In a significant move to adapt to modern technological tools, Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has formally established a limit for the use of artificial intelligence in academic research. The university will now allow research scholars to include content generated by AI, but with a clear cap.
The Official Announcement and New Policy
The decision was officially communicated on Wednesday, 8 January 2026. The university administration issued a circular that was sent to all research guides and scholars registered with VTU. This circular explicitly outlines the new regulations regarding computer-generated content in theses, dissertations, and other research publications.
The core of the new directive is a 20% cap on AI-generated material. This means that only up to one-fifth of the total content in any submitted research work can be produced or substantially aided by artificial intelligence tools. The remaining 80% must constitute original work and analysis from the scholar.
Implications for Research Scholars and Guides
This policy represents a balanced approach by one of Karnataka's premier technological universities. It acknowledges the growing role of AI as a research assistant while safeguarding academic integrity and the core purpose of postgraduate and doctoral studies. The circular serves as an official intimation, making all stakeholders aware of the permissible boundaries.
Research guides are now expected to oversee and ensure compliance with this limit. Scholars must disclose the use of AI tools and clearly demarcate which sections of their work were created with such assistance. The move is likely aimed at preventing over-reliance on AI, ensuring that students develop critical thinking and original writing skills, which are fundamental to advanced research.
Navigating the Future of Academic Research
VTU's decision places it among the early adopters in the Indian university system to set a formal, quantified benchmark for AI use. It provides much-needed clarity in an era where tools like large language models are becoming ubiquitous. The policy attempts to strike a chord between innovation and tradition, allowing the use of cutting-edge technology without letting it overshadow human intellect and effort.
The success of this guideline will depend on its implementation and monitoring. It sets a precedent that other universities across India may observe closely as they formulate their own policies on the ethical and practical use of artificial intelligence in academia.
