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

Lucknow: More than 95% of PhD theses submitted at Lucknow University from all disciplines in Jan and Feb this year have been flagged for plagiarism by DrillBit software, a tool meant to catch copied content and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted writing.

Data accessed from the Tagore library shows of 121 theses submitted, 116 carried similarities to previous research, pointing out that AI-generated content was used to write them.

The similarities were detected because AI chatbot databases are prepared from the existing texts and research work done earlier available across the globe.

Interestingly, AI tools like DrillBit have also been developed which can detect copy-paste work using AI chatbots.

According to Lucknow University norms, 180 words of plagiarism or less than 5% is allowed for citations and facts which are available in journals, books and even in AI databases. However, in these cases plagiarism was found to be 20-50%, said officials.

These scholars were admitted in the 2019-2020, 2020-21 and a few in 2021-22 academic sessions. They have completed their research work and submitted their theses now.

According to rules, once a student finishes a thesis, she/he has to submit a soft copy at the Tagore library, where the research is checked for plagiarism through DrillBit. Once approved, the thesis is accepted, but if plagiarism is flagged, the research is returned to the scholar to make it original.

A senior professor from the Faculty of Arts said this reform finally tilts the balance back in favour of genuine scholars, those who spend hours digging through books instead of relying on AI chatbots.

Many research scholars also said that now the difference is being measured. "Long hours spent in the library are beginning to matter, and the idea that hard work pays off no longer sounds outdated," said one of them.

AI expert Mukul Srivastava underlines that artificial intelligence itself is not the problem, but its misuse is. He said that AI should be used in works that are time consuming or tedious. However, when AI is used for ‘thinking', the research loses its core of originality.

Honorary librarian Keya Pandey pointed out that overdependence on AI tools is gradually weakening the depth and originality of research. Plagiarism checks are not just meant to catch copying but to ensure scholars return to genuine academic engagement, where critical thinking and authenticity remain central, she added.

"We will soon begin with Turnitin software, which will help check the assignments submitted by students at the UG and PG level too," she said.