Teachers from colleges across Maharashtra have urged the University Grants Commission to raise the retirement age for teaching faculty from the current 60 years to 65 years. The demand has been made by teachers’ associations who argue that experienced educators are being forced to retire too early, even as colleges continue to face staff shortages. They believe extending the retirement age will help retain academic expertise and improve teaching quality in higher education institutions.
I am writing about this issue because it affects not just teachers, but also students and the overall higher education system. At a time when universities are struggling with vacant posts and delayed recruitments, losing senior faculty creates gaps in teaching, research, and mentorship. The demand also raises a larger question about how India values experience in academia and whether policy needs to evolve with changing life expectancy and professional capability.
What Maharashtra Teachers Are Demanding
Teachers’ bodies have formally requested UGC to revise the retirement age for college and university teachers to 65 years, bringing it in line with several central institutions. They argue that many educators remain academically active and physically fit well beyond 60.
According to them, forcing retirement at 60 leads to a loss of institutional memory and teaching continuity.
Why Teachers Want the Age Limit Raised
Teachers say the demand is based on practical realities. Many colleges face:
- Acute shortage of qualified faculty
- Delays in permanent recruitment
- Heavy teaching loads on existing staff
Extending the retirement age would offer immediate relief without additional recruitment costs.
Comparison with Central Institutions
In several central universities and institutions, teachers are allowed to work up to 65 years, and in some cases even longer through re-employment. Maharashtra teachers feel this creates inequality between state and central institutions.
They believe a uniform retirement policy across the country would be fairer and more effective.
Impact on Students and Academic Quality
Senior teachers often play a key role in mentoring young faculty, guiding research scholars, and maintaining academic standards. Their early retirement disrupts this balance and places extra pressure on junior staff.
Students, especially at postgraduate and research levels, are among the biggest losers.
Concerns About Youth Employment
Some critics argue that extending retirement age could limit opportunities for younger aspirants. Teachers’ associations counter this by saying vacant posts already exist and recruitment processes are slow, so extending service will not block new jobs.
They stress that experience and new talent should coexist.
What UGC’s Role Will Be
UGC has the authority to frame regulations related to service conditions in higher education. Any change in retirement age would require policy review and coordination with state governments.
Teachers are hopeful that the commission will consider the request seriously.
