Plagiarism is a serious issue in academic writing, encompassing the act of using someone else’s ideas, words, or work without proper attribution. In the context of a Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) MD thesis, understanding what constitutes plagiarism is essential for maintaining academic integrity. Plagiarism can take several forms, including direct copying, paraphrasing without credit, and self-plagiarism, where previously submitted work is reused without acknowledgment.

The importance of originality in academic research and writing cannot be overstated. Original content not only reflects the author’s understanding and contribution to their field but also upholds the credibility of the academic community. When students or researchers prepare their KUHS MD theses, they must ensure that their work is authentic and demonstrates their own insights and findings. Originality not only enhances the quality of a thesis but is also a critical requirement for successful submission and defense.

Consequences of submitting plagiarized work can be severe, ranging from academic sanctions like failing grades or expulsion from the program to legal issues in cases of copyright infringement. In the competitive landscape of academia, students pursuing MD degrees at KUHS must safeguard their scholarly reputation by adhering to ethical writing practices. Understanding the different types of plagiarism and how to avoid them is pivotal to producing high-quality, authentic research. This guide aims to provide necessary insights and practical steps to help students navigate the complexities of plagiarism and ensure the integrity of their academic work while preparing their thesis.

Understanding the KUHS Guidelines on Plagiarism

The Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) places significant emphasis on academic integrity, particularly in the realm of thesis submissions. The institution has established clear guidelines regarding plagiarism, defining it as the appropriation of another’s work or ideas without proper attribution. This encompasses direct copying of text, paraphrasing without adequate citation, and presenting someone else’s ideas as one’s own. By outlining its parameters, KUHS aims to foster originality and uphold academic standards among its students.

KUHS delineates specific thresholds for acceptable originality in theses. The university mandates that students must produce work that reflects their own contributions, encouraging a deep engagement with the subject matter. Consequently, it is crucial for students to thoroughly understand what constitutes as original work and how they can effectively differentiate their insights and analyses from existing literature.

Furthermore, KUHS encourages the use of proper referencing styles and citation practices to mitigate the risks associated with unintentional plagiarism. The guidelines stress the importance of acknowledging all sources, whether they are books, journal articles, or online resources, and recommend utilizing citation management tools to assist in this process. Students are also encouraged to familiarize themselves with various plagiarism detection tools to evaluate their work before submission, ensuring that it meets the university’s standards.

In addition to outlining the definitions and acceptable levels of originality, KUHS has also instituted consequences for those who violate these guidelines. This could result in severe penalties, including the potential rejection of the thesis or additional academic sanctions. By adhering to the established guidelines, students can avoid unintentional transgressions and contribute positively to the academic community.

Utilizing Plagiarism Detection Tools

In the realm of academic writing, particularly when preparing a KUHS MD thesis, the integration of plagiarism detection tools is of paramount importance. These tools are designed to identify similarities between your work and existing literature, ensuring that your thesis maintains the integrity and originality requisite for academic acceptance. Various online platforms and software exist, each with distinct features and functionalities tailored to different user needs.

Among the most popular plagiarism detection tools are Drillbit, iThenticate etc.

To effectively utilize these tools, it is vital to first understand the specific needs of your thesis. Many tools offer free trials, enabling users to assess their effectiveness before committing to a subscription. Once you have selected an appropriate tool, ensure that you follow its guidelines closely. This often includes uploading your document in the suitable format and allowing sufficient time for the scan. The resulting report will typically indicate areas of concern, enabling you to make the necessary corrections.

When choosing a plagiarism detection tool, consider factors such as the depth of the database it covers, user-friendliness, and the nature of your research work. Some tools are better suited for specific academic fields, while others may provide more general coverage. By carefully evaluating your options, you can select the plagiarism detection software that best aligns with your requirements, significantly enhancing the originality of your KUHS MD thesis.

Citing Sources Correctly: A Key to Avoiding Plagiarism

Proper citation is essential in academic writing, particularly in a KUHS MD thesis, as it holds significant importance in avoiding plagiarism. Plagiarism is not merely an ethical violation; it can also result in severe academic consequences. Therefore, understanding different citation styles is paramount for any researcher.

The Vancouver format is a numbered referencing style commonly used in medical and scientific fields. It was developed by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) and is also known as the “author-number” system. The core principle is to number citations consecutively in the order they first appear in the text and to provide a corresponding numbered reference list at the end of the document.

Key Features of Vancouver Style:

Numeric System: Sources are cited in the text using Arabic numerals in parentheses (1), square brackets[6], or as a superscript¹.

Sequential Numbering: References are numbered in the order they are first introduced in the text.[4][8] If a source is cited again, the same number is used.

Reference List: A numbered list of references at the end of the paper provides the full bibliographic details for each cited source. This list is ordered numerically, not alphabetically.

In-Text Citations

The primary function of in-text citations is to point the reader to the corresponding entry in the reference list.

Placement: The citation number is typically placed at the end of the sentence or clause, after periods and commas but before colons and semicolons.

Example: Recent research indicates a new trend (1).

Mentioning Authors: If the author’s name is mentioned in the text, the citation number follows the name.

Example: According to Smith (1), the results were conclusive.

For sources with multiple authors, you typically name only the first author followed by “et al.” in the text.[2]

Multiple Citations: To cite multiple sources at the same point, the numbers are separated by commas. For a consecutive series of numbers, a hyphen is used.

Example (non-consecutive): Several studies have shown similar results (2, 5, 8).

Example (consecutive): Several studies have shown similar results (2-5).

Direct Quotes: When directly quoting a source, the page number should be included after the reference number.

Example: The study concluded that “the effects were significant” (1, p. 15).

The Reference List

The reference list appears on a new page at the end of the document, usually under the heading “References.”

Order: Entries are listed numerically in the order they first appeared in the text.

Authors:

List the authors’ surnames followed by their initials (maximum of two).

For sources with up to six authors, list all of them.

For sources with more than six authors, list the first six followed by “et al.”

Titles: Use sentence case for article and book titles, capitalizing only the first word and any proper nouns.

Common Reference Formats:

Journal Article:

Format: Author(s). Article title. Abbreviated Journal Title. Year;Volume(Issue):Page numbers.

Example: Smith J, Brown R. Introduction to Biomedical Research. J Med Res. 2019;15(2):45-58.

Book:

Format: Author(s). Book Title. Edition (if not the first). Place of Publication: Publisher; Year.

Example: Miller K. Understanding Immunology. London: Wiley; 2018.

Chapter in a Book:

Format: Author(s) of chapter. Chapter title. In: Editor(s), editors. Book Title. Place of Publication: Publisher; Year. p. Page range.

Example: Johnson L. Pain Management. In: Brown P, editor. Advanced Nursing. 3rd ed. Oxford: Elsevier; 2018. p. 45–67.

Website:

Format: Author(s) (if available). Title of the webpage. Website Name [Internet]. Publication date [cited Date]. Available from: URL.

Example: World Health Organization. Global Health Observatory (GHO) data [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 May 15]. Available from: https://www.who.int/data/gho

Paraphrasing and Summarizing Techniques

When it comes to maintaining academic integrity in a KUHS MD thesis, mastering the art of paraphrasing and summarizing is essential. Both techniques enable students to capture the essence of original materials, yet they employ distinct methods to achieve this goal. Paraphrasing involves rephrasing a text while preserving its original meaning and context, whereas summarizing condenses the content to highlight the main ideas without delving into specifics.

To effectively paraphrase a text, one must fully comprehend the original material. This comprehension allows the writer to use alternative wording and sentence structures, thereby distancing their version from the source. A useful technique is to break the content into manageable parts. For instance, if an original statement reads, “The rapid expansion of technology has significantly altered the landscape of medical education,” a paraphrase could be, “The swift growth of technological advancements has notably transformed the environment of medical training.” Here, the core idea remains intact, but the phrasing is distinct, reducing the risk of plagiarism.

On the other hand, when summarizing, the objective is to distill essential points into a succinct overview. This technique is particularly effective when reviewing multiple sources or extensive content. For example, if an article outlines several trends in medical education, summarizing might result in a statement such as, “Current trends in medical education emphasize digital learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and patient-centered approaches.” This summary reflects the primary concepts without entering into extensive detail.

Ultimately, effective paraphrasing and summarizing not only enhance the originality of your thesis but also reinforce your understanding of the subject matter. By applying these techniques diligently, students can ensure their work adheres to the standards of academic writing while contributing thoughtfully to the discourse in their field. Regular practice and reflection on these strategies will significantly mitigate the risk of unintentional plagiarism.

Ensuring Authenticity in the Digital Age

In today’s fast-paced academic and professional worlds, the pressure to produce high-quality written content is immense. From students crafting research papers to professionals writing reports, the temptation to borrow a little too heavily from existing sources is an ever-present concern. This is where a robust anti-plagiarism service becomes an indispensable tool for maintaining integrity and originality.

At antiplagiarismservice.com, we understand the critical importance of authentic work. Our platform is designed to be a comprehensive solution for anyone who needs to verify the originality of their writing. Whether you’re a student striving for academic honesty, an educator fostering a culture of integrity, or a publisher protecting your reputation, our service provides the peace of mind that comes with a thorough and reliable plagiarism check.

More Than Just a Similarity Checker

While many services can tell you if a block of text matches another source, a truly effective anti-plagiarism tool goes much deeper. Modern methods of plagiarism have evolved, and so have our detection capabilities. Our service is designed to identify not just direct copy-pasting, but also more subtle forms of plagiarism, such as patchwork writing and paraphrasing without proper attribution.

One of the standout features of our service is the ability to detect text manipulations. In an era of “life hacks” aimed at tricking basic plagiarism checkers, our advanced algorithms can identify these deceptive techniques, ensuring a more accurate and reliable report.

User-Friendly and Confidential

We believe that a powerful tool should also be easy to use. Our platform features a user-friendly interface that makes it simple to upload your documents and receive a detailed similarity report. This report highlights any potential areas of concern, allowing you to review and address them effectively.

Furthermore, we are deeply committed to the privacy and security of your work. All documents checked through our service are protected from being copied or accessed by third parties. Your intellectual property remains yours, and our role is to help you safeguard its originality. Our privacy policy outlines our commitment to protecting your data, ensuring that your documents are used solely for the purpose of providing you with our service.

By using a trusted anti-plagiarism service, you are not just running a check; you are making a commitment to ethical writing practices. You are ensuring that your voice is your own and that your work stands on its own merit. In the long run, this commitment to originality will not only protect you from the serious consequences of plagiarism but will also enhance your reputation as a credible and trustworthy writer.

The Importance of Original Research and Analysis

Original research and analysis form the bedrock of a high-quality MD thesis at KUHS. The core purpose of an MD thesis is to contribute novel insights to the medical field, which necessitates that students rely on their findings rather than solely on existing literature. This undertaking promotes critical thinking, fosters intellectual growth, and enhances the quality of medical education. Conducting original research allows students to explore areas of personal interest and relevance, thereby contributing to the broader knowledge base within their specialization.

By engaging in original research, students not only develop a deeper understanding of their chosen topics but also hone their analytical skills. These skills are invaluable in the medical profession, where diagnostic and evaluative capabilities are crucial. Inculcating a habit of questioning existing knowledge and presenting individual interpretations fosters a mindset that is essential for future medical practitioners, who must consistently adapt to emerging evidence and innovative practices.

To conduct original research, the first step is to formulate a compelling research question that addresses gaps in the current literature or explores unexplored concepts. A thorough literature review will assist in identifying these gaps and establishing a solid foundation for the study. Following this, the selection of appropriate methodologies is critical; whether it is qualitative, quantitative, or a mixed-method approach, the chosen methods must align with the research objectives to facilitate meaningful findings. Moreover, obtaining necessary approvals and ensuring ethical standards is paramount, especially in medical research.

Once original findings are obtained, they should be carefully analyzed and contextualized within the existing body of literature. This synthesis not only demonstrates the validity of the research but also highlights its significance in advancing medical knowledge. Ultimately, original research and analysis are not just academic exercises but integral components that elevate the integrity and impact of an MD thesis at KUHS.

Seeking Help from Writing Centers and Tutors

Students seeking assistance in enhancing their writing skills and ensuring their work is devoid of plagiarism can benefit significantly from the resources available at Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) as well as other academic institutions. Writing centers, in particular, serve as valuable hubs where students can receive personalized guidance on their writing projects, including their MD thesis. These centers typically offer a variety of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of students at various stages of their writing process.

At KUHS, the writing center provides support in areas such as structuring arguments, improving clarity, and refining the overall coherence of the written work. Trained writing tutors are available for one-on-one sessions, where students can discuss specific concerns related to their thesis and receive feedback aimed at enhancing the quality of their writing. Moreover, these tutors often have expertise in academic writing standards, which can be extremely beneficial in understanding how to avoid common pitfalls associated with plagiarism.

In addition to writing centers, online tutoring services can also serve as an excellent resource for students working remotely or those who prefer the convenience of virtual assistance. Many institutions offer workshops or webinars focused on research integrity and academic honesty, which equip students with the knowledge necessary to produce original content. Incorporating these strategies into the writing process not only strengthens the overall argument of the thesis but also fosters a deeper appreciation of ethical writing practices.

To maximize the benefits of these resources, students should proactively seek feedback and partake in workshops offered by writing centers. Regular consultations can help them identify their writing weaknesses and learn effective techniques for revising their work. By leveraging the support of writing centers and tutoring services, students can significantly improve their writing quality and ensure their MD thesis adheres to the standards of academic integrity. Engaging with these resources can provide an essential foundation for successful thesis completion, free from the uncertainties associated with plagiarism.

Revising and Proofreading: The Final Steps to Ensure Originality

Revising and proofreading are crucial steps in the thesis writing process, especially when aiming to eliminate any traces of plagiarism. During these final stages, authors must carefully assess their work to identify inconsistencies, improperly cited sources, and unintentional similarities with existing literature. Variations in phrasing, improper attribution, and overlooked quotations can contribute to plagiarism, thus requiring a detailed examination of the manuscript to maintain academic integrity.

Effective revision strategies begin with setting aside the initial draft for a brief period. This break allows writers to approach their work with fresh eyes, making it easier to spot potential plagiarism. One practical tip is to read the thesis out loud. This technique can reveal awkward phrasing and unclear language that might require rewording. Additionally, employing tools like plagiarism detection software can assist in identifying areas of concern within the text, although reliance solely on software is not advisable. Human judgment is essential, as these tools may not always recognize the context or the intent behind the text.

It is advisable to create a checklist of best practices for ensuring originality during the proofreading stage. Outline the primary sources and ideas that have inspired the thesis and cross-reference them against the final draft to confirm proper citation. Furthermore, paraphrasing should be employed to convey ideas in your own voice while still acknowledging the original authors. Maintaining a consistent citation style throughout the document is equally important, as it reflects diligence in upholding academic standards.

Ultimately, revising and proofreading are integral components of the writing process that can significantly contribute to the originality of a KUHS MD thesis. By remaining vigilant during these stages, authors can achieve a polished and unique final draft, free from any potential plagiarism.

Conclusion: Maintaining Academic Integrity

Maintaining academic integrity is paramount in the pursuit of knowledge and contributing to one’s field of study, particularly when preparing a KUHS MD thesis. The act of conducting original research, proper citation of sources, and adherence to ethical writing practices not only showcases a student’s diligence but also reflects respect for the intellectual contributions of others. It is crucial for students to comprehend that plagiarism undermines the very foundation of academic excellence and can have lasting repercussions on their careers and reputations.

When students engage in original research, they are not simply fulfilling a requirement; they are cultivating their analytical skills and fostering intellectual independence. This commitment to authenticity encourages a deeper understanding of the subject matter, ultimately enhancing their ability to contribute meaningfully to their discipline. Furthermore, appropriate citation practices are fundamental in acknowledging the work of other scholars, thereby promoting a culture of collaboration and respect within the academic community.

Ethical writing practices further reinforce the value of integrity in academic settings. By committing to produce an original thesis, students not only adhere to academic guidelines but also exhibit pride in their work. This sense of ownership enhances the learning experience, allowing future healthcare professionals to build a robust knowledge base while upholding the principles of honesty and transparency.

In conclusion, the importance of creating a plagiarism-free KUHS MD thesis cannot be overstated. It not only shapes students’ academic endeavors but also cultivates a habit of integrity that will benefit them throughout their careers. By prioritizing originality, proper citation, and ethical writing practices, students will ultimately be contributing to a credible and respected body of research that upholds the highest standards of academic achievement.

Free Download Templates

Thesis Preliminary Pages

Thesis Text Pages

Plagiarism Verification Certificate

Paper, type, and layout

• • • Use only high quality, plain white, 75–81 g/m² (20-lb) unlined bond paper, erasable paper shall not be used.
    • Paper size :A4 (210 x 297 mm)
    • Margins : Left : 81cms (1.5”) ; Other margins: 2.54cms (1”)
    • Font type :Times New Roman/Arial/Tahoma
    • Font size (main text) : 12 (not in bold)
    • Font size (notes/foot notes) : 10 (not in bold)
    • Font size (titles) :14 Bold
    • Font size (subtitles) : 12 Bold
    • Line spacing (main text) : 1.15 (This is an important update)
    • Line spacing quotations for Long footnotes and endnotes : 1

Laser printing shall be used with dark black characters that are consistently clear and dense

1. Page numbers: Roman numerals shall be used on the preliminary pages (pages up to the first page of text) and Arabic numerals on the text pages. The numbers themselves can be placed anywhere on the page, however they shall be consistent.
2. Diagrams, photographs, or facsimiles in any form shall be a standard page size, or if larger, folded so that a free left-hand margin of 81cms (1.5 inches) remains and the folded sheet is not larger than the standard page.
3. Photographs (colour or black and white) shall be of good quality and printed on photography paper.
4. Image files in JPG/JPEG or TIFF format and Audio Visual in AVI, GIF, MPEG files format preferably, in soft copies.
5. Avoid same information represented in more than one format (e.g. table/picture/graph).
6. All tables and Figures shall be simple, numbered, titled and self-explanatory
7. Citation shall be in one style only, either Vancouver style/any other internationally approved style.
8. The list of references shall appear as a consolidated list with references listed sequentially as they appear in the If pertinent works have been consulted but not specifically cited, they shall be listed as Bibliography or General References.
9. List of figures, tables and chapters shall be separately provided before the main text
10. Maximum number of pages shall be 200 including master sheet, appendix, addendum etc. There will not be a specified minimum for number of pages.
11. The Thesis/Dissertation shall adhere to the Plagiarism Policy of the University, in force
12. The bona fide Thesis/Dissertation shall include a ‘Plagiarism Verification – certificate’, ‘Self-Plagiarism Exclusion Certificate’ and/or ‘Self-Plagiarism Co-authors Certificate’.

Mechanism to detect plagiarism:

Plagiarism tools approved by University Grants Commission shall be used to detect plagiarism.

The better choice is Drillbit. DrillBit has been selected for empanelment with AICTE NEAT 3.0 and by INFLIBNET Centre for all the Indian Universities under the aegis of Ministry of Education, Govt. of India.

Levels of Plagiarism: Plagiarism would be quantified into following levels in ascending order of severity for the purpose of its definition:

The arrangement of sections in the book shall be in the following order:

Preliminary pages

1. Title page
2. Declaration from the student, Bona-fide certificates from the Guide, endorsement from HoD and Head of the Institution.
3. Acknowledgements
4. Abstract with key words
5. Table of contents
6. List of tables
7. List of Figures
8. List of Annexures
9. Definitions, Abbreviations

Main text

1. 1. Introduction, Research Question, Aims & Objectives, Hypothesis (if any), Review of Literature
   2. Methodology, Results, Discussion, Limitations, Scope for future studies
   3. Conclusions, Policy implications (if any)
   4. Summary

References

Annexures (as applicable)

1. 1. 1. Blank data sheets, Blank consent form(s), Master chart (without any patient identifying information), Additional figures/pictures and photographs.
      2. Questionnaires, Scales, list of physical instruments used, Permission/License for using illustrations and other copyrighted material.
      3. Supplementary illustrative material, original data, and quotations too lengthy for inclusion in the text or which is not immediately essential to an understanding of the subject can be presented.
      4. Each annexure with its title shall be listed separately in the table of contents. Likewise, tables and figures contained in the Appendices are to be included in the lists of tables and figures, respectively.
      5. IEC approval certificate, Plagiarism Checking certificates, Certificate of completion from IEC.

Submission of bona fide Thesis/Dissertation

• Minimum time required to complete Thesis/Dissertation related Research work by the candidate including data collection, analysis, writing up is estimated as 6
• The bona fide Thesis/Dissertation shall be submitted to the University 6 months before the expected date of final examination and after remitting the prescribed
• Bona-fide Thesis/Dissertation can be submitted only after a minimum of 6 months of getting approval of the protocol by the University.
• Soft copy of the bona fide Thesis/Dissertation in *.pdf, *.odt, *.docx or *.doc format shall be submitted to the University within the time limit prescribed.
• The submission shall be through e-mail and CD-ROMs/DVD-ROMS
• Requisite number of hard copies of the Thesis/Dissertation shall be submitted to the Department in the Institution.
• Submission of the Thesis/Dissertation books/hard copy as specified, complete in all aspects within the allowed time limit shall be a mandatory criterion for registering for the Final University Examination.

Evaluation of Thesis/Dissertation

 If the Course Regulations have specified a procedure for Thesis/Dissertation valuation, it shall be followed.

For other courses, following procedure shall be

• The Thesis/Dissertation shall be examined by three examiners; one from other institutions (other than that institution, where the research was conducted) affiliated to KUHS (who is/was not a Guide for the same candidate for the same Thesis/Dissertation) and two examiners from other Universities.
• If two examiners suggest changes, resubmission of Thesis/Dissertation shall be made within 30 days with suggested changes incorporated.
• If the original decision is ‘re-submission with changes’, the resubmitted Thesis/Dissertation will be evaluated by the same examiners who assessed it first, if they are available for evaluation.
• All resubmissions shall be along with the fee prescribed for it by the University from time to time.
• Each resubmission shall include fresh certificates related to plagiarism
• If two examiners reject the Thesis/Dissertation, it shall ordinarily be re- submitted within 30 days. Resubmitted Thesis/Dissertation will undergo the same method of evaluation as a fresh Thesis/Dissertation.
• In case of rejection of Thesis/Dissertation, extension of course/work in the Department up to one year may be granted, if found necessary, to carry out Thesis/Dissertation work, subject to the clause regarding ‘double duration of the course’ as specified in the Course Regulations, Academic General Regulations or by the Regulatory Authority. The candidate shall apply for the extension through proper channel along with the fee prescribed for it by the University from time to time.
• If two examiners accept the Thesis/Dissertation, it will be accepted by the University
• The hall ticket of the final examination will be issued only after acceptance of the Thesis/Dissertation.
• For Courses, where evaluation of the Thesis becomes a part of the Practical examination, the procedure will be as per the respective Course Regulations.

For More Reference, you can download the Gazette No. 1786 of Kerala University of Health Sciences from the website https://compose.kerala.gov.in

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A student, researcher, faculty or staff is required to have ethical and moral values in his academic pursuit and are expected to produce original and genuine work. In the present era, a huge amount of information is available on the internet, as a source material. Thus, Plagiarism now has become a serious threat to academic integrity.

To ensure academic integrity and to improve the academic standards, Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) is formulating the policy on Academic Integrity and Plagiarism.

Preamble:

The core work carried out by the author shall be based on original ideas. The core work shall include abstract with keywords, introduction, objective, hypothesis, research methodology, analysis and interpretation, summary and observations, conclusions, recommendations and references. Students, researchers, and faculty members should not perform any academic misconduct by the theft of intellectual property in any manner.

Authority:

The Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur, in exercise of the powers conferred by Chapter II-5 (i & iii) of KUHS Act 2010 (Act 4 of 2011), makes the following Policy, namely;

Short title, Application and Commencement:

This Policy, as of now, shall be called the “Kerala University of Health Sciences Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy” These shall come into force from the date of approval after due process. The whole process shall be governed by the Academic Council.

Applicability:

The Policy shall apply to academic documents submitted as part of all courses (undergraduate, postgraduate courses, MPhil Courses, PhD programme, certificate programmes) under Kerala University of Health Sciences and Research Proposals submitted to KUHS.

Definitions:

• Plagiarism is the unacknowledged use of another person’s work as ones’ own work. This includes copying of Phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs, or longer extracts from published, including that from the internet or unpublished work, without acknowledgment of the source. Plagiarism is considered as an academic dishonesty.
• Self-Plagiarism is copying/reproducing, in part or whole one’s own published work without giving proper reference to that work.

Methods of Plagiarism:

1. Quoting directly another person’s language, data, illustration, tables, without due acknowledgement of the source.
2. Copying a section of book/article/report/monograph/dissertation/thesis without proper citation.

• Buying, stealing or borrowing assignments, experiments/results.

1. Paragraphing the work of others without due
2. Using ideas of someone else without crediting the
3. Copying, cutting, and pasting from the internet or online source and submitting as one’s own work without giving proper reference/citation.

Objectives:

• To create awareness on responsible conduct of research, thesis, dissertation, promotion of academic integrity and prevention of misconduct including plagiarism in academic writing among student, faculty, researcher and staff.
• To establish institutional mechanisms through education and training to facilitate responsible conduct of research and preparation of thesis/dissertation, promotion of academic integrity and discouraging plagiarism.
• To develop systems to detect plagiarism and to set up mechanisms to prevent plagiarism and prevent a student, faculty, researcher or staff of University / College committing the act of plagiarism.

Similarity checks for exclusion from Plagiarism:

The similarity checks for plagiarism shall exclude the following:

• All quoted work reproduced with all necessary permission and/or
• All references, bibliography, table of content, preface and
• All generic terms, laws, standard symbols and standards

Citation policy:

• When 14 words are taken together from some established core work, citation becomes essential.
• When the copied content reaches 40 words in accumulation, the fragment needs to be kept under inverted comma (“_”) in
• Authors are necessarily required to cite reference in case of any content adopted from anywhere other than internet open sites.
• In case of open site internet source the copied contents if found more than 30 percent in aggregate, during plagiarism detection, the work shall not be considered.

Mechanism to detect plagiarism:

Plagiarism tools approved by University Grants Commission shall be used to detect plagiarism.

Levels of Plagiarism: Plagiarism would be quantified into following levels in ascending order of severity for the purpose of its definition:

Awareness Programmes and Trainings:

1. University, its affiliated institutions and University Schools and Departments shall conduct sensitization seminars / awareness Programmes on responsible conduct of research, thesis, dissertation, promotion of academic integrity and ethics in education for students, faculty, researcher and staff on a regular basis.
2. Elements of responsible conduct of research and publication ethics shall be included in the curricula / coursework for undergraduate students/ Masters and Research Scholars as applicable.

• Students, faculty, researchers, and staff shall be trained for using plagiarism detection tools and reference management tools.

Steps to ensure academic integrity and curb plagiarism:

1. Any thesis, dissertation, or any other such documents submitted by the students, scholars or faculty members to the University shall include mandatorily, an undertaking indicating that the document has been prepared by the candidate and that the document is the original work of the person and is free from plagiarism. (Annexure I – Part A)
2. The submission shall include a certificate from the Guide / supervisor that the work is free from plagiarism. (Annexure I – Part B)

• In case of quoting one’s own work a declaration regarding self-plagiarism shall be submitted. (Annexure II).

1. If the researcher is quoting a work which has more than one author including the researcher, the declaration regarding self-plagiarism from the co-authors shall be submitted (Annexure III).
2. The submission shall include a certificate of approval from an approved plagiarism detection software, stating the percentage of similarities detected.

Reporting and handling of plagiarism

1. Institutional Academic Integrity Committee (IAIC)

All affiliated institutions of the University, University Schools and Departments shall constitute an IAIC whose composition shall be as given below:

1. Chairperson – Head of the, Institution / Department / School
2. Member – Senior academician from outside the Institution / Department / School
3. Member – A person well versed with anti-plagiarism tools, to be nominated by the Head of the Institution / Department / School

The members shall be nominated by the Head of the Institution / Department / School.

The tenure of the members other than the Chairperson shall be two years. The quorum for the meetings shall be 2 (including Chairperson) out of 3 members.

The IAIC shall follow the principles of natural justice while taking decision on the allegation of plagiarism against the student, faculty, researcher and staff. The IAIC shall have the power to assess the level of plagiarism and recommend penalties accordingly.

The IAIC after investigation shall submit its report to the University Academic Integrity Committee (UAIC) with the recommendation on penalties to be imposed within a period of 45 days from the date of receipt of complaint / initiation of the proceedings.

University Academic Integrity Committee (UAIC)

University shall constitute a UAIC whose composition shall be as given below:

1. Chairperson – Pro- Vice Chancellor / Dean Research / Senior Academician
2. Member – A Senior Academician from the
3. Member – One member from outside the University
4. Member – A person well versed with anti-plagiarism

The Chairperson and members shall be nominated by the Vice Chancellor

The Chairperson of IAIC and UAIC shall not be the same. The tenure of the Committee members shall be three years. The quorum for the meetings shall be 3 (including Chairperson) out of 4 members

• The UAIC shall consider the recommendations of
• The UAIC shall also investigate cases of plagiarism as per the provisions mentioned in this policy, if required.
• The UAIC shall follow the principles of natural justice while taking decision on the allegation of plagiarism
• The UAIC shall have the power to review the recommendations of DAIP including penalties with due justification.
• The UAIC shall finalise the report within a period of 45 days from the date of receipt of recommendation of IAIC / complaint / initiation of the proceedings and place the reports in the Academic Council and Governing Council for approval.

Penalty:

• Level 0: Similarities up-to 10 %: There shall be no penalties
• For similarities of Level 1 or above: The matter shall be brought to the notice of the Institutional Academic Integrity Committee of the concerned The author or researcher shall be asked to withdraw manuscript submitted for publication. No manuscripts from the author shall be accepted until the due process is completed.
• Penalty on repeated plagiarism: The committees shall take into consideration while recommending penalties for repeated offenses.
• Penalty in case where the benefit or credit has already been obtained: If plagiarism is proved on a date later than the date of benefit or credit obtained as the case may be then the benefit or credit already enjoyed by the candidate shall be put in abeyance for a period recommended by IAIC and as approved by the Academic Council and Governing Council
• If there is any complaint of plagiarism against the Head of the University, a suitable action, in line with these regulations, shall be taken by the Controlling Authority of the University.
• If there is any complaint of plagiarism against the Head of affiliated institution / University School / Department / Authorities at the institutional level, a suitable action, in line with this policy, shall be recommended by the IAIC, UAIC and as approved by the Academic Council and Governing Council.
• If there is any complaint of plagiarism against any member of IAIC or UAIC, then such member shall excuse self from the meeting (s) where such a case is being discussed/investigated.

Removal of Difficulty:

Kerala University of Health Sciences reserves the right to remove difficulties in the course of implementation of the policy as per norms of the University.

Free Download

 Plagiarism Verification – certificate 

 Self-Plagiarism Exclusion Certificate 

 Self-Plagiarism Co-authors Certificate  

What are the solutions for the reference management?

1. The one way is to give endnotes as references in Ms word. While using this we can change or insert citations inside our thesis. It is very easy to give endnotes in Ms. Word.

You can insert an endnote by clicking in reference tabs and click on endnote (Shortcut is alt+ctrl + D).

What is an endnote?

An endnote is a reference, explanation, or comment placed at the end of an article, research paper, chapter, or book. The problem with the endnote is it appears in the end of the document. In KUHs thesis, after the references we have to place appendices. So it will become a really a problem. In the top of references page a horizontal line appears, this line will repeat on the appendices pages also. it is difficult to format the text afterwards. When we have to change the header of appendices, it is not possible to give a section break. The only way is to make appendices a seperate file and format it.

2. In this situation, we should need a best reference management software for our thesis. Zotero is the best reference management software which is very easy to use. Zotero is a free and open-source reference management software to manage bibliographic data and related research materials (such as PDF files).

What features make the Zotero as the best reference manager ?

1. With a single click we can collect the journals, pdf files etc. it automatically senses the research on web.
2. We can organise our references to a collection or group or give tags. For eg. we are using two studies, we can make two folders and drag and drop the appropriate references to the folders.
3. Easy synchronisation is the best feature in zotero. it means if we use a laptop in our home and if we make a free account in zotero and save the references, i.e. syncing the references to the zotero server, we can complete or make any changes in other computer by logging in zotero account, just opening a gmail from different places.
4. Zotero lets you co-write a paper with a colleague, distribute course materials to students, or build a collaborative bibliography. You can share a Zotero library with as many people you like, at no cost.
5. Zotero is open source and developed by an independent, nonprofit organization that has no financial interest in your private information. With Zotero, you always stay in control of your own data.

How to download Zotero software?

Clik here for downloading the Zotero software. The software is divided into two parts. One is zotero connector with our browser for collecting data. The other is managing the collected references, if we install zotero software, a new tab will appear in Ms word.

First, we should collect the reference through our browser to the zotero library. Then we should open the zotero software from our programs. After that open our research for adding references in MS word. We should choose which style of references we need (eg. vancouver, APA etc). There are many rejections occurs in DNB thesis for the wrong style (vancouver) entered references. By default there will be vancouver style. But the problem while we add this style, the cited numbers in the research will be not superscript. it will come as normal text. The citations should be in superscript.

How to add or manage references style to vancouver superscript?

Here is an esy way to give vancouver superscript style. Go to document preferences, and click on manage preferences, then click on additional styles, search superscript on it, here we can see the vancouver superscript style, just add it. It will reflect in our word processor.

Just go to our research and add the citations and insert the references from our library. After adding all the references in the document click on add / edit Bibliography. When we do this all the references cited above will be pasted in our document with the respective numbers. This is the easiest way for building bibliography in a research or thesis.

A reference video is given below for Zotero tutorial

 PG Thesis Template from Introduction to Annexures 

Table of Contents

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Purpose of thesis:

Every candidate for Post graduate/ super specialty course in the institutions of/affiliated to KUHS shall carry out a research work under the guidance of a recognised postgraduate teacher, which shall be written up and submitted in the form of a thesis. The purpose of the thesis is to develop the spirit and skill of enquiry, to train the candidate to formulate scientifically sound research question, to help them learn the techniques of research, analysis, documentation and dissemination of the outcome of research.

Submission of synopsis –time lines /pre requisites

The candidate shall submit a synopsis/protocol of the project he/she propose to conduct, through the online system of the university. The synopsis/protocol along with a certificate of clearance from Institutional review board (consisting both technical committee and ethics committee of the institution) shall be submitted within 6 months (4 months for 2-year candidates) from the date of start of the course. A grace period of 2 months with late fee (as fixed by the University from time to time)shall be allowable. The candidates who fail to submit the synopsis even within the time allowable with late fee are liable to do an extension  of their course to meet the various time requirements.Eg: . The 2-year course candidates who fail to submit the protocol within 6 months of starting the course are liable to do an extension of their course so as to provide enough time to complete the thesis. A 3-year course candidate who fails to submit the synopsis/protocol within 8 months of starting the course has to apply through proper channel and get permission to submit the synopsis with additional late fee as fixed by the university from time to time.

Note: Minimum time required to complete thesis work by the candidate (including data collection, analysis, writing up and submission) is estimated as 9 months. University needs 3 months for processing the protocol and approval and the completed thesis has to be submitted to the University 6 months before the expected date of final examination. They

should apply through proper channel and get permission to submit synopsis//protocol with additional late fee (over and above the late fee mentioned above) fixed by the university from time to time

Review of synopsis at the University:

The synopsis submitted by the student has to be cleared by guide and the Principal of the institution. Principal may submit the protocol to KUHS. KUHS shall assign one methodology expert and one subject expert from a protocol review panel selected by it from time to time. Those proposals cleared by both experts in the review panel will need final clearance by the faculty dean and by KUHS. There are four possible decisions from the reviewers–

1. Accept.
2. Resubmit with minor modifications.
3. Resubmit with major modification.
4. Reject.

This process to be completed within 3 months of submission of the thesis to KUHS and the decision will be made available through the website.

• If the decision is to accept with minor modification, candidate can make the modifications through the website itself and can get the approval letter from the University.
• If the result is to resubmit with major modification/rejection, fresh submission, with a fresh letter of approval from IRB and complete in all other aspects has to be made within 3 months with late fees as applicable. Such re-submissions will have to undergo review at KUHS as a fresh application.

Resubmission with modifications has to be sent to the same experts who originally reviewed the protocols except in situations where they are not available for review for various reasons.

Protocol for clinical / animal/ and toxicological trials must be accompanied with certificates of approval from concerned regulatory authorities.

Process of Thesis

Selection of guide: Those with 5 years of post PG teaching experience in the same specialty in which thesis is carried out and working in the same department at the time of submission can become a guide for PG thesis. Any faculty member with post-graduation in the same stream ( medical/ dental/ nursing/ pharmacy etc.) working in the same institution, either in the same department or in any of the other departments involved in the conduct of the submitted thesis work can become a co- guide. Guide and co guide is expected to review the thesis work at least once in a month.

Change of guide:

In the event of resignation/ demise/long leave of the guide/dismiss/any other situation in which the guide is unavailable for guiding the thesis, the Principal of the institution in consultation with the head of the department should suggest a change of guide to the university within one month of the event through the university website .If this stipulation is not complied, the final thesis submitted is liable to be rejected without sending for evaluation. In case of transfer of guide if the guide is willing he or she can continue as guide provided co-guide is available in the institution.

If the data collection is complete and if the guide is willing, he/ she can continue as guide for the rest of the period in spite of transfer/long leave/resignation of the guide.

Change /modification of title:

Minor changes in the title can be made by application through University Website through the guide, head of the department and principal (for a maximum of 1time during the course). Changes involving methodology have to be resubmitted with new IRB (technical and ethics committee clearance and late fees as applicable for delay in submission).

Similar studies:

Protocol that resembles (exactly or very closely) any previously done study, are liable to be rejected. Candidates are advised to go through the database of the studies (in the website of the University) previously registered in the university to avoid exact repetition of the studies.

Fees:

Writing of thesis (Guidelines for submitting Post Graduate thesis)

Paper: Use only high quality, plain white, 20-lb unlined bond paper, and 20.32cmX27.94cm (8-1/2” x 11”)in size. Erasable paper should not be  used. Select fonts  type Times  New Roman/Arial/Tahoma and  size of characters  12  for main text (not in bold) and 10 for notes/foot notes (not in bold) etc. The size of the titles should be 14 and Bold, the size of subtitles should be 12 and bold. Print should be inkjet or laser (not dot matrix) printing with dark black characters that are consistently clear and dense. Use the same type of print and print size throughout the document. Number the pages of the document, including the principal text, all plates, tables, diagrams, maps, and so on. Roman numerals should be used on the preliminary pages (pages up to the first page of text) and Arabic numerals on the text pages. The numbers themselves can be placed anywhere on the page, however they should be consistent. Use 1.5 spacing except for long quotations, footnotes, and endnotes, which are to be single- spaced. To allow for binding, the left-hand margin must be at least 3.81 cm(1.5 inch). Other margins should be 2.58cm(1inch) Diagrams, photographs, or facsimiles in any form should be a standard page size, or if larger, folded so that a free left-hand margin of 3.81 cm(1.5 inch)remains and the folded sheet is not larger than the standard page. Photographs (colour or black and white) should of good quality and printed on photography paper. File Format of Thesis should be in *.PDF ,*.odt, *.docx or*.doc (MS Word Document) extension , Image files in JPG/JPEG or TIFF format and Audio Visual in AVI , GIF, MPEG files format preferably .

Avoid same information represented in more than one format (e.g. table/ picture/ graph and text).All tables and Figures should be simple, numbered, titled and self-explanatory.Citation should be in Vancouver style. List of figures, tables and chapters should be separately provided before the main text.

CD-ROM Labelling Should be standard and should contain title, subtitle, name of the candidate, degree name, subject, name of the guide, name of the department, college, place and year.

Submission /re submission of thesis to University

Four hard copies of the thesis and a soft copy in CD/DVD, which  is checked for plagiarism, should be submitted. Thesis can be submitted only  after 9 months of getting approval of the protocol by the university. Submission should be at least six months before the final examination and after remitting the prescribed fee. The thesis shall be examined by a minimum of three examiners; one from  other  institutions  (other  than that  institution,  where the research  was conducted) affiliated to KUHS (who is/was not a guide for the same candidate for the same thesis)and two examiners from other Universities.

• If two examiners accept the thesis, it will be accepted by the University.
• If two examiners suggest changes, resubmission of thesis has to be made within 45 days with suggested changes incorporated. If two examiners reject the thesis, thesis has to be re submitted. Resubmitted thesis will undergo the same method of evaluation as a fresh thesis.
• If the original decision is ‘re-submission with changes’, the resubmitted thesis will be evaluated by the same examiners who assessed it first, if they are available for evaluation.
• In case of rejection of thesis, extension of course/ work in the department up to one year may be granted to carry out thesis work, if the candidate requests for it. The hall ticket of the final examination will be issued only after final acceptance of the thesis.

Plagiarism policy:

University will formulate a plagiarism policy and the thesis should adhere to the policy formulated by the university time to time.

Maximum number of pages (printed only on one side) should be 200 including master sheet, appendix, addendum etc. There will not be a specified minimum for  number of pages.

Publication and dissemination of thesis:

The data collected for the thesis can be used for publication in scientific journals/or presented in the scientific conferences before/after the examinations. The proof of submission/acceptance/publication/presentation may be appended with the final thesis. Any such publication should carry due acknowledgement to KUHS and the institution in which work was carried out’.

Template for thesis:

University will provide templates for final thesis, which may be used for final submission. The template for thesis shall contain, the following sections- Abstract, Background, Relevance, Objectives, Methodology, Results, Discussion, Conclusions, and References.