University of Chittagong streamlines faculty recruitment process for hiring qualified staff
The University of Chittagong has introduced a new, three-stage teacher recruitment process aimed at improving the quality and transparency of faculty selection. This updated process, implemented on 4 January as part of the University's revised recruitment policy, has been introduced in three departments: the English department under the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Institute of Modern Languages, and the Department of Banking and Insurance.
The new system prioritizes teaching aptitude over high scores and consists of a written test, presentation, and viva. Candidates first take a written examination to assess their subject knowledge and aptitude. Shortlisted candidates then deliver a presentation, evaluating their communication skills and mastery of their field. Finally, candidates undergo an oral interview to assess depth of knowledge, teaching ability, and overall suitability.
This multi-stage approach moves beyond relying solely on interviews, aiming to select better-qualified faculty. The introduction of distinct evaluation phases such as written tests and presentations helps standardize candidate assessment, reducing bias and increasing fairness in selection. This overhaul reflects an effort by the University of Chittagong to ensure recruitment integrity and the hiring of competent academic staff.
On 24 July, four candidates appeared for the English department recruitment test. On 29 July, 29 candidates participated in the test at the Institute of Modern Languages. On 26 July, 42 applicants sat for the exam in the Department of Banking and Insurance.
A candidate who approved of the reform stated that it brings transparency to the selection process, as it was previously prone to bias due to the reliance on viva alone. The new teacher recruitment process involves written, presentation, and oral assessments.
It is important to note that the Vice Chancellor of the University of Chittagong, Prof Dr Mohammad Yahia Akhter, was not explicitly mentioned as making this statement about the new recruitment process. However, the revised recruitment policy was approved during the university's 558th syndicate meeting, chaired by Prof Dr Mohammad Yahia Akhter.
If no suitable candidate is found, a fresh recruitment circular will be issued. No information was provided about whether the new recruitment process will be expanded to more departments beyond the three mentioned.
The University of Chittagong's application deadlines for the new teacher recruitment process typically fall in February and March, with official application forms available online. Job circulars with vacancy numbers are published on the University’s official website.
This revamped recruitment process for new teachers introduces clear, staged evaluations that enhance candidate qualification verification and promote greater selection transparency. These reforms align with recent institutional efforts to boost faculty quality and accountability at the University of Chittagong.
[1] University of Chittagong (2023). University of Chittagong revamps teacher recruitment process. [Press Release] [2] Chittagong University Teachers' Association (2023). New recruitment process brings transparency to faculty selection. [News Article] [3] University of Chittagong (2023). Teacher recruitment application process. [Guidelines] [4] University of Chittagong (2023). Teacher recruitment circular for 2025. [Official Document] [5] Chittagong University Students' Union (2023). New teacher recruitment process addresses longstanding allegations of irregularities. [Statement]
The new teacher recruitment process at the University of Chittagong emphasizes education-and-self-development by prioritizing teaching aptitude over high scores and consists of a written test, presentation, and viva. This revamped recruitment process aims to promote greater selection transparency and aligns with recent institutional efforts to boost faculty quality and accountability.
