Galgotias University recently found itself at the center of a nationwide debate after its claims at the India AI Summit drew widespread attention. While the university has been touting several achievements, critics say these highlights mask deeper systemic issues in India’s higher education sector.
Observers point out several claims by the university that have raised eyebrows. For instance, Galgotias reportedly showcased the commercial Chinese robodog Unitree Go2 as its own creation, while simultaneously gaining more exhibition space at the AI Summit than four IITs combined, a move seen by many as an example of the influence of money over merit.
Adding to the controversy, a Times of India report ranked Galgotias No. 3 in worst patent performance, with a success rate of just 0.08%: 2,233 patent papers submitted and only two granted.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth. Galgotias is not an isolated case, it’s a symptom of a system, a reality that has been exposed. India has increasingly come under scrutiny for academic integrity issues. Nine of the top ten universities worldwide flagged for research violations are from India, including instances of plagiarism, falsified data, and paper mill output. A Nature study recently ranked India third globally in life science paper retractions, signaling systemic problems in research practices.
The country has over 500 private universities recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), accounting for roughly half of all universities. Most of these rely heavily on student fees, ranging from ₹3 lakh to ₹20 lakh per year. However, critics argue that only a small portion of this revenue goes into genuine research or innovation.
Ranking systems like NIRF have also been criticized for being manipulable, often favoring institutions that inflate numbers instead of improving actual outcomes. The result is stark: roughly 75% of Indian higher education institutions are poorly aligned with industry needs, producing graduates who may lack relevant skills.
Education experts warn that the focus has shifted from nurturing curiosity and experimentation to enforcing compliance and conformity. March in formation, sing on cue, nod when told, one commentator noted, describing the rigid culture increasingly observed in universities.
When sycophancy becomes the pathway to success, institutions adapt. Galgotias was just the tip of the iceberg. Many other universities quietly follow the same path but haven’t been caught in the meme cycle.
Yet, India is not without brilliance. Rouble Nagi, a teacher from Mumbai and Global Teacher Prize 2026 winner, transformed slum walls into creative classrooms, bringing quality education to children in marginalized communities through vision, determination, and community support.
Similarly, stories of individual success abound: the rickshaw puller’s son who cracks IIT, or the vegetable vendor’s daughter who clears NEET, children who achieve extraordinary results despite limited resources. Critics say the higher education system, particularly private universities, often diminishes the hunger, passion, and creativity of such students, rather than nurturing it.
India has produced CEOs everywhere the heads of Microsoft, Adobe, Google, IBM — all Indians. We dominate global boardrooms. But how many engineers, administrators, researchers, and doctors in India today are able to survive and thrive without being eaten by a corrupt academic system? Many believe that only by rewarding curiosity instead of compliance can India fully realize its potential, not just abroad in boardrooms, but at home in laboratories, hospitals, universities, and classrooms.
Galgotias made headlines for all the wrong reasons. But the larger takeaway is clear: India’s higher education ecosystem needs more educators like Rouble Nagi, and fewer “six-is-nine” moments. Until that happens, memes may amuse, but real change will remain out of reach.