What does a Professor do?
Professors teach college and university students and carry out research in their subject. The entry post in India is Assistant Professor, which generally needs a master’s degree with 55% plus UGC-NET or a PhD.
A professor prepares and gives lectures, guides students and research scholars, sets and checks exams, writes research papers and serves on academic committees.
In India professors work in central and state universities, government and private colleges, IITs, NITs and other institutes, and research centres.
How to get there
- Class 11–12Choose the stream that leads to your favourite subject
- UGComplete a bachelor's degree with good marks
- PGComplete a master's degree with at least 55% marks
- NET or PhDQualify UGC-NET for Assistant Professor (or JRF) and/or complete a PhD
- First roleJoin a college or university as an Assistant Professor
- Subjects in Classes 11–12
- English, Mathematics, Science, Arts and Humanities
- Streams
- Science (PCM), Science (PCB), Commerce, Arts/Humanities
- Minimum education
- PG
Courses that lead here
Doctor of Philosophy
PhD is the highest research degree. Under UGC's 2022 regulations it takes at least three years, including coursework, and up to six…
Master of Arts
MA is a postgraduate degree in a humanities or social science subject such as English, History, Economics, Political Science or Sociology.
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
MBBS is the basic medical degree that leads to registration as a doctor in India. It is followed by a compulsory rotating…
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
BDS is the professional degree for dentists in India. It has four academic years of study followed by a one-year paid rotating…
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
B.Sc Nursing is an eight-semester degree that trains professional nurses and midwives. The Indian Nursing Council sets its curriculum and eligibility.
Bachelor of Architecture
B.Arch is a five-year professional degree in architecture. The Council of Architecture sets minimum standards, and graduates register with it to practise…
Integrated Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws
BA LLB is a five-year integrated double degree that combines arts subjects with law, taken straight after Class 12. Graduates can enrol…
Bachelor of Laws
LLB is a three-year law degree for people who already hold a bachelor's degree in any subject. It leads to enrolment as…
Bachelor of Education
B.Ed is a two-year professional teacher-training degree taken after graduation. It is the standard qualification for school teaching jobs in India.
Master of Science
M.Sc is a postgraduate science degree in subjects such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, life sciences, agriculture or nursing. It builds the base…
Master of Architecture
M.Arch is a two-year postgraduate degree for architects who want to specialise in areas such as urban design, landscape, conservation or sustainable…
Master of Planning
M.Plan is a two-year postgraduate degree in planning with specialisations such as urban, regional, transport, housing and environmental planning.
Master of Laws
LLM is a postgraduate law degree for LLB holders. At national law universities it is usually a one-year course with a research…
Doctor of Medicine
MD is a three-year postgraduate medical degree for MBBS doctors in broad specialities such as general medicine, paediatrics, pathology and radiodiagnosis.
Master of Surgery
MS is a three-year postgraduate medical degree for MBBS doctors in surgical specialities such as general surgery, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, ENT and obstetrics.
Master of Design
M.Des is a postgraduate design degree in areas such as product, graphic, interaction, textile and animation design. At NID it runs for…
Master of Pharmacy
M.Pharm is a two-year postgraduate degree after B.Pharm, with specialisations such as pharmaceutics, pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry and quality assurance.
Bachelor of Design
B.Des is a four-year design degree in areas such as communication, industrial, textile and apparel design. Students from any Class 12 stream…
Bachelor of Arts
BA is a broad undergraduate degree in subjects such as English, history, political science, economics, psychology and languages. It leads to careers…
Bachelor of Hotel Management and Catering Technology
BHMCT is a four-year degree in hotel management and catering. It trains students in food production, food and beverage service, front office…
Master of Commerce
M.Com is a two-year postgraduate degree in commerce covering accounting, finance, marketing, HR and international business.
Master of Technology
M.Tech is a two-year postgraduate engineering degree for deeper specialisation and research. It is taken after a B.E. or B.Tech, usually with…
Further study
Colleges for these courses
Columbia Institute of Pharmacy, Raipur
Dharma Samaj College
Institute of Home Economics
Shaheed Mangal Pandey Government Girls PG College, Meerut
St. Xavier’s College Jaipur
Gandhi Memorial National College, Ambala Cantt
Skills you need
- Academic writing
- Mentoring
- Research methods
- Subject expertise
- Teaching
It suits people who are
- Curious
- Patient
- Self-driven
- Good communicator
Useful certifications
- UGC-NET - National Testing Agency (https://nta.ac.in/collegeexam)
Where you work and how you grow
Where people work
- Universities
- Colleges
- Research institutes
Growth path
- Assistant Professor → Associate Professor → Professor → Head of department, Dean or Vice-Chancellor
Frequently asked questions
What does UGC-NET decide?
NTA conducts UGC-NET on behalf of UGC to decide eligibility for Assistant Professor only, or for both Junior Research Fellowship and Assistant Professor.
What marks do I need in my master's for NET?
NTA's page asks for at least 55% marks (without rounding off) in a master's degree or equivalent.
How long does a PhD take?
UGC's 2022 PhD regulations set a minimum of three years including coursework and a maximum of six years.
Sources
Information verified on 10 Oct 2026
- College/University Teaching & Fellowship Exam - National Testing Agency · Official site, accessed 10 Oct 2026
- UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2022 · Official notice, accessed 10 Oct 2026
- Junior Research Fellowship - UGC · Official site, accessed 10 Oct 2026
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