The much-anticipated recruitment drive for Assistant Professors in Government (General) Degree Colleges of Tripura has hit an unexpected roadblock, leaving hundreds of candidates in a state of anxiety. The Tripura Public Service Commission (TPSC), which is overseeing the process, had earlier rolled out Advertisement No. 05/2025 inviting online applications for 201 permanent faculty posts under the Education (Higher) Department.
The recruitment was expected to ease the persistent faculty shortage in the state’s higher education sector. The vacancies were announced across multiple subjects, with major allocations in Mathematics (15), Zoology (15), Political Science (14), Philosophy (14), and Sanskrit (13). The notification also included provisions for women candidates and 16 reserved posts for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), reflecting the government’s policy on inclusivity.
Application Process Completed, But Silence on Interviews
While the online application stage has been successfully completed, TPSC has yet to announce the interview schedule or selection process timeline. This prolonged silence has left candidates increasingly frustrated, especially since other recruitment advertisements released after this one have already moved ahead.
“Months of preparation feel wasted when the commission doesn’t even provide an update. We are only asking for transparency,” said one hopeful aspirant.
For many applicants, the delay is not just about professional opportunities but also about stability, as they have been eagerly waiting to begin their academic careers in government colleges.
RTI Complaints and Ongoing Review
Sources indicate that several candidates have filed complaints and sought answers under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, questioning the reasons behind the delay. In response, the matter has reportedly been taken up for review by the authorities concerned.
An official within the commission, speaking on condition of anonymity, hinted that progress could soon be visible. “The interview dates are likely to be released shortly. The process is under consideration at the appropriate level,” the source confirmed.
Despite this assurance, the absence of a formal notification continues to fuel speculation and uncertainty among applicants.
Why the Recruitment is Crucial for Tripura
Tripura’s degree colleges have for years struggled with an acute shortage of teaching staff, which has affected classroom teaching, research activity, and overall academic growth. The announcement of 201 posts was therefore seen as a landmark step to strengthen higher education in the state.
Education experts note that timely recruitment of qualified faculty is essential to maintain academic standards, improve the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), and ensure that students receive quality instruction in both core and emerging disciplines. If delayed further, they warn, the shortage of teachers could worsen the learning environment across government colleges.
Candidates Left in Limbo
For now, aspirants remain in limbo, caught between preparation fatigue and the lack of official communication. Many argue that this is one of the largest academic recruitment drives in recent years, and unnecessary delays will not only demotivate candidates but also undermine the government’s vision for improving higher education in Tripura.
The state government has emphasized its commitment to education reforms, but candidates insist that actions must reflect those promises. As one applicant noted, “We don’t want special treatment. We just want a fair and timely process.”
Until TPSC issues a clear schedule, the hopes of hundreds of highly qualified candidates remain uncertain, making this recruitment one of the most closely watched developments in the state’s academic sector.