NIRF Introduces Negative Marking to Curb Research Misconduct

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) will soon introduce negative marking for parameters like retracted papers. This aims to penalize research malpractice. Over 8,700 institutions are assessed on five parameters. The change comes amid debates on transparency after a PIL questioned the credibility of unverified data rankings.

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is set to unveil negative marking mechanisms for specific parameters, such as retracted research papers and citations from discredited sources. This comes as a measure to deter research malpractice and is the first such instance of penalties being formalized within the ranking criteria.

Chairman Anil Sahashrabudhe of the National Board of Accreditation emphasized the urgent need for the revision, as numerous research papers have been retracted over recent years, impacting the credibility of institutions. The 2024 cycle's participation by over 8,700 institutions makes the NIRF a critical indicator for students, recruiters, and policymakers.

The adjustments follow a public interest litigation questioning the lack of verification in rankings based solely on self-reported data. Although a court stay on the rankings was temporarily imposed, it was later lifted following governmental assurance of the rankings' scientific basis.

(With inputs from agencies.)