The UGC-HRDC (previously known as UGC-Academic Staff College) of Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad, is sponsored by University Grants Commission, New Delhi, and was established in November 2000.

The main functions of UGC-HRDC are
(a) To organize specially designed Orientation Programmes (OPs) in pedagogy, educational psychology and philosophy, and socio-economic and political concerns for all new entrants at the level of Assistant Professor.
(b) To organize advanced level and more discipline oriented Refresher Courses (RCs), for capacity enhancement and continuous knowledge up-gradation and exposure to emerging developments of faculty involved in teaching in institutions of higher education.
(c) To organize specially designed OPs/RCs to enable the faculty involved in teaching and research in institutions of higher education to utilize fast growing Information and Communication Technology support to teaching and research;
(d) To organize Short Term Courses of 3-6 days duration especially on research methodology and specialized themes of interest.

Eligibility, Target Group and Duration
Teachers working in universities and colleges that are included under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, even though they may not yet be fit to be included under Section 12 (B), may be invited to participate in the Orientation Programmes and Refresher Programmes. The teachers of colleges that do not yet come within the purview of Section 12(B), but have been affiliated to a university for at least two years, will be permitted to participate in the programmes/courses. However, they won't be paid TA/DA and other allowances for attending these courses.

For the Orientation Programmes, newly appointed Assistant Professors within two years of continuous service and all those teachers who require orientation for getting a higher grade will be allowed. Attendance in Orientation programmes would be must for placement in the higher grade pay.

For the Refresher Courses, participation in the Orientation Programme is a prerequisite for admission. However, in exceptional cases a teacher may be allowed to complete a Refresher Course prior to completion of an Orientation Programme. Also, there should be a minimum gap of one year between two courses, though it may be relaxed if adequate number of participants is not available or it is essential for the teacher to fulfill eligibility conditions for career advancement.

The Orientation Programme will be of four weeks duration, with minimum of 24 working days (excluding Sundays) and 144 contact hours (six hours a day). The refresher course will be of three weeks duration, with minimum of 18 working days (excluding Sundays) and 108 contact hours (six hours a day). If a participant fails to complete the requisite contact hours in a programme, he may be permitted to make up for the backlog hours at his/her own cost in another programme by the RCCB and HRDCs concerned.

Part time/ Ad hoc/temporary/contract teachers who have been teaching for at least three academic sessions in an institution which has been affiliated to a University for at least two years may be permitted to participate in the Orientation Programme/ Refresher Course to enhance their skills.