Less than 30% of central university teachers are women, according to data presented by the Ministry of Education in late 2025. This information also highlights a 25.44% vacancy rate across teaching positions in the country’s 56 central universities.
As of November 1, 2025 , only 3,898 women faculty members were employed in central universities. This figure, provided by the University Grants Commission (UGC), was shared by Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar in Parliament during its winter session.
The total number of sanctioned teaching posts in central universities stood at 18,951 as of July 1, 2025 . Of these, 4,889 positions remained vacant, confirming the 25.44% overall vacancy rate. This data was also part of Majumdar’s parliamentary responses, given during the monsoon session of Parliament.
Faculty Gender Disparity
The low representation of women extends beyond permanent faculty roles. Records indicate women also constitute a small group in ad-hoc appointments. Minister Majumdar confirmed that academics hold headship positions on a rotational basis or according to institutional statutes. Central data on departments headed by women is not maintained.
Overall Vacancy Snapshot
The current vacancy rate of 25.44% in 2025 represents an improvement from an average of 36.97% during the period 2009-2014. This reduction occurred despite a 16% increase in total sanctioned faculty posts, which grew from 16,324 in 2014 to 18,951 in 2025.
The following table summarizes key faculty data:
| Category | Number | Date (as of) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Sanctioned Posts | 18,951 | July 1, 2025 |
| Total Vacant Posts | 4,889 | July 1, 2025 |
| Women Faculty | 3,898 | November 1, 2025 |
Reserved Category Appointments
To address vacancies, particularly in reserved categories, a special recruitment drive commenced in September 2022 . This initiative successfully filled 8,320 teaching positions across central universities, as informed by Minister Majumdar to TMC MP Prakash Chik Baraik.
The drive included specific appointments for various social categories:
| Category | Posts Filled |
|---|---|
| Schedule Caste (SC) | 1,129 |
| Schedule Tribe (ST) | 551 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 1,917 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 420 |
Ad-hoc Appointments Remain
Despite recommendations to reduce contract and ad-hoc appointments in universities, 176 ad-hoc faculty members were employed in central universities as of April 1, 2025 . Of these, 46 were women ad-hoc teachers, according to Ministry of Education data.
Ministry of Education Vacancies
The core secretariat of the Ministry of Education itself faces staffing challenges. As of November 27, 2025 , 249 out of 1,034 posts were vacant, representing approximately 24% of positions. The ministry has also utilized contract appointments, with 39 such hires in 2024 and 11 in 2023, within its secretariat.