future Outlook: Scaling to New Heights
Projections suggest 5,000+ PoPs by 2028, with UGC pushing portal enhancements and NEP-aligned reforms. Tamil Nadu's Knowledge City and AI focus could amplify impacts. Students eyeing university-jobs or higher-ed-jobs stand to gain most.
Read UGC guidelines (full PDF).
Photo by Sue Winston on Unsplash
Implications for Students, Faculty, and Industry
For students, PoPs mean better job readiness—explore rate-my-professor for insights. Faculty benefit from collaborations, while industries access talent pipelines. Tamil Nadu's model offers actionable blueprint: prioritize partnerships, leverage local strengths.
Ready for your academic career? Visit higher-ed-jobs, higher-ed-career-advice, and rate-my-professor.
