Retractions, rankings and research integrity: evidence from Indian academia
Sunisha Nalini, Syamili C, Athira KPurpose
This study aims to investigate the patterns and reasons for retractions in Indian academia with a specific focus on their connection to national and international ranking systems. While global discussions on retractions are growing, little attention has been paid to how such cases intersect with the institutional reputations and rankings.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative approach was used with the Retraction Watch Database (1980–2024), along with SCImago (1996–2024) and National Institutional Ranking Framework 2024 data. A data set of 3,796 records was compiled, after filtering retracted research articles with at least one Indian affiliation. Statistical and bibliometric analyses were conducted using Excel and SPSS.
Findings
Indian retractions rose sharply, peaking at 837 in 2024. Tamil Nadu accounted for the highest share, with Anna University and SRM Institute of Science and Technology among the leading institutions. Duplication (21.54%) and plagiarism (17.01%) dominated as reasons. The Technology field and Physical science were most affected. Critically, correlation analysis showed a relationship between ranking frameworks and retractions.
Social implications
The rising number of retractions and its subject-specific and institution-specific trends indicate a major concern in academia. By overlooking retractions, ranking systems incentivize volume over quality, weakening accountability. Incorporating retraction data in ranking systems would improve fairness, integrity and institutional responsibility.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study offers the first evidence-based link between retractions and academic rankings in India, highlighting a blind spot in evaluation frameworks that misrepresents research quality.