Associate Professor Qualifications: Responsibilities, Qualifications, Skills, Salary, Scope

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Ahana Bhaduri

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Associate Professors are also responsible for carrying out research and producing academic articles and books. The basic qualifications required to become an Associate Professor include candidates having completed their post-graduation followed by a PhD degree in a relevant subject. There are no specific courses to become an Associate Professor but an individual should score at least 55% marks in each level of education (10+2, UG, PG and PhD). To become an Associate Professor candidates are required to clear entrance exams such as UGC NET and GATE depending on their subject of interest.  

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What does an Associate Professor do?

Apart from their study paper research, associate professors have a variety of tasks, as previously stated. They are expected to do the following tasks:

  • Creating the institution's and students' material and curriculum: Chalk down the syllabus for the upcoming batches of students as per semester or yearly tenure.
  • Performing research: Research on the latest studies in terms of the material and content to go out to students.
  • Delivering advice on important specialised areas: Helping students to identify their areas of future expertise, by assessing them on their strong points.
  • Maintaining up with fresh and recent discoveries and developments: Keeping up to the developments to give students better knowledge and information.
  • Delivering regular lectures to pupils on the assigned subject: Pouring out sessions on subjects and topics assigned on a daily or hourly basis.

See: List of PhD Courses

Qualifications to become Associate Professor

An individual wishing to develop a career as an Associate Professor must have to fulfill the eligibility requirements, one may also require to qualify the entrance exam. In order to become an Associate Professor one must complete their education and are required to perform various research. 

In order to become an Associate Professor, one must meet the following requirements.

Elementary Education and Senior Secondary Education

Aspirants must have completed their 10th and 10+2 level of Education from a recognized Board. One can choose to pursue any stream in their 10+2. In order to get a good college, candidates must score well in their 10+2 Board Exam.

Undergraduate Degree

To become an Associate Professor, it is necessary for an aspirant to complete their graduation, the undergraduate stream is not very important to your future speciality. There are two options for getting into college: merit, which is based on 10+2 grades, or entrance test, which is used in around 80% of colleges and universities nowadays. To be considered an undergraduate degree holder, a student must have a minimum aggregate of at least 55% score. 

Also ReadPhD Specializations

Masters Degree

This is the majors degree that will take you to the speciality and niche where you desire to acquire a professorship once you have completed your undergraduate degree. The admissions procedure is comparable to that of an undergraduate programme. In the end, you'll need to take a specialty test, UGC NET, SET or any other necessary exam.

PhD Degree

This step in the process or set qualification is optional or relevant depending on your field and the relevant requirements, PHD duration is about 3-years, the process of admission would be also similar to Masters as well as UG courses.

Skills Required

Apart from completing Education and research, aspirants wishing to become Associate Professor are also required to possess some skills and abilities. Some of the crucial skills required to become an Associate Professor are given below in the tabular chart:

Research Communication
Mentoring Educating
Assessing Participation
Self Motivated Organizing
Good Working Ethics Problem Solver

Read moreCourses to Become an Associate Professor

Associate Professor Salary in India

Salary of an Associate Professor is dependent on many factors, the location, qualifications,the sector and institution they are working for. According to Glassdoor, the national average salary of an Associate Professor in India is INR 8,97,468 per annum. The average annual salary of an Associate Professor in India according to various aspects are given below: 

Experience Wise Salary

The average annual salary of an Associate Professor various depending upon their working experience, the average salary according to experience is given below:

Years of Experience Average Annual Salary
0 - 2 years INR 2,50,000
2 - 5 years INR 4,00,000
5 - 10 years INR 7,00,000
10 - 15 years INR 10,00,000
15 years and above INR 20,00,000

Qualification Wise Salary

When it comes to qualifications, Associate Professors who completed their postgraduate level are paid the most, although everyone must complete at least three research articles. The average salary of an Associate Professor according to their qualifications are given below: 

Qualifications Average Annual Salary
Diploma Degree INR 1,00,000
Undergraduate Degree INR 1,50,000
Postgraduate Degree INR 2,00,000

Organizations-Wise Salary

The private sector pays more generously than the government, and there is a disparity in terms of income, work load, culture, and benefits given by each. Government organisations, without a question, have more job security than private ones. 

Organization Name Average Annual Salary
Government Organisation INR 2,00,000
Private Organization INR 5,00,000

Top recruiters

Top candidates might come from both public and private universities. Out of the 958 UGC-approved institutions in India, there are over 350 private universities. These private colleges provide lucrative teaching and academic positionsSome of the top recruiters of the Associate Professors in India are given below in the tabular chart: 

Dayananda Sagar University Bangalore MIT- World Peace University Pune
NMIMS Deemed University- Chandigarh Campus CMR University Bangalore
Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research – Mumbai & Bangalore Banasthali Vidyapith

Also check: How to Become an Associate Professor Abroad

Scope of Associate Professor in India

In India, the scope and demand for Associate Professors is extremely considerable; this is a well-paying, high profile and stable position. It is surely a lucrative career option in terms of salary and job opportunities. A master's degree is required, but a doctorate is no longer required. The average pay ranges between INR 2,00,000 and INR 20,00,000, depending on the number of years of experience, expertise and the industry in which you work.

Associate Professor Qualification : FAQs

Ques. Do we need PHD degree to become an Associate Professor

Ans. No, according to a recent declaration by UGC PHD degree isn't mandatory anymore.

Ques. How many years of experience do I need to work as an Associate Professor ?

Ans. You can start working as soon as you finish your masters degree and research papers.

Ques. What is the minimum requirement for becoming an Associate Professor?

Ans. A Master 's degree is mandatory to become an Associate Professor.

Ques. Private institutions or Government Institutions who give higher salaries?

Ans. The private one gives better and higher salary than the government institutions.

Ques. What is the male and female distribution in this career path?

Ans. Higher percentage of males are found than females in this job role.

Ques. How much times does PHD degree completion take 

Ans.  It is around 3-years minimum to maximum of 5-years.

Ques. What are the other positions in the hierarchy above?

Ans. Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, Senior Professor are the other positions.

Ques. For a masters degree do we need to take the entrance examination?

Ans. This totally depends on the institution and the field you choose.

Ques Do I need to take science in class 12th to become Associate Professor? 

Ans. This depends on what specialization you wish to have in the future.

Ques. What are the minimum passing marks required in undergraduate to become an Associate Professor? 

Ans. An aggregate of 55% is required for stepping into masters after graduation.

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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