Candidates for 201 Assistant Professor posts in Tripura’s Government Degree Colleges are anxious over recruitment delays by TPSC. Despite completing the application process, interview dates remain unannounced, prompting complaints under RTI.
Aspirants for Assistant Professor posts in Government (General) Degree Colleges under the Tripura Education (Higher) Department are voicing growing concerns over prolonged delays in the recruitment process initiated by the Tripura Public Service Commission (TPSC).
Earlier this year, the Commission had issued Advertisement No. 05/2025, inviting applications from bonafide Indian citizens for 201 permanent Assistant Professor posts across a wide range of academic disciplines. The vacancies were advertised as part of a much-awaited drive to strengthen higher education in Tripura, particularly in Government Degree Colleges where many departments face acute shortages of teaching faculty.
Major Openings Across Disciplines
The notification attracted significant interest due to the number of posts available in key subjects. According to the advertisement, major openings were announced in:
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Political Science – 14 posts
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Philosophy – 14 posts
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Mathematics – 15 posts
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Zoology – 15 posts
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Sanskrit – 13 posts
The drive also included faculty requirements across several other disciplines, ensuring a diverse spread of opportunities for academicians in both sciences and humanities.
Importantly, the recruitment policy made provisions for inclusivity, with reservations for women candidates and 16 posts earmarked for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). This move was widely welcomed by educational circles, as it reflected a balanced approach toward equity and representation in state-level academic recruitment.
Anxiety Among Aspirants
Despite the initial excitement, frustration has been mounting among applicants. Although the online application process was completed months ago, no official schedule for interviews has been released. Many candidates argue that the prolonged silence has left them uncertain about their prospects and career planning.
Adding to their anxiety is the fact that subsequent advertisements issued by TPSC for other positions have moved forward, with examinations and interviews already in progress. The lack of clarity surrounding the Assistant Professor recruitment, however, remains a matter of deep concern for hundreds of aspiring academicians.
Speaking to reporters, several candidates shared their disappointment. “We had hoped this recruitment would bring long-awaited opportunities in the higher education sector of Tripura. But the unexplained delay has created tension among all applicants. We don’t know what to expect anymore,” one aspirant said.
Complaints and RTI Applications
According to sources within TPSC, multiple complaints have been filed by candidates, particularly under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The grievances reportedly cover a wide range of issues, including queries about the recruitment timeline, transparency in scrutiny of applications, and the finalization of interview schedules.
Officials have stated that the matter is currently under review by the concerned authorities. A source close to the commission indicated that interview dates may be announced shortly once the pending clarifications are resolved. However, no official statement has yet been issued, leaving candidates in a prolonged state of uncertainty.
Larger Implications for Higher Education in Tripura
Observers point out that the delay has wider implications beyond just the candidates. Tripura’s higher education sector has long been grappling with faculty shortages in key departments. Many Government Degree Colleges rely on part-time or guest lecturers, creating gaps in consistent academic delivery.
The 201 advertised Assistant Professor posts were expected to significantly boost staffing levels, thereby improving the quality of teaching and research across institutions. The delay in recruitment not only prolongs the anxiety of candidates but also impacts students who remain deprived of permanent faculty in crucial subjects.
Candidates Await a Breakthrough
For now, the aspiring Assistant Professors continue to wait anxiously, clinging to the possibility that the Commission will soon move forward with the recruitment process. With Tripura’s education sector in need of fresh academic appointments, stakeholders are hopeful that the state government and TPSC will act swiftly to address the concerns.
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Until then, uncertainty hangs heavily over the futures of hundreds of qualified candidates who had pinned their hopes on this long-awaited opportunity.
