Academic integrity alert: Lucknow University flags plagiarism in 95% of PhD theses submitted this year

More than 95% of PhD theses submitted at Lucknow University (LU) during January and February this year have been flagged for plagiarism. The detection was carried out using DrillBit software, a tool designed to identify copied material as well as content generated using artificial intelligence (AI).

According to data from the university’s Tagore Library, out of 121 theses submitted, 116 showed similarities with previously published research. This suggests that a significant portion of the work may have relied on existing content or AI-assisted writing.

Officials explained that such similarities occur because AI chatbot systems are trained on vast amounts of existing research and text available globally. As a result, content generated through these tools can closely resemble previously published work. At the same time, advanced detection tools like DrillBit are capable of identifying such overlaps, including AI-generated or copy-paste material.

Lucknow University has clear guidelines regarding plagiarism. Up to 5% similarity, or about 180 words, is permitted for properly cited references and commonly used information. However, in the flagged theses, plagiarism levels ranged between 20% and 50%, far exceeding acceptable limits.

Most of the affected scholars were enrolled between the academic sessions of 2019–20 and 2021–22. Having completed their research, they recently submitted their theses for evaluation. As per university procedure, scholars must submit a soft copy of their thesis to the Tagore Library, where it is checked for plagiarism. If the similarity index exceeds permissible limits, the thesis is returned for revision until it meets originality standards.

Faculty members believe this stricter scrutiny is a positive step. A senior professor from the Faculty of Arts noted that the system now favors genuine researchers who invest time in reading and original thinking, rather than relying heavily on AI tools. Research scholars also acknowledged that the process is beginning to distinguish between superficial and genuinely rigorous work, reinforcing the value of sustained academic effort.

Experts, however, caution against blaming AI entirely. AI specialist Mukul Srivastava emphasized that artificial intelligence itself is not the issue; rather, it is the misuse of such tools. He suggested that AI should assist with repetitive or time-consuming tasks, but not replace critical thinking, as doing so undermines the originality of research.

Similarly, honorary librarian Keya Pandey pointed out that overdependence on AI is gradually weakening the depth and authenticity of academic work. She stressed that plagiarism checks are intended not only to detect copying but also to encourage scholars to engage more deeply with their research and develop original insights.

The university is also planning to introduce Turnitin software to extend plagiarism checks to undergraduate and postgraduate assignments, further strengthening academic integrity across all levels of education.