NIRF to Introduce Negative Marking for Retracted Papers and Poor-Quality Research

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is set to introduce negative marking for retracted papers and poor-quality research, marking a significant policy shift aimed at improving academic integrity and research accountability in Indian higher education institutions.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan released the tenth edition of the NIRF rankings, where officials announced the inclusion of penalties for low-quality or retracted research in upcoming ranking cycles.

New Measures to Strengthen Research Integrity

According to Anil Sahashrabudhe, Chairperson of the National Board of Accreditation (NBA)—which oversees NIRF operations—formal penalties are being integrated into the ranking methodology. The move is designed to discourage research malpractice and data misrepresentation, both of which have drawn growing concern from academic circles.

“For the first time, penalties are being formally stitched into the ranking methodology to act against research malpractice and misrepresentation of data. The negative marking system will soon be declared, and draft norms are being readied,” Sahashrabudhe said, as reported by PTI.

The NIRF currently assesses institutions across five key parameters: teaching and learning, graduation outcomes, research and professional practices, outreach and inclusivity, and perception. In 2024, more than 8,700 institutions participated, making it one of the most comprehensive ranking systems in India.

Addressing Credibility and Retraction Issues

Officials noted a growing number of research paper retractions in recent years, often occurring within just two or three years of publication. This trend, they warned, undermines the credibility of Indian academic institutions.

“Unless we give negative marks, people will not correct it,” said one official, highlighting the need for stricter evaluation measures. The absence of penalties, officials added, had allowed some institutions with multiple retractions to continue ranking high despite questionable practices.

Global ranking systems like QS and Times Higher Education (THE) also historically lacked provisions for penalising retracted papers, a gap that NIRF now seeks to close to strengthen India’s research credibility.

Legal Scrutiny and Institutional Accountability

Earlier this year, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Madras High Court, questioning the transparency of the NIRF process. The petition alleged that rankings were based solely on data submitted by institutions without sufficient verification or auditing.

Although the court initially issued an interim stay on the 2024 rankings, it was later lifted after the Centre defended the NIRF, asserting that the evaluation followed a scientific and expert-driven methodology.

With the upcoming negative marking system, the NIRF aims to build greater transparency, fairness, and accountability into its assessment process. This reform is expected to promote ethical research practices and enhance the global reputation of Indian universities and research institutions.

The move is being widely seen as a progressive step in ensuring that institutions not only pursue high publication volumes but also maintain academic integrity and quality in their research output.