Telangana raises retirement age of university faculty from 60 to 65 years

The state government has enhanced the retirement age of university teachers from 60 to 65 years. This move, contained in GO dated January 28, applies to regular teachers working in state universities under the higher education department who are entitled for UGC pay scales.

The decision comes in response to concerns over an acute shortage of faculty, which has been affecting the quality of education, research output, and the ability of universities to secure key national and international accreditations.

According to the Telangana Council of Higher Education (TGCHE), the last major recruitment drive for university teachers took place in 2013. Since then, many faculty members have retired, leaving gaps in teaching and research.

The council argued that extending the service period of experienced faculty members would help maintain academic standards, ensure continuity in research, and support universities in retaining their National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) grading.

The policy aligns Telangana with the 2018 UGC regulations, which allow retirement at 65 for university teachers under UGC pay scales. The Centre had previously recommended that states adopt these norms, and Telangana had already implemented the UGC revised pay scales 2016, for teaching staff through a government order in 2019.

University registrars across Telangana have been directed to implement the new retirement age with immediate effect. While this decision offers experienced faculty the opportunity to continue contributing to academia, it may also delay fresh hiring, a concern that some in academic circles have raised.

The government, however, seems to be banking on institutional stability and the retention of expertise to outweigh these concerns.