Assistant Professor
Teaches undergraduate and graduate students, and guides research students in their projects.
Overview
Assistant Professors teach both undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing their own field of expertise. They have to prepare daily lessons and targets for the students, mentor the students with their academic progress. They also guide and mentor the research students in their projects.
Where they work
- Government and Private Colleges
- Schools and Coaching Institutes
- Institutes Conducting Educational Research
Work environment
As an Assistant professor, you have to work with students and research scholars. Working hours are fixed and there is scope for both full time and part-time work.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You have strong communication skills
- You like to teach
- You are quick to take on new responsibilities
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
- 1Complete 10 + 2 in any stream
- 2Complete Bachelor's degree in a subject of your choice, followed by Master's degree in the same subject
- 3Qualify in the relevant competitive exam such as CSIR/UGC NET (National Eligibility Test)/GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)/SLET (State Level Eligibility Test), etc.
- 4After clearing the exam and receiving the relevant certificate, apply for the profile of Assistant Professor in reputed Indian colleges and universities across the country
Forms, exams and applications
CSIR/UGC NET (National Eligibility Test), GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) or SLET (State Level Eligibility Test). Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Arts/Science/Commerce.
Government institutes
- Assam University, Silchar, Assam
- Nalanda University, Nalanda, Bihar
- Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, Karnataka
- Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal
- University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- SRM University, Amravati, Andhra Pradesh
- Kaziranga University, Jorhat, Assam
- K. K. University, Beraunti, Bihar
- Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Amity University, Gurugram, Haryana
- Jharkhand University, Ranchi, Jharkhand
- Sandeep University, Nashik, Maharashtra
- Xavier University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Assistant Professor
- 2Associate Professor
- 3Professor
- 4HOD
- 5Principal of a College
- 6Vice Chancellor
Expected income
₹31,083 – ₹1,50,000 per month
These figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Academic Researcher
Carries out original, high-level research that generates new knowledge in a field of expertise.
Lecturer (College and University)
Teaches a subject at a college or university and supports the design of study and teaching materials.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Indu Choudhary — An Assistant Professor at the Department of English at the Banaras Hindu University, Uttar Pradesh. She has a PhD from the University of Lucknow. She specializes in Indian and Dalit Literature.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 265 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Employer=Assistant_Professor/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.