Assistant Professor vs Associate Professor: Qualifications, Scope, Jobs, Salary 2024

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Ahana Bhaduri

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The hierarchy and job title of every professor distinguishes them from one another. While some are assistant professors who are entry-level professors, others are associate professors or mid-level faculty of colleges and universities after gaining substantial years of experience. Apart from the primary job of teaching, an Assistant Professor and an Associate Professor vary on several parameters such as eligibility criteria, salary, and qualifications. 

To become an Assistant Professor one can pursue courses such as M.Phil after completing their Postgraduation in a relevant subject, however in order to become an associate Professor one has to pursue PhD in a relevant subject. India is home to several top PhD Colleges that enrol students only on the basis of PhD entrance exams such as UGC NET, GPAT, and IIT JAM. As per the new notification of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, the eligibility to become an Assistant Professor includes clearing UGC NET after the students have cleared their Post Graduation. 

The average course fee for PhD courses ranges between INR 50,000 – 1.50 LPA. The average salary of an Assistant Professor in India ranges from INR 5.25 L PA – 11 LPA and the average salary of an Associate Professor in India ranges from INR 8.36 LPA – 22.4 LPA. Read More: Salary of an Associate Professor

Who is an Assistant Professor

In simple terms, an Assistant Professor is the entry–level or junior faculty member of any college or university. They usually hold an MPhil or PhD degree and have a good amount of experience in research and teaching in their specific area of expertise. Assistant professors are not tenured, but they still possess all the duties of a tenured professor. 

They are appointed either on a “non-tenure or temporary” basis and hired for 1 to 3 years, or as “tenure track” faculty who get the opportunity for permanent position only after 5 to 7 years. Typically, they assist in creating lesson plans and evaluate students’ progress by supervising their tests and projects.

Additionally, an assistant professor’s job structure may also include:

  • Giving lectures in classes and organizing conferences regarding program studies and related topics.
  • Developing proper coursework of subjects for the students.
  • Answering queries and questions of the students to improve their understanding and knowledge of the subject.
  • Evaluating assessments and projects of the students.
  • Publishing papers and reports.
  • Assisting the college administration in making important decisions.

Assistant Professor Qualifications: Assistant professors require a master’s degree to start their career in teaching. However, there is a proper educational structure one must follow to become an assistant professor.

  • Bachelor’s degree- To earn a master’s degree and further a doctoral degree, candidates must first graduate from a bachelor’s degree program. As an aspiring assistant professor, a candidate’s grade in their bachelor's is very important as it will determine their entry into the master's program and their future career as an assistant professor.
  • Master’s degree- After completing their bachelor's, candidates need to choose a subject for master’s study and earn a master’s degree. Once done, aspiring students may go for a PhD program or doctoral study in the area of their expertise.
  • Doctoral study or PhD- Though the essential qualification an assistant professor need is a master’s degree; there are many universities and colleges that prefer assistant professors to have a PhD. Earning a doctoral degree demands extensive coursework and research, as well as proper completion of a project or dissertation.
  • Work experience- While pursuing a PhD, it is also significant to have good work experience. Apart from their dissertation, they should also try and publish research reports regarding their subject to showcase their skills and knowledge. They may also apply for internships and part-time lectures to grow their experience at the college level.

Who is an Associate Professor

When assistant professors are promoted, they earn the title of associate professors. They are middle-level professors who have successfully completed their doctorate or PhD and have at least 8 to 9 years of experience in teaching students. 

To earn the title of associate professor, however, every professor aspirant should conduct good research to enhance their knowledge in the respective field and publish their research in academic journals and papers.

The responsibilities and job structure of an associate professor are more or less the same as an assistant professor, but an important difference between the two is that an associate professor often has tenure and more work experience.

Job responsibilities of an associate professor include:

  • Developing curriculum and study plans for their respective courses.
  • Giving lectures to students related to their subjects.
  • Working as an advisor to students and helping them plan their thesis.
  • Attending college and university meetings and taking crucial decisions regarding hiring and budgets.
  • Publishing journals and research.
  • Guiding students to broaden their overall skills and knowledge.

Associate Professor Qualifications: Some of the necessary qualifications to become an Associate Professor are listed below for your reference,

  • Get a bachelor's and master's degree- Just like an assistant professor, aspiring associate professors should also get a bachelor's degree so that they may meet the requirements for their master’s program. During the undergraduate period, students must confidently decide on subjects that they want to pursue in the future.
  • Get a doctorate or PhD- Associate professors need to get a PhD degree in the relevant discipline. For candidates applying for direct recruitment as associate professors, a PhD degree is a compulsory qualification. PhD programs generally take around 5 years to finish which also includes the research as well as the overall dissertation time. The dissertation then needs to be presented before the committee of professors.
  • Work as an assistant professor or as a lecturer- Getting hired as a lecturer or as an assistant professor in a college is one of the best ways to make their way up to become an associate professor. While many candidates directly get placed as associate professors others it may take up several years to achieve the rank. Read More: Associate Professor Qualifications

Assistant Professor vs. Associate Professor

When planning one’s career in postsecondary teaching, it is very decisive to understand the basic differences between Assistant vs. Associate Professor. One of the key differences between the two is that associate professors are much more experienced than assistant professors and receive more salary and recognition.

Unlike assistant professors who only command undergraduate students during class hours, associate professors instruct graduate students in their research and also after finishing assistantships.

To get a better understanding of the differences between assistant professor and associate professor, take a look at the below-mentioned table:

Parameters Assistant Professors Associate Professors
Eligibility Master’s degree in the concerned discipline from an Indian university.
Minimum 55% in postgraduation
Equivalent degree from an accredited international university.
SLET/SET qualified with NET.
Good academic records. PhD degree.
Master’s degree with at least 55% marks.
Qualification Professional experience in teaching or research.
Research papers presented to the committee or in appropriate journals.
Minimum 8 years of experience in teaching in a university or college.
Research in an academic subject.
Evidence of any published research, policy papers or books.
A minimum score as stated in the API (Academic Performance Indicator) set out in the UGC regulation.
Courses Master’s in Science, Arts or Commerce. PhD in Science, Arts or Commerce.
Job Profile Teaching Conducting Research Assisting full professors Working with the university committee Teaching Conducting seminars and research.
Working with teaching assistants.
Undertaking crucial administrative tasks.
Area of Work Education
Private and Government
Education
Private and Government
Average salary INR 4,11,540 LPA INR 9,00,000 LPA

Assistant Professor vs. Associate Professor: FAQs

Ques. What is the major qualification required for an assistant professor?

Ans. Major qualification for becoming an assistant professor is to have a Master’s degree in a relevant subject.

Ques. What are the benefits of becoming an associate professor?

Ans. Some benefits are:

  • Handsome salary
  • Great experience teaching graduate students
  • Job security

Ques. What are the top colleges for PhD in India?

Ans. Top colleges for PhD in India are:

  • Jawaharlal Nehru University
  • IIT Delhi
  • IIT Madras
  • Banaras Hindu University
  • Amity University

Ques. What are the top colleges for associate professor?

Ans. Top colleges for associate professor are:

  • Birla Institute of Technology
  • Vellore Institute of Technology
  • University of Delhi
  • Amity University
  • University of Hyderabad

Ques. Can I become an assistant professor without PhD?

Ans. As per UGC, you can’t become an assistant professor without PhD.

Ques. What is the salary difference between an assistant professor and associate professor?

Ans. Average salary of an assistant professor is around INR 4,15,000 LPA, whereas, the average salary of an associate professor is around INR 9,00,000 LPA.

Ques. How to apply for UGC NET?

Ans. Visit the official website- ugcnet.nta.nic.in

  • Select on application form.
  • Click new registration.
  • Enter your details.
  • Fill the form.

Ques. What are the different job roles after PhD?

Ans. Professor

Assistant Professor

-Associate professor

-Researcher

-Head of the Department

Ques. What are top colleges for Masters in Education (MEd) in India?

Ans. Department of Education, New Delhi

-Faculty of Education, Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi

- Department of Education, Bangalore

Ques. Where can one get hired after PhD?

Ans. Candidates can get hired in government universities or private institutions, coaching centers, etc.

Ph.D. : 43 answered questions

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Ques. Are master's degrees from IGNOU acceptable for admission into Ph.D courses in top universities?

● Top Answer By Anumita Mukharjee on 28 Apr 22

Ans. Yes, IGNOU is UGC approved, so masters degrees from IGNOU are acceptable for Ph.D. courses in top universities.  But to get admission you will have to meet the other eligibility criteria as well. The university will check your marks, rank, average, and age. As IGNOU is an open university, there is no age bar for learning any degree. Read more
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Ques. Is a Phd from IGNOU worth it/valuable?

● Top Answer By Srabani Guha on 24 Jul 23

Ans. Recently, UGC stated that only  Full-time Phd courses will be Valid and distance PhD is no more valid. The new full-time Ph.D. course will be delivered through the New Delhi main Campus of IGNOU. This change in itself has raised the worth and credibility of a Ph.D. from IGNOU. Here are a few Ph.D. programs offered in regular mode by IGNOU Ph.D. in Dairy Science and Technology Ph.D. in Gender and Development Studies Ph.D. in Women's Studies Ph.D. in Arabic Ph.D. in French Ph.D. in Distance Education Ph.D. in Translation Studies Moreover, IGNOU is the largest open university in the world, so the credibility of any degree from here cannot be doubted. What actually matters is the level of effort you put into research in the concerned field. Try to earn your degree and not just get one.Read more
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Ques. How is the Direct PhD program of IIT Madras?

● Top Answer By Arati Sinha on 29 Mar 23

Ans. If you are considering pursuing a Ph.D. at IIT-M, you might be interested in knowing about the similarities and differences between a regular Ph.D. and a direct Ph.D. Here's what you need to know: Selection Procedure: All Ph.D. candidates, whether applying for a regular or direct Ph.D., have to clear a written exam followed by an interview at the institute. Coursework: A regular Ph.D. scholar has to complete four courses, while a direct Ph.D. candidate has to complete eight courses. If you are interested in a dual degree (i.e., MS by research and Ph.D.), you will need to complete two extra courses. Comprehensive Exam: After completing the coursework (usually taking two semesters), every candidate has to undergo a comprehensive exam consisting of a written test and an interview. You will have two chances to clear the comprehensive exam. If you fail to clear the comprehensive exam, you can still obtain an MS degree and get placed or join the Ph.D. program later. The amount and quality of research work by both kinds of Ph.D. candidates are the same. Financial Assistance: A regular Ph.D. candidate is eligible for financial assistance once to attend any international conference outside India. A direct Ph.D. candidate is eligible for financial assistance twice to attend an international conference outside India. Both regular and direct Ph.D. candidates can attend any national/international conference within India once every semester with full financial assistance. Stipend: The stipend for regular Ph.D. candidates is up to five years. The stipend for direct Ph.D. candidates is up to six years. Pre-Post Doc Fellowship: If you submit your degree within 4.5 years for a regular Ph.D. or 5 years for a direct Ph.D., you are eligible for a pre-postdoc fellowship.Read more
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Ques. What is the value of a Ph.D. degree from IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Karuna Nair on 13 Mar 23

Ans. If you want to achieve self-satisfaction by gaining maximum knowledge about your research area, a Ph.D. could be a great way to do so. Consider coming to IIT Bombay if you are always enthusiastic about learning something new and doing something innovative. Your work will depend on your area and how far you can reach in the industry. For example, if your area is controlled, you can reach many consulting firms or industries that deal with automation problems. In fact, my lab deals with many industrial problems related to such issues. Your work will be recognized as an asset for IITB, and research is the foremost thing that every professor looks forward to. Apart from that, you can enjoy a good life as a Ph.D. student here, with the freedom to think in many directions and develop your research skills at your own pace. A Ph.D. degree from IIT Bombay is well-recognized. Many of the students, who are doing their Ph. D.s here in controls, are well settled abroad or in India, which proves the worth of this degree.Read more
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Ques. Why do some students in IIT Bombay leave high-paying jobs and join grad schools for PhD?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 23 Mar 23

Ans. It’s highly illogical to question why some students in IIT leave high-paying jobs and join graduate schools for Ph.D. This is because some people tend to do whatever makes them happy rather than following the sheep mentality. They don’t consider money as the only source of happiness. And they know that a high-paying job will rob them of mental peace due to a lot of responsibilities they might not even enjoy. So they choose a happier and simpler part which is pursuing a Ph.D. Another major reason why people may pursue a Ph.D. rather than working at a top company is their strong inclination to words academics, and they may not be satisfied with a bachelor's degree and crave higher studies in the form of PhD. Basically, the reason behind such a decision is subjective and depends solely On the particular individual, and cannot be objectified.  The common reason why people make such a decision is that they have more interest in studies and doing a job would hinder that passion. Doing a Ph.D. gives you opportunities to travel and enjoy life generally. That being said, it's not necessary that a Ph.D. is easy for everyone. It strictly depends upon one’s preferences and capabilities.Read more
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Ques. What is the placement scenario after PhD in IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 17 Mar 23

Ans. The placement scenario after PhD in IIT Bombay is generally poor, according to student feedback and departmental elections. Ph.D. students typically have very specific knowledge that may not be useful to companies, so they may not be recruited by BTech companies. There is no specific body that helps bring companies for Ph.D. students, resulting in a lack of job opportunities for graduates. Ph.D. graduates pursue two directions: Professor in a University or a specified job, but finding a job can be difficult without faculty contacts. The average salary for a Ph.D. student at IIT Bombay ranges from INR 3.4 Lakhs to INR 4.2 Lakhs per year .Read more
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Ques. Is a PhD from IGNOU valid?

● Top Answer By Pankaj Kumar on 18 Oct 22

Ans. PhD from IGNOU is as valuable as from any other university. The UGC has recently ruled that PhD from distance education is no longer valid. This is applicable to every university. PhD is valid only in regular mode. This can be both part-time or full-time. IGNOU offers both so yes PhD from IGNOU is valuable. In fact, it is more valuable than the same degree from Manipal or Lovely Professional University.  PhD from IGNOU is valuable because of the following reasons: Affordable fees  Both part-time and full-time available ( both approved by UGC) Easy distance education Can be pursued alongside a business or profession. What really matters is what you learn during your course and how you apply it.Read more
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Ques. What is the placement record of MSc applied statistics students of IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Poornima Sahoo on 18 Mar 23

Ans. The table below shows the key placement highlights of MSc applied statistics students of IIT Bombay. Particulars  Statistics  Median Salary INR 55.4 LPA Average Salary INR 17.9 LPA Placement Percentage 66.67% International Offers 58 Top Recruiters  Accenture | Analog Devices | Apple | CITI Bank | Google | Hindustan Unilever | HONEYWELL | IBM | ISRORead more
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Ques. How difficult is it to get a PhD from IISc Bangalore?

● Top Answer By Bidita Ghose on 14 Jul 23

Ans. Well, getting a Ph.D. from IISc is indeed difficult. In my opinion, the true meaning of a Ph.D. is investing your entire efforts, time, and knowledge in one specific region. In India though, Ph.D. is just considered a degree one can achieve by publishing some paper in some conference or journal. The quality of these papers is poor and substandard bringing down the sort of the degree.  However, IISc being a prestigious institute has managed to maintain the dignity and credibility of the degree so far. You need to prepare yourself for committing to hard work and high-level dedication. Know that your next 5-6 years will be spent proving and disproving every hypothesis possible and conducting infinite experiments. As a Ph.D. student, you will be publishing a few journals in top international forums and also writing your own thesis, which will culminate your entire work and present it before other researchers and professors of the institute. You will then be assessed thoroughly. Only after proving your point strongly and convincing them will you be able to get the degree.  During this whole time, you will face many struggles dealing with your PI and securing funds for your research work. But trust me the result will be worth the effort!Read more
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Ques. How good is doing a PhD in BITS Pilani compared to IITs?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 27 Jun 23

Ans. The mentors and research facilities at IITs are much better than at BITS Pilani. However, the passing process is as much more difficult at IITs.  BITS Pilani, on the other hand, is flexible to incorporate the changing scenario and a PhD from BITS Pilani is much more industry relevant. One of my cousins had a bad experience at BITS Pilani during his Ph.D. in the Mechanical branch. According to him, a large number of Ph.D. students in BITS Pilani drop out because of the intense pressure for producing results. PhD students are burdened with numerous tasks including the evaluation work for B.Tech. The saving grace for Ph.D. at BITS is that under a guide, your Ph.D. will be completed in 3 years like an MS from IIT. Considering my cousin’s experience, you should consult the alumni at BITS Pilani before choosing the institution for pursuing your Ph.D. Otherwise, BITS Pilani is a reputable institution and its Ph.D. degree will hold great relevance. More so, if you get the right mentors and the right facilities, the name tag of an institution becomes secondary.Read more
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