Introduction
In Indian academia, the idea of originality is no longer optional — it’s a core expectation. Whether you’re pursuing a PhD in a private university or preparing a dissertation for a postgraduate degree, one academic requirement remains consistent: removing plagiarism before submission. Yet, despite widespread awareness about plagiarism detection tools and university mandates, many scholars continue to treat it as a final-minute technical task. The truth is, removing plagiarism is not just about bringing down a percentage score; it’s about safeguarding your credibility, academic integrity, and future prospects. This blog explains the top reasons why plagiarism must be removed before submission, especially within the context of Indian higher education.
For many Indian students and professionals balancing work, family, and research responsibilities, writing a thesis is already a demanding process. In such circumstances, it’s easy to copy definitions, explanations, or summaries from existing sources — often unintentionally. But what appears as a harmless shortcut can have serious consequences later. Understanding why plagiarism must be fully addressed before submission can help scholars treat this step not as a burden, but as a crucial part of academic practice.
Why It’s Crucial in the Indian Research Ecosystem
First, plagiarism removal is necessary to meet institutional and regulatory expectations. Most Indian universities now mandate similarity checks through tools like Turnitin or Ouriginal before accepting research submissions. But what is often missed is that these tools are only indicators. While some institutions accept a similarity score under a certain percentage (usually around 10–15%), others go deeper, examining how the content is paraphrased and whether citations are properly used. Simply reducing the score isn’t enough if the ideas are still unoriginal. Private universities in particular — aiming to improve their academic standing — have become more cautious about the quality and originality of student research. A thesis that superficially passes the software check but lacks genuine rephrasing may still be rejected at the viva stage.
Second, removing plagiarism protects the academic reputation of the scholar. In India, where research output is increasingly being made public through institutional repositories, journals, and online platforms, even a small instance of plagiarism can stay visible and damaging. For early-career researchers and professionals pursuing honorary PhDs or UGC-approved academic posts, this can create a long-term negative impression. A candidate whose work is flagged — even post-submission — may face disqualification or lose future opportunities. In a system where references and recommendations often matter as much as qualifications, one poorly handled thesis can hinder a scholar’s entire academic trajectory.
Another important reason is ethical learning. Indian research culture is still evolving in terms of training students to write in their own voice. Many doctoral scholars, particularly those from engineering or management backgrounds, are used to project-based or report-driven formats. For them, transitioning to academic writing can be difficult, especially when expressing complex arguments in original language. But plagiarism removal encourages scholars to genuinely understand the material they’re referencing, rephrase it meaningfully, and reflect on how their work contributes to the field. This shift is essential — not just to avoid detection, but to mature as a researcher. It aligns with the broader academic values India is trying to promote, especially as universities push for international collaborations and higher rankings.
There is also a practical dimension to why plagiarism must be removed before submission. During viva or evaluation, guides and external examiners often ask scholars to explain key parts of their work — particularly theoretical frameworks or literature reviews. If these sections have been copied or poorly paraphrased, the scholar may struggle to answer confidently. In India, where oral defence plays a significant role in final approval, being unable to explain plagiarised content can immediately raise red flags. It signals not just academic dishonesty but also a lack of grasp over the subject — which can result in resubmission, delays, or even rejection.
Furthermore, removing plagiarism builds confidence. Many Indian PhD students experience anxiety around writing — especially in English. They fear being judged for grammar, clarity, or argument structure. In such cases, the temptation to borrow from well-written sources is high. But once a scholar learns how to rephrase, cite, and write in their own academic tone, the process becomes less intimidating. Plagiarism removal is a step toward independence — it gives the researcher ownership of their ideas and strengthens their academic identity. Over time, this builds the kind of writing maturity that is valued in both academic and industry settings.
Why Waiting Until the End Can Be Risky
In many Indian universities, students wait until the last stage — just before final submission — to check and remove plagiarism. This approach is risky. By then, time is limited, and rewriting large portions can be overwhelming. Worse, some resort to unreliable rewriting tools or external services that produce grammatically incorrect or conceptually weak content. These quick fixes may reduce the similarity percentage but often damage the quality of the thesis. A better practice is to write and revise with plagiarism in mind from the beginning — using citation tools, paraphrasing techniques, and academic support when needed. This proactive approach not only improves originality but saves time during submission season.
Another cultural factor at play is the perception that plagiarism removal is a technical job — something that can be outsourced or handled by software. But academic committees, especially in private universities that invest in quality improvement, are beginning to scrutinise the difference between rewritten content and genuine writing. Scholars who rely too heavily on rewriting services may submit work that reads awkwardly or lacks academic coherence. This can be especially problematic in interdisciplinary research, where integration of ideas must feel seamless — not patched together from multiple sources.
Conclusion
Plagiarism removal is not just an academic requirement — it is a reflection of a scholar’s integrity, preparedness, and respect for knowledge. In India’s evolving research landscape, where originality is becoming non-negotiable, taking plagiarism seriously can shape the future of a researcher’s academic journey. For doctoral students, especially those in private universities or working professionals returning to academia, addressing plagiarism before submission isn’t an optional step — it’s a necessary one, with long-lasting impact.