Assistant Professor Recruitment In Kerala: SET/SLET Recognised By Minimum Eligibility (image:highereducation.kerala.gov.in)

The recent order of Higher Education Department of Kerala states that, along with National Eligibility Test (NET), State Eligibility Test (SET) and State Level Eligibility Test (SLET) shall also be considered as the minimum criteria for the direct recruitment to the post of assistant professor for all Collegiate Education Departments.  All SET/SLET recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) will come under this norm.

The Department has also decided to amend the Special Rule accordingly. As per the existing Special Rule in the Collegiate Education Department, SET/SLET is not considered as eligibility criteria for the appointment of Assistant Professors in the Higher Education Institutions. “Necessary amendment to this effect shall also be included in the Special Rules at the earliest,” it adds.

Since the SET exam conducted by Kerala government is not validated by the national body, the current order is subjects to criticism. There have been allegations raised that government might have vested interest behind this amendment. As per the reports, the order will be boon to candidates who cleared SET exam in other states and wished to apply for lectureship job in Kerala. Higher Education Department claims that the order is based on amendment issued by UGC Regulation 2018. The order does not carry any retrospective relevance.

However, according to the Kerala Government rules, the State Eligibility Test (SET) in Kerala are being conducted for the candidates to be selected as Higher Secondary School Teachers and Non-Vocational Teachers in VHSE. A pass in the State Eligibility Test (SET) is stipulated as a mandatory requirement for appointment as Higher Secondary School Teachers in the State as per the Special Rules in force. Experts say, this rule wouldn”t apply to such candidates who have qualified Kerala SET.