Mon Oct 06 11:09:39 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text, written from the perspective of The Hindu:

**Summary:**

The Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT) is questioning the selection process for Principals of government arts and sciences colleges in Kerala. The tribunal is concerned that the selections were based solely on research scores, potentially disregarding seniority and including publications from unrecognised sources. A petition alleges violations of UGC regulations and KAT orders, claiming that eligible senior candidates were excluded while ineligible candidates were included. The KAT is seeking a response from the government and will further consider the case on October 9th, raising the possibility of judicial intervention.

**News Article:**

**Kerala Principal Selection Process Faces Scrutiny as Tribunal Questions Research-Centric Approach**

**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, October 6, 2025** – The appointment of Principals to government arts and science colleges in Kerala has encountered fresh obstacles, with the Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT) raising serious concerns about the current selection methodology. The tribunal is questioning the reliance solely on research scores as the primary criterion for selection, potentially overlooking established seniority and accepted UGC norms.

A Division Bench of the KAT, comprising judicial member P.V. Asha and administrative member N. Vasudevan, voiced its apprehension during a hearing on September 29th. The hearing was triggered by a petition filed by Varghese Jacob, Principal of Government College, Kottayam, who alleges that the selection process contravenes University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2018, and previous orders issued by the KAT.

Mr. Jacob argues that the selection committee prioritized research scores above all else, even considering publications in unrecognised journals, including college magazines, which do not meet UGC-CARE list requirements. He further claims that a “secret list” of 51 candidates was submitted to the Departmental Promotion Committee, leading to the exclusion of eligible senior candidates, including himself, while less qualified individuals were included.

The UGC mandates that candidates for Principal positions possess at least 10 research publications in peer-reviewed or UGC-listed journals, along with a minimum research score of 110. Mr. Jacob’s petition seeks the tribunal’s intervention to quash the current selection process and order the creation of a new list adhering strictly to UGC guidelines.

The tribunal has requested a response from the government and scheduled the case for further consideration on October 9th. The KAT’s scrutiny raises the possibility of judicial intervention, potentially disrupting the current appointment process and forcing a re-evaluation of the selection criteria for college Principals across the state. The outcome of the case will likely have significant implications for the future of higher education leadership in Kerala, and how leaders are selected and appointed in the Government Colleges.

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