Career as Professor

Last Updated On 03 Jun, 2020

How to Become a Professor

About Professor

A Professor is a professional who teaches the students at the University or Institute level in a specific stream of education. A professor is generally specialised in one specific subject which he teaches in University. The professors with adequate knowledge and experience in the field can also go for research in the respective fields and write research papers. A Professor can pursue his career in a private or government-based University/Institutes. They can also go for research-based institutes as well as coaching centres.

Eligibility to become Professor

The eligibility criteria which must be fulfilled to become a Professor is given below:

  • The candidate must have passed 10+2 in any stream from a recognised board.

  • The candidate must have passed a graduation/ postgraduation level degree in any stream from a recognized institute.

  • The candidates can also go for a PhD degree in the preferred stream to avail a career path in Research-based institutions.

  • Qualifying UGC NET is necessary if you want to take this profession. 

How and When to Start?

There are various career path which a candidate can opt for a career as a Professor. The candidate can go for a specific stream in 10+2. After 10+2, the candidate can go for a graduation degree in any stream for 3 to 4 years. Further, the candidate can also go for a postgraduation degree in a specific specialisation for 1 to 2 years. If the candidate wants to go in the field of research, he can go for a PhD degree for 3 to 5 years in the same specialisation.

The candidate can also go for competitive exams such as UGC or CSIR-UGC NET.

After completing the education, the candidates can also go for a direct job interview at a private University or crack government recruitment exams for a job in government universities.

Types of Job Roles Professor

The different job roles for a Professor are given below: -

Professor: A professor is a person who is responsible for teaching the students at the University or Institute based on their knowledge level and expertise in the preferred stream.

Researcher: A researcher is a person who is responsible to research in a specific subject of specialization and write research papers on the findings.

Assistant Professor: An Assistant Professor is a professional who is responsible for assisting the professor and overviewing the different aspects of teaching such as preparing lessons, managing courses, lecturing, and facilitating learning.

HOD: An HOD is the Head of Department who ensures the proper management and leading of a particular educational department.

Associate Professor: An Associate Professor is a person who is responsible for various teaching activities such as teaching, conducting research, attending conferences, solving administrative issues and supervising students.

Employment Sector/Industry for Professor

The different employment sectors or industries for a Profesor are given below:

  • Private Institutions

  • Government Institutions

  • Coaching Institutes

  • Online Coaching Portals

  • Research-based institutions

Top Recruiting Companies/ Agencies/ Organizations

Various recruiting companies/ agencies/ organisations for a Professor is given below:

  • Indian Institute of Technology

  • Symbiosis Open Education Society

  • IMRB International

  • Birla Institute of Technology

Planning to choose Professor as your career?

Pay Scale/Salary of Professor

The pay scale for a Professor depends upon the expertise and experience of the professional. The average pay scale for a Professor on the basis of experience level is given in the table below:

Job Role

Starting Salary Package (INR)

Mid Level Salary Package (INR)

Senior Level Salary Package (INR)

Professor

44,900

1,57,100

3,10,700

Researcher

24,800

61,200

1,59,200

Assistant Professor

28,100

55,800

1,15,400

HOD

60,100

1,21,600

6,33,900

Associate Professor

43,100

1,03,900

2,13,100

Note: The salary structure mentioned above is indicative only and is subject to change unconditionally.

Books & Study Material to Become Professor

Various books and study materials for a Professor is given below: -

  • Becoming a Professor: A Guide to a Career in Higher Education by Marie K. Iding and R. Murray Thomas 

  • The Professor Is In: The Essential Guide To Turning Your PhD Into a Job by Karen Kelsky, P.h.D.

  • So You Want To Be A Professor? A Handbook for Graduate Students by P. Aarne Vesilind

  • How to Become a Professor by Stephen Jenkins

  • So You Want to Be a Professor: How to Land Your Dream Job in Academia by Drew Boyd

Pros of becoming a Professor

  • Opportunity to inspire and educate young minds.

  • Highly respecting job.

  • Various added benefits along with base salary.

Cons of becoming a Professor

  • Can be monotonous.

  • Generally, colleges require PhD degree as eligibility requirements.

  • Need for constant update of knowledge.

Do you think this is the right career choice for you?

Take our test and find out if it suits your strengths.

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FAQs about Professor

Where can one get employed after completing Teaching?

After pursuing a teaching course, one can get employed to Private Institutions, Government Institutions, Coaching Institutes, Online Coaching Portals, Research-based institutions, etc.

What are the responsibilities of a Professor?

A Professor is responsible to teach the students at the University or Institute level in a specific stream of education.

What is the educational qualification required to become a Professor?

To become a Professor, the candidates must pursue a degree in M.Ed or PhD.

What are the top recruiters in India for Professor?

Some of the top recruiters in India for Professors are LPU, SRM University, Amity University, Indian Institute of Technology, Symbiosis Open Education Society, IMRB International, Birla Institute of Technology and other private or government colleges.

What is the average pay scale of a Professor?

The average pay scale of a Professor is INR 3,00,000 to 4,00,000.

What are different job roles for a Professor?

The different job roles for a Professor include Professor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, HOD, Researcher, etc.

How much does an experienced Professor get paid?

An experienced Professor in India can earn up to 10 LPA and above

What are the working conditions for a Professor?

The Professors are required to work in private or government colleges/ institutes/ Universities among students.

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