Tribhuvan University’s Fast-Track Professor Appointments Draw Over 450 Applications
Tribhuvan University (TU) has received over 450 applications for professor, associate professor, and assistant professor positions through a research specialization-based fast-track recruitment method.
According to the TU Service Commission, a total of 457 applications were submitted for 130 advertised positions. The final deadline for submission with double fees was Monday. Among the applicants, 183 have applied for professor and associate professor posts, while 274 have applied for assistant professor.
In the second week of Jestha, the Commission announced openings through this method:
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Professor: 10 posts
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Associate Professor: 20 posts
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Assistant Professor: 100 posts
Simultaneously, TU had also opened applications for professor and associate professor through internal and open competition methods. According to the Commission, those categories saw:
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1,987 applicants for professor and associate professor
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4,000 applicants for assistant professor
Focus on Research-Oriented Candidates
Applicants with a PhD and proven research involvement are eligible for direct appointment as assistant professors through interviews. A significant number of applicants have reportedly completed their studies abroad.
Protests and Legal Challenges
The fast-track recruitment drew protests. Contract-based lecturers and the All Nepal National Independent Students Union (Revolutionary), affiliated with the Maoist Centre, locked offices of the Vice-Chancellor, Service Commission, Rector, and Registrar. Although the locks were opened following a Supreme Court order, most offices except the Vice-Chancellor’s remain sealed.
The union has also blocked entry of TU officials into university premises as a symbolic protest. Meanwhile, a writ petition demanding the cancellation of the fast-track method is still under review by the Supreme Court.
Objections from University Associations
Multiple teacher associations have opposed the method, including:
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Democratic Professors Association
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Nepal National Professors Organization
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Unified Progressive Professors Organization
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Socialist Professors Association
Their joint statement urged TU to discontinue direct interview-based selection without a written exam.
TU’s New Regulation on Research-Based Appointments
TU has introduced a regulation for faculty recruitment based on open competition and research specialization. Key requirements:
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Minimum qualification: PhD
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For professor/associate professor: At least 2 published research articles in national/international journals
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For assistant professor: At least 1 published research article
Selection Criteria and Process
The regulation outlines a 200-point evaluation system:
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Research and publication: 150 points
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Teaching/research experience: 10 points
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Research supervision/awards: 20 points
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Interview: 20 points
Applicants who meet the minimum research criteria will be shortlisted. A final merit list will be prepared after interviews.
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Minimum passing scores for recommendation:
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Professor: 70%
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Associate Professor: 65%
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Assistant Professor: 60%
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The selection committee must include an international expert.
Age Limits and International Practices
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Maximum age limit:
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Professor and Associate Professor: 50 years
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Assistant Professor: 45 years
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This method aligns with practices adopted by universities in India and other global institutions.
Need for Fast-Track to Enhance Academic Standards
TU’s policy last year mandated that only PhD holders may teach in central departments. Although the policy was announced earlier, it could not be implemented due to a shortage of qualified faculty.
Previously, faculty would teach and pursue their PhD simultaneously, limiting the university’s research output. The fast-track model aims to overcome this constraint.
“This method is essential to upgrade our academic quality to the standards of American and European universities,” a university official noted.
Previous Implementation of Fast-Track Recruitment
This is not the first time TU is implementing fast-track recruitment.
In fiscal years 2073 and 2076 BS, TU had appointed professors and associate professors through this method under the University Grants Commission (UGC) framework. Positive outcomes were observed, prompting continuity of the initiative.
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In 2073 BS:
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Five professors and five associate professors were appointed in science disciplines.
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