By Arpita Saikia
It all started with a fake Gmail ID impersonating a renowned regional history association based in North East India. An email was circulated amongst 20 to 25 recipients announcing prizes for paper presentations at the association’s annual conference. Strangely, no such prizes exist. Even more puzzling was the fact that three names dominated the list of winners in six of the seven categories, most of them named after renowned historians of the region such as Amalendu Guha, H.K. Barpujari, and Edward Gait.
This anomaly pulled me into an ever-deepening rabbit hole. The same trio turned out to be the founders and core members of a WhatsApp group with over 450 participants. One of them happened to be a postgraduate student from a local University who also claimed affiliation to a foreign university. The group had its own website and had also recently announced the launch of a journal. While at first glance, the website exhibits an extremely professional façade but closer observation reveals flaws that one can hardly overlook.
Digging deeper began to reveal further irregularities and anomalies. To start with, the website was using the logo of a prominent world organization. Upon enquiry, the organization denied having any affiliation to the platform. In addition, the journal claimed affiliation with an international publisher, a claim that was categorically denied by them when contacted. The university, from which a member claimed association to, was also contacted. They also refuted the claim. Moreover, the editorial board of the journal displayed the names of global luminaries. Professors from abroad as well as from home were listed. However, a glossy editorial board does not guarantee authenticity. Emails sent to some of those named produced mixed responses. A few stated that they had initially agreed to be associated in “good faith” but later withdrew their consent after discovering “unethical practices”. Others admitted that they had agreed based on the information shared with them at the time.
These enquiries ruffled feathers followed by intimidating messages, legal threats, and warnings to this writer to stop further investigation. A few days later however, the logo of the world organization was quietly removed from the website.
This episode mirrors the growing problem of predatory and unethical practices in academia. Except that this case hit close to home. Early-career research scholars often experience frustration and stress while trying to find credible and reliable platforms for publication, a challenge intensified by the demanding nature of academic research. Such anxiety-filled situations provide ideal conditions for the growth of what are known in academic circles as predatory journals. In theory, predatory journals are often associated with publishing articles in exchange for a fee, commonly described as pay to publish. However, the non-monetary dimensions of such practices receive far less attention. In some cases, the objective is to gain prestige rather than money, at least in the initial stages. Making fraudulent claims, forging associations with reputed organizations to attract submissions, and refusing to update calls for papers even after being asked to do so are all part of deliberate strategies of deception and manipulation. If financial gain is not the immediate motive, what then drives such unethical practices? The individuals behind these journals often prey on early-career scholars while simultaneously exploiting the willingness of senior academics, who may themselves be misled by impressive claims and appearances, to mentor and support younger researchers. Involvement in activities such as founding a journal or claiming association with well-known academics can significantly enhance resumes, particularly for younger scholars or students seeking opportunities abroad. In such cases, the motivations extend well beyond direct monetary benefit.
India currently ranks among the highest globally in predatory publishing. According to a study done in 2015, about 27% of predatory publishers are based in India. The issue of predatory journals was (and continues to be) so deep rooted that even the UGC approved list of journals was not free from it as shown by earlier studies where several journals in the list were found to be of dubious nature. Apart from that, educational scams involving forged achievements and certificates by Indian students frequently make headlines. Such incidents invite global skepticism even towards genuine and honest aspirants.
What is needed is greater caution and accountability within academia. Scholars must remain alert, verify credentials, and avoid being influenced solely by prestigious names. When unethical practices come to light, they should not be ignored or normalized, but addressed through serious action. Research scholars undergo rigorous training where research ethics and predatory practices are discussed in detail. It is time that this knowledge moves beyond textbooks and is applied in real situations if academic integrity is to be protected.
