How Teachers Are Appointed at Tribhuvan University

How Teachers Are Appointed at Tribhuvan University

On 2082 Jestha 21, the Tribhuvan University Service Commission announced a vacancy for the appointment of 130 teachers through open competition based on research specialization. Since then, stakeholders have expressed divided opinions on the matter. Actions like office padlocking, barring entry to officials, and even filing lawsuits have been carried out to halt the process.

Those opposing claim that permanent appointments are being made without a written examination and that the intention is to recruit their own people via a fast-track process. Is this really the case? If there is a genuine desire to reform Tribhuvan University, then scholars who have seen, understood, and studied in international universities must clarify this confusion in time.

Core Duties of University Teachers

The main responsibility of a university teacher is to teach and conduct research. Teachers are tasked with preparing curricula, conducting examinations, evaluating students, creating new knowledge, publishing research papers, participating in seminars and conferences, engaging in educational, social, or professional activities outside the university, sharing knowledge and skills, and contributing to the policymaking process to guide society educationally.

Dual Appointment System Worldwide

Depending on the nature and academic programs of a university, institutions around the world appoint two types of professors:

• Teaching Faculty

• Research Faculty

However, teaching faculty also engage in research, and research faculty usually take on some classroom responsibilities. At Tribhuvan University, teachers are required to teach only 12 to 15 hours per week. The remaining time is allocated for research, examination duties, thesis supervision, and participation in seminars and conferences.

Legal Framework Behind Appointment Policy

Under Rule 126 of the Tribhuvan University Teachers and Employees Service Regulations, 2050, the Executive Council formulated the “Tribhuvan University Teacher Appointment Recommendation Regulations, 2075” to establish clear criteria for regular appointments and promotions. This regulation provides:

• Assistant Professors: 100% through open competition

• Associate Professors and Professors: 20% open competition and 80% internal competition

As per Sub-rule (7) of Rule 8, the university can, as per necessity, fill certain teaching positions based on research specialization. In line with this, the “Tribhuvan University Teacher Appointment Based on Research Specialization Recommendation Regulation, 2082” has been introduced.

Selection Methods Outlined in Regulations

The nature of the examination taken by the Service Commission for appointments is defined in Rule 95 (1) of the Tribhuvan University Teachers and Employees Regulations, 2075. It allows selection through:

• Written examinations

• Practical examinations

• Evaluation

• Interviews

• Other methods prescribed by the Commission

Sub-rule (2) of the same rule states that the method of evaluation for such examinations shall be as determined by the Commission. The university regulations do not mandate a single selection method. The type of examination depends on the nature of the candidates being recruited.

Background of Written Exams in Tribhuvan University

Initially, the university’s academic programs were teaching-oriented rather than research-focused. As such, classroom teaching was prioritized when appointing professors, and written exams were emphasized, especially for selecting assistant professors.

Since associate professors and professors are primarily involved in research, written exams were not mandatory, even in open competition. Thus, selecting teachers for the same post through different methods and not holding written exams even in open competition has been a long-standing practice of the Service Commission since its inception.

Shift Toward Research Orientation

In recent times, most subjects at Tribhuvan University have incorporated MPhil and PhD degrees, and research has become compulsory even at the postgraduate level. Additionally, to compete internationally, emphasis on research has become essential.

Today, to be listed and ranked by international university ranking organizations, high-level research publication has become mandatory.

Research-Based Recruitment in Practice

Recognizing the need to attract top research talent, Tribhuvan University—under the World Bank-supported Higher Education Reform Project and through the University Grants Commission—has previously appointed:

• 20 teachers on 2073 Asoj 5

• 31 teachers on 2076 Poush 3

These appointments of professors and associate professors were based on academic merit and specialization. The World Bank even cited this as a major achievement in its report. Continuing this process, the current advertisement has also been issued for research-specialized faculty recruitment.

Why Written Exams Alone Are Not Enough

The research proficiency of a candidate cannot be assessed through a three-hour written exam. Therefore, to ensure that qualified individuals are selected fairly and transparently, the regulations include international-level standards and evaluation methods.

Applicants must hold a PhD and have published at least one research article as the first author in a Scopus-indexed journal. Scopus, established by Elsevier in the Netherlands, is the world’s most credible and largest academic and research article database. Based on impact and quality, Scopus classifies journals into:

• Q1: Top 25%

• Q2: 25–50%

• Q3: 50–75%

• Q4: Remaining 25%

To be shortlisted for interviews, a candidate must score at least 70% in research and publication evaluations.

Interview and Evaluation Criteria

Only research work published within the past 10 years is evaluated. To qualify, candidates must be involved in long-term research after completing their PhD. In interviews, one foreign expert is mandatory and has the authority to fail any candidate deemed unfit.

A candidate must pass through three rigorous stages before being recommended for appointment. Additionally, other areas such as teaching experience at different universities, thesis supervision, and research grants received are also evaluated.

Can Written Exams Ensure Fairness?

Absolutely not. The fairness of exams depends more on the integrity and ethics of those involved than the method used. For example, the Service Commission itself has had instances where:

• Experts were selected through political connections

• Candidates received exam questions and answers in advance

• Scores were manipulated or changed

• Points were awarded for copying questions

• Marks were given even without writing answers

• Candidates were passed just by ticking answers

These cases prove that the selection process does not become fair simply by conducting a written exam.

Misuse of Paid Study Leave

According to Tribhuvan University regulations, teachers can take up to five years of paid study leave to pursue a PhD. However, many have used this privilege to:

• Go abroad and never return

• Return without completing their studies

• Work elsewhere during the leave

This has not only caused a major financial loss to the university, but also created the need to hire part-time and contract-based teachers. Once hired, such teachers cannot be removed, leading to continuous protests and strikes demanding permanent appointments, depriving deserving candidates of fair competition.

Behind the Protests: The Hidden Motivations

While the protests appear to involve part-time and contract-based teachers and student groups, it is believed that they are influenced by a group of professors who:

• Frequent political party offices more than classrooms

• Have never conducted or published research

• Use manipulative tactics to secure positions

• Resist reforms and disrupt institutional processes

Such groups have long been active in Tribhuvan University and have even misled senior political leaders. They fear that if more qualified individuals enter Tribhuvan University, their own future and political influence will be threatened.

The Road Ahead for Tribhuvan University

To transform Tribhuvan University into a research-oriented institution, the following are essential:

• Clear policy direction

• Adequate investment

• Skilled human resources

• Supportive infrastructure

• Research culture

If young, energetic individuals with research experience in foreign universities are appointed as assistant professors, they can serve long-term and contribute meaningfully to the university's transformation.

Even if only 25% (around 2,000) of faculty members are appointed based on research specialization, this can have a significant impact on the university's research capabilities.

If this advertisement process reaches a conclusion, the Service Commission and overall leadership of Tribhuvan University will be credited with initiating meaningful reforms. Even if it doesn’t, the sincere efforts of those who started the process will surely be viewed positively by history.