1. Policy Purpose & Scope
Presidency University Library is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards of academic research, scholarly writing, and intellectual honesty. This policy establishes the official guidelines for plagiarism verification, similarity limits, and acceptable research practices. It applies universally to all undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral theses, dissertations, capstone projects, and research publications submitted for institutional archive and clearance.
2. Textual Similarity Thresholds & Tolerances
- Permissible Similarity Index (0% – 14%): Submissions exhibiting an overall similarity index within the 0% to 14% range are considered compliant. This window allows for standard bibliographic references, universally accepted technical nomenclature, and properly cited quotations.
- Non-Compliant Submissions (>14%): Any academic work registering a similarity score of 15% or higher will be automatically rejected during preliminary screening. The author will be required to revise, rephrase, and properly attribute sources prior to resubmission.
- Individual Source Ceiling: To prevent excessive reliance on a single external document, no individual matching source should exceed a 1% similarity mark, regardless of whether the overall score remains below 14%.
- Mandatory Attribution: Remaining within the acceptable 0–14% range does not exempt the author from proper citation. All direct quotes, datasets, original theories, and paraphrased passages must carry precise in-text citations and corresponding bibliography entries.
3. Standard Thesis & Authorship Expectations
- Structural Rigor: Submissions must strictly follow standard thesis formatting, methodological design, and formal academic prose appropriate to the academic discipline.
- Authentic Intellectual Contribution: A thesis must reflect original research, critical analysis, and independent problem-solving by the student. Mosaic copying, piecemeal synthesis without attribution, and conceptual theft are strictly prohibited.
- Self-Plagiarism & Duplicate Submission: Authors may not submit previously evaluated coursework, published papers, or third-party manuscripts without explicit disclosure, prior approval, and appropriate self-citation.
4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Automated Writing Regulations
- Absolute Prohibition of Generative AI: The utilization of generative artificial intelligence (AI), large language models (LLMs), automated text generators, AI paraphrasers, or algorithmic translation services to write, draft, or restructure thesis content is strictly prohibited.
- Scope of Restriction: This prohibition covers all narrative sections, literature reviews, methodology descriptions, data analysis interpretations, and conclusion chapters.
- Permissible Digital Assistance: Students are permitted to use basic word-processor spelling/grammar checkers and reference management software (e.g., EndNote, Zotero, Mendeley) solely for technical formatting and typographic corrections.
5. Verification Mechanics & Administrative Workflow
- Mandatory Library Screening: All final thesis drafts must be submitted digitally to the Presidency University Library's Plagiarism Verification Desk prior to final defense or clearance.
- Comprehensive Multi-Engine Scanning: The library employs institutional-grade plagiarism detection tools and specialized AI-content detectors to audit every submission.
- Official Clearance Certification: Upon successful screening (similarity ≤ 14% and negative AI identification), the library issues an official Plagiarism Clearance Certificate. This document is a mandatory prerequisite for degree conferral and final library archiving.
6. Disciplinary Actions & Policy Enforcement
- First Infringement: Submissions exceeding the 14% threshold or displaying minor uncredited text must be revised under faculty supervision and resubmitted within a designated window.
- Severe Violations & AI Misconduct: Evidence of deliberate mass plagiarism, ghostwriting, or generative AI usage will result in immediate referral to the Institutional Academic Integrity Board. Consequences may include thesis rejection, academic suspension, or denial of degree clearance.