In the world of academic research, especially in Indian PhD programs, terms like “similarity” and “plagiarism” are often used interchangeably. A similarity report is treated as the final verdict, and scholars anxiously await their Turnitin or Urkund percentages. But the truth is, similarity and plagiarism are not the same thing. Mistaking one for the other can lead to confusion, unnecessary panic, or worse—ethical violations. In this blog, we break down the difference between similarity and plagiarism, especially within the context of Indian universities and private institutions.
What Is Similarity?
Similarity refers to the degree to which your text matches existing content in published or online sources. It is measured by software tools like Turnitin, which scan your thesis and highlight overlapping text. These overlaps are often represented as a percentage, and most universities set a cap—usually around 10% to 20%—for what is considered acceptable.
However, not all similarity is plagiarism. For instance:
- Repeated phrases in methodology or definitions may show up as similar.
- Properly cited quotes or references are counted in the similarity report.
- Standard academic phrases (like “The objective of this study is…”) are often unavoidable.
In other words, similarity is a mechanical detection of matching text—it does not judge intent, context, or citation accuracy.
What Is Plagiarism?
Plagiarism, on the other hand, is an ethical issue. It involves presenting someone else’s work, ideas, or words as your own—without proper acknowledgment. Unlike similarity, plagiarism considers intention and integrity. You can plagiarise even with a low similarity percentage if you’ve used ideas without credit. And you may not be guilty of plagiarism even if your similarity score is slightly high, as long as everything is well-cited.
Plagiarism includes:
- Copying paragraphs or data without attribution.
- Paraphrasing without referencing the original source.
- Reusing your own previous work (self-plagiarism) without disclosure.
- Presenting someone else’s research findings as your own.
Why the Confusion Exists in Indian Academia
In many Indian universities, especially private ones, the focus is on clearing the similarity test rather than understanding the ethics of writing. Scholars are often told to “reduce percentage” instead of being taught how to write and cite responsibly.
This mechanical approach leads to common problems:
- Scholars change words randomly just to reduce similarity.
- References are added hastily, often incorrectly, to “cover” content.
- Pressure builds around the final report, while the principles behind academic honesty remain unexplained.
This results in a situation where a thesis might pass a similarity check but still be unethical in terms of content and attribution.
What Actually Matters: Ethics Over Percentages
While universities must set policies for similarity thresholds, scholars must aim beyond those numbers. The real question isn’t “Is my similarity score low enough?”—it’s “Have I given credit where it’s due?”
Here’s what should matter most in your thesis writing process:
- Clarity in citation: Every idea, fact, or theory you borrow must be credited, even if you put it in your own words.
- Transparency in methodology and results: Don’t manipulate data or selectively present findings to look “better.”
- Respect for intellectual property: Whether from a published article or a senior’s thesis, all borrowed work needs acknowledgment.
- Learning to paraphrase with understanding: Don’t just replace words—grasp the concept and then express it in your unique voice.
How Institutions Can Support Ethical Research
Indian universities need to move from software-dependence to ethics-building. Here’s how institutions can help:
- Workshops on citation, not just software use
Teach students the “why” behind referencing, not just the “how.” - Encourage early drafts and feedback
Supervisors should provide feedback on writing style and originality before the final similarity check. - Discourage last-minute writing
Rushed writing leads to copying. Encourage a slower, iterative writing process. - Promote reading and comprehension
The more scholars read, the more confident they become in expressing ideas without copying.
Conclusion
Similarity and plagiarism may look connected, but they are fundamentally different. One is a technical measure; the other is a question of ethics. In the end, the purpose of a PhD is not just to produce a document that passes software tests—it’s to create knowledge rooted in honesty, originality, and scholarly integrity. For every Indian scholar, especially in private universities, understanding this difference can be the first step toward becoming a responsible researcher. It’s not the percentage that defines your work—it’s the principles behind it.