Evaluation of Publication Indexing Bias in NIRF Research Performance Metrics

Abstract

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), established by the Ministry of Education in 2015, has become the dominant instrument for evaluating higher education institutions in India. With research and professional practice carrying 30% weightage in the overall ranking, the framework relies heavily on bibliometric indicators derived exclusively from two commercial databases: Scopus and Web of Science. This paper critically examines the publication indexing bias inherent in NIRF's research performance metrics. Through a comprehensive analysis of database coverage disparities, institutional responses, and systemic consequences, the study demonstrates that the exclusive reliance on Scopus and Web of Science creates a structural bias that systematically disadvantages Indian journals, regionally relevant research, and institutions without resources to publish in internationally indexed outlets. The paper documents how this bias has incentivized questionable publishing practices, including citation manipulation, predatory publishing, and the production of "casual papers" that prioritize quantity over quality. Drawing on the principles of responsible research assessment, the study proposes a reformed framework that incorporates Indian journals, recognizes diverse research outputs, and emphasizes qualitative evaluation alongside quantitative metrics.