Professors of Practice in Indian Higher Education: Bridging Industry Expertise With Academic Learning

India’s higher education landscape is undergoing a profound transformation as institutions increasingly recognise the value of industry experience alongside traditional academic scholarship. A notable development in this direction is the appointment of more than 1,840 industry experts as Professors of Practice (PoP) across universities and colleges nationwide, a move that reflects the growing emphasis on applied learning, employability and industry–academia collaboration. The announcement, made in the Upper House of Parliament, highlights how educational policy reforms are reshaping the relationship between academia, industry and society. While the concept of practice-oriented faculty is not entirely new globally, its institutionalisation within Indian higher education signals a decisive shift towards experiential, skill-based education.

Policy Context and Parliamentary Disclosure

The figures were shared by Sukanta Majumdar in response to a written query in the Rajya Sabha. According to the Ministry’s data, 1,841 Professors of Practice have been appointed across 349 higher education institutions as of January 2026. The initiative aligns with reforms championed by the Ministry of Education under the broader framework of the National Education Policy 2020. The policy advocates stronger industry engagement, interdisciplinary learning and a focus on skills relevant to contemporary economic needs. Importantly, the PoP position is typically honorary or temporary, designed not to replace conventional faculty posts but to supplement them. The intention is to invite accomplished professionals, that includes corporate leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, technologists and policymakers to share their practical insights with students.

Understanding the Professor of Practice Model

The Professor of Practice concept aims to narrow the often-cited gap between theoretical instruction and real-world application. Traditional academic pathways emphasise research credentials, publications and scholarly teaching experience. While these remain vital, modern industries increasingly require graduates who understand practical contexts, operational challenges and professional expectations.

By integrating experienced practitioners into academic environments, institutions hope to:

• Provide real-world case studies and applied perspectives
• Enhance employability and industry readiness of graduates
• Encourage collaborative research with industry relevance
• Foster innovation and entrepreneurship
• Promote interdisciplinary problem-solving

Such appointments also enable professionals nearing retirement or transitioning careers to contribute meaningfully to education and nation-building.

Distribution Across Institutional Types

The data reveal interesting patterns regarding adoption of the PoP model:

• Private universities account for the largest share with 715 appointments.
• Deemed universities follow closely with 699.
• State universities have appointed 212 Professors of Practice.
• Central universities currently account for 15 appointments.
• Around 200 appointments have been made in affiliated colleges.

This distribution suggests that autonomous and private institutions may be more agile in implementing innovative faculty models, whereas publicly funded institutions sometimes move more cautiously due to regulatory and administrative constraints.

Nevertheless, even modest participation from central universities indicates growing acceptance of industry-linked academic roles.

Regional Trends Across India

State-wise adoption highlights the diverse pace at which institutions are embracing the initiative across India.

Leading states include:

• Tamil Nadu – 395 Professors of Practice
• Maharashtra – 193
• Gujarat – 179
• Karnataka – 170
• Uttar Pradesh – 157

These states have historically strong industrial ecosystems, vibrant private higher education sectors and active innovation clusters. Their leadership in PoP appointments reflects a strategic effort to align academic programmes with economic priorities.

Smaller states and Union Territories have also begun adopting the model, albeit in smaller numbers, indicating gradual nationwide uptake.

Duration, Structure and Institutional Flexibility

According to government guidelines, the tenure of a Professor of Practice typically does not exceed three years at a single institution, with a possible one-year extension in exceptional circumstances. Total engagement is capped at four years.

This limited duration serves several purposes:

• Ensures continuous infusion of fresh industry perspectives
• Prevents stagnation in programme design
• Encourages ongoing industry engagement
• Maintains flexibility for institutions

Because the position is distinct from sanctioned faculty posts, universities can adapt appointments based on emerging industry needs without long-term administrative commitments.

Benefits for Students and Institutions

1. Enhanced Employability

Students gain exposure to real-world practices, professional expectations and current industry challenges, improving career readiness.

2. Applied Learning Opportunities

Case studies, live projects, internships and mentorship programmes often emerge from such collaborations.

3. Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Industry experts frequently introduce students to emerging technologies, business models and innovation ecosystems.

4. Research Relevance

Collaborative research projects may become more application-oriented, addressing real industry problems rather than purely theoretical questions.

5. Institutional Reputation

Strong industry engagement can enhance institutional credibility, attract partnerships and boost global competitiveness.

Contribution to National Development

The PoP initiative resonates with India’s broader ambition to become a knowledge-driven economy. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the country seeks to:

• Strengthen innovation capacity
• Enhance workforce competitiveness
• Promote entrepreneurship
• Accelerate technological adoption
• Support sustainable economic growth

Moreover, inviting professionals to contribute on an honorary basis underscores a culture of giving back to society, a principle deeply embedded in educational ethos worldwide.

Challenges and Considerations

While promising, the initiative also presents challenges that institutions must navigate carefully.

Balancing Academic Rigour and Practical Experience

Industry experts may possess deep practical knowledge but limited teaching experience. Institutions must provide pedagogical support to ensure effective classroom engagement.

Ensuring Ethical Standards

Professional interests should align with academic integrity. Transparent policies are essential to avoid conflicts of interest.

Curriculum Integration

Merely appointing practitioners is insufficient; their expertise must be meaningfully integrated into curricula, research and student engagement.

Institutional Preparedness

Administrative flexibility, funding mechanisms and regulatory clarity remain crucial for sustainable implementation.

Global Perspective on Practice-Based Faculty

Internationally, leading universities increasingly value practitioner faculty, especially in business, engineering, design, public policy and healthcare education. The trend reflects recognition that innovation often occurs at the intersection of theory and practice.

India’s adoption of this model places it within a global educational movement that emphasises:

• Experiential learning
• Industry collaboration
• Lifelong professional engagement
• Interdisciplinary education

This alignment enhances India’s attractiveness as a destination for global academic partnerships.

Future Outlook

As industries evolve rapidly, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing demand for practice-oriented education will likely intensify.

Future developments may include:

• Expanded PoP roles in emerging sectors
• International industry experts participating in Indian institutions
• Greater collaboration between academia, startups and policymakers
• Hybrid academic–industry research centres

If implemented thoughtfully, the Professor of Practice model could significantly reshape how higher education contributes to economic and social progress.

Conclusion: A Transformative Step Towards Applied Education

The appointment of over 1,840 Professors of Practice across Indian higher education institutions represents more than a numerical milestone; it symbolises a philosophical shift in how education is conceived. By valuing professional expertise alongside academic scholarship, institutions acknowledge that knowledge today is dynamic, contextual and deeply interconnected with real-world practice.

Such initiatives hold considerable promise for enhancing employability, fostering innovation and aligning education with national development priorities. However, their success will depend on thoughtful implementation, sustained collaboration and an unwavering commitment to academic integrity.

Ultimately, integrating industry wisdom into academic ecosystems may prove essential for preparing graduates who are not merely knowledgeable but capable, adaptable and socially responsible, qualities indispensable in an increasingly complex global landscape.