Plagiarism Policy

Overview

Synergy: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies (SIJMDS), published by Synergy Publication, upholds the highest standards of academic integrity, originality, and ethical publishing. In accordance with the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations on Promotion of Academic Integrity and Prevention of Plagiarism in Higher Educational Institutions, 2018 (as amended), SIJMDS adopts a maximum permissible similarity threshold of less than 10% for manuscripts to be considered acceptable in terms of originality. SIJMDS also adheres to the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines on plagiarism, text recycling (self-plagiarism), duplicate publication, and related forms of academic misconduct.

Similarity Threshold & Screening Tools

  • Maximum permissible similarity: ≤ 10% (after excluding bibliography, quotes, etc.)
  • Similarity is assessed using iThenticate provided by Crossref.

Exclusions from Similarity Calculation

The following are excluded from similarity assessment:

  • Properly quoted text with correct citation
  • References, bibliography, footnotes, acknowledgements
  • Common methodological descriptions and standard phrases
  • Self-citations, if properly disclosed

Manuscripts exceeding the 10% threshold after exclusions are handled according to the journal’s policies.

Author Responsibilities (Pre-Submission)

  • Check manuscripts using UGC-recommended or equivalent plagiarism software
  • Ensure accurate paraphrasing, quoting, and citation
  • Disclose any overlap with prior publications (text recycling)
  • Submit only original work not previously published, except preprints, theses, working papers, or conference papers with full disclosure

Corresponding authors certify that their manuscript:

  • Is original and plagiarism-free
  • Complies with the <10% similarity requirement
  • Meets accepted academic integrity standards

Plagiarism Screening Process

  1. Automated similarity check using iThenticate
  2. Editorial review and manual evaluation of flagged content
  3. Contextual assessment of the similarity report

Editorial Decisions Based on Similarity

  • Similarity ≤ 10%: Manuscript proceeds to peer review
  • Similarity > 10%: Returned for revision (usually one opportunity)
  • Substantially above limit or evidence of misconduct: Immediate desk rejection

Handling Plagiarism & Ethical Misconduct

SIJMDS follows UGC Regulations and COPE guidelines.

Pre-Publication Actions

  • Manuscript rejection
  • Notification to corresponding author
  • Communication with author’s institution if needed
  • Temporary restriction on future submissions

Post-Publication Actions

  • Publication of Correction, Expression of Concern, or Retraction (Retraction Policy)
  • Notification to relevant institutions, funders, and indexing services
  • Permanent submission restrictions for repeated misconduct

Self-Plagiarism / Text Recycling

  • Disclose and cite reused material transparently
  • Limited methodological or background overlap may be acceptable if referenced
  • Substantial undisclosed reuse is treated as plagiarism and subject to the same threshold and sanctions