Youngsters eye teaching profession, thanks to fat pay packets

One of the most neglected vocations till a few years ago, teaching is fast becoming the most sought after profession among the youth with the number of applications for the National Eligibility Test (NET) of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and other eligibility examinations for higher academic teaching showing a steady increase.

According to academicians, the increase has been noted particularly after the implementation of the new UGC Pay Commission recommendations.  

The number of candidates appearing for the NET at Bangalore University (BU) centre has also increased tremendously since 2009 when the UGC pay scales were implemented in the state. 

“Till 2009, the demand for the teaching profession was less. But after the introduction of the UGC pay scales, the number has increased magically, because the starting salary of a lecturer, according to the UGC scales, is Rs33,000 with all allowances,” said a BU professor.

RM Ranganath, registrar BU, said that there had been a growing interest in the teaching profession after the revision of UGC pay scales. “Earlier, the takers were less because in comparison to IT and BT, the salaries were low, whereas now it is comparable, if not more, in some cases,” he added.

M Prakash, principal, Seshadripuram First Grade College, Yelahanka, said any revision of the UGC pay scales would attract more and more youth to think of becoming teachers and the profession too could benefit by utilising their talents and knowledge.

A pass in NET or an MPhil or a PhD degree is mandatory to pursue teaching as a profession. The UGC conducts the NET examination twice a year, in December and June. To apply for the test, one must score 55% in one’s post-graduate course. There are three papers in NET: two general objective-based papers in the first session and one subjective paper in the second session.

For the forthcoming NET to be held in December, the last date for sending applications was October 25, which was later extended till October 26.

“I am doing my MCom from Mysore University, and have two more semesters to finish. My aim is to clear the NET in the first attempt in order to be eligible for a lecturer’s post. I was attracted to the profession not just by the salary, but also, other benefits like holidays, job satisfaction and the comparatively less amount of stress. Above all, we get an opportunity to pursue learning and research,” said Benakaraj, a student.