Pune: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has finally restarted its recruitment process for 111 vacant teaching positions after a delay of over nine months.

The university has announced that candidates can apply for these positions between September 14 and October 6, following the release of a new recruitment advertisement.

The process, which was initially stalled due to the Lok Sabha election code of conduct and issues surrounding the implementation of reservations, is now back on track.

Back in December, SPPU had first announced the recruitment drive for these positions after receiving approval from the state government. Over 5,000 applicants had submitted their forms at the time, but the process was halted.

In the intervening period, the state government’s decision to extend Maratha reservations to teaching positions added another layer of complexity to the process.

As a result, SPPU had to reissue the advertisement, which was finally published by Acting Registrar Dr. Jyoti Bhakare on the university’s website.

The new recruitment drive covers 111 positions, including 32 each for Professors and Associate Professors, and 47 for Assistant Professors. The university has provided detailed eligibility criteria and guidelines for candidates who had applied during the previous announcement.

To ensure that the recruitment process results in the selection of the best-qualified candidates, SPPU has set up an expert advisory committee comprising specialists from various fields.

SPPU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Suresh Gosavi emphasized the importance of selecting high-quality candidates in line with the institution’s rich academic and research traditions. The expert committee will ensure that there are no shortcomings in the process.

SPPU officials are hopeful that the recruitment process, including interviews, can be completed in time. If all goes according to plan, the university may be able to appoint new professors by the beginning of the new year.