Respected Sir/ Madam, Humbly I submit this RTI query related to the MHRD order number F. NO. 23-1/2008-TS.11 dated 18/08/2009 regarding eligibility criteria for faculty positions at IITs. A PDF file of this order is attached as a supporting document with this RTI query for your kind reference. My question is about Section 1, subsection (iii), clause (2) of this document. This clause is regarding an eligibility condition for Associate Professorship at IITs. This clause is reproduced below for your kind reference. For appointment as Associate Professor, one should have a Ph.D with first class or equivalent in the appropriate branch with a very good academic record throughout and a minimum of six years Teaching/Industry/Research experience, of which at least three years should be at the level of Assistant Professors, Senior Scientific Officer/Senior Design Engineer. My question is about the method to calculate the six years of teaching/industry/research experience as mentioned in above clause. My questions are: 1. Is there any official document which describes the definition of experience in detail. If yes, kindly provide me this official document. 2. From the period of 01/07/2014 to 31/12/2015, I was on extraordinary leave without salary and without increment from IIT Bombay on personal grounds. I have not done any teaching during this period. But I have published three research papers in reputed international journals during this leave period. Can I count this period as a period of research experience for the purpose of determining my eligibility for Associate Professorship. It may be kindly noted that at present, I am working as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Physics, IIT Bombay. I will be grateful for an early response of my RTI questions. Thanks and best regards